The University of Montana
Missoula, MT 59812
The High Rock Canyon Wilderness now contains a total of 46,464 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. All of the wilderness is in the state of Nevada.
Public land becomes wilderness through legislation passed by the United States Congress in the form of public laws. For the High Rock Canyon Wilderness, this process began in 2000 when 46,600 acres were designated by Public Law 106-554. The following public laws also affect the High Rock Canyon Wilderness: 107-63.
The High Rock Canyon Wilderness is part of the 106 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. This System of wild lands contributes significantly to the ecological, economic, and social health of our country. Wilderness provides clean air and water, a shelter for endangered species, sacred places for indigenous peoples, a living laboratory for research, and a classroom for exploring personal values while experiencing risk, reward, and self-reliance. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities like hiking, backpacking, climbing, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, horse packing, bird watching, stargazing, and extraordinary opportunities for solitude.
Unless otherwise specified, no motorized equipment or mechanical transport is allowed. This is true for all federal lands managed as designated wilderness.
Leave No Trace principles:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Map + Directions
The Wilderness is located in western Humboldt and northern Washoe Counties. All access routes to the Wilderness require high clearance four wheel drive. The main access to the wilderness is along the jeep trail located in High Rock Canyon which is seasonally closed from January 31-May15 to protect nesting raptors and important bighorn lambing grounds.