Mt. Moriah Wilderness Area

Mt. Moriah Wilderness Area, located in eastern Nevada, consists of more than 80,000 acres of limited access land. The area is under the authority of the Bureau of Land Management and the United States Forest Service. It is known for its extreme solitude, exquisite scenery and diverse animal and plant life.

Adventure awaits

Although accessing and exploring Mt. Moriah Wilderness Area is not an easy task, great rewards await travelers into this exceptional portion of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Hiking is available on approximately 30 miles of rough trails. Numerous canyons feature rock formations, such as high cliffs and arches, that provide habitat for bighorn sheep. Shallow caves in the landscape occasionally contain evidence of prehistoric peoples. Adventurers seeking a strenuous and thrilling experience can scale several mountains, including the namesake Mount Moriah, which peaks at 12,050 feet. From the summit, climbers can access an adjacent 1000-acre plateau upon which grow bristlecone pines, firs, mountain mahogany and aspen. Those who prefer lower elevations can discover vast areas of juniper and pinyon pine, as well as mule deer and several species of birds and fish.

A true wilderness experience

Camping is available in Mt. Moriah Wilderness Area; however, there are no designated campsites and explorers must prepare for a primitive camping experience. It is important to understand that Mt. Moriah Wilderness Area, while beautiful, poses a danger for those improperly prepared for and inexperienced at wilderness exploration. Those who venture into this scenic, isolated expanse must anticipate the potential for adverse circumstances and should not undertake a trip without thorough preparation and research.

Despite the potential difficulties, hikers and campers in the Mt. Moriah Wilderness Area are guaranteed a unique wilderness experience uninterrupted by the crowds of people and modern facilities that are increasingly ubiquitous in many of our natural areas.