Calico Mountains Wilderness

The Calico Mountains Wilderness includes the southern portion of the Calico Mountains, a typical north-south trending Great Basin mountain range. Elevations range from 3,950 feet to 8,491 feet at Donnelly Peak. The Calicos were named for the colorful rock layers and formations that make up the southern portion of the range. Sagebrush is the dominant vegetation type, with saltbush and greasewood occurring at the lower elevations. Several canyons also contain willows, cottonwoods, aspens, and other riparian species. Wildlife that inhabits the area includes mule deer, California bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, mountain lion, kit fox, coyote, and sage grouse. The area has a typical climate of the Great Basin: hot summers with temperatures over 100 degrees F and cold winters with temperatures often below 20 degrees F. Although some of the canyons contain perennial streams and springs, they should not be relied on as a source of water, and a sufficient amount of water should be carried. Because the area has poor cell phone coverage, the only reliable form of communication is by satellite phone. Access roads to the area are very rough, and visitors should have high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles with extra gas and two spare tires.