Currant Mountain Wilderness

Volcanic-deposited sediments were uplifted into a fault-block mountain range, now called Nevada's White Pine Range, which peaks at the 11,513-foot Currant Mountain near the center of the Wilderness. Sagebrush, piñon pine and juniper dot the lower elevations, deferring to white fir, limber pine and bristlecone pine higher up. Portions of the area are important to upland game birds, especially partridge, and sometimes to members of the northernmost herd of desert bighorn sheep. The southern section provides ideal habitat for raptors. Monte Cristo Wild Horse and Burro Territory extends into the western section of the area, but wild horses are not frequently seen here. Elk use the northeastern section, and mule deer are common. Extremely rugged terrain and limited access — especially from the east — make this an odds-on favorite for solitude in a Nevada wilderness. The 10 miles or so of trail are in poor condition and receive light use. The Broom Canyon Trail enters on the western side, follows an old road for about 2.5 miles and, although it disappears, probably provides the best access. You'll find little to no water in this region. Three acres of the Wilderness lie in the Ely District on BLM land.