Piute Mountains Wilderness | California

This wilderness area mainly consists of the Piute Mountains with elevations ranging from 2,000 to 4,132 feet. Vegetation consists of creosote bush scrub, which gradually changes into a mixed desert scrub at higher elevations. The dry washes are characterized by catclaw acacia, smoketree, cheesebush, desert lavender, little-leaf ratany, and desert almond. Wildlife is also typical for the Mojave Desert; including coyote, black-tailed jackrabbits, ground squirrels, kangaroo rats, quail, roadrunners, rattlesnakes, and several species of lizards. The area provides transient ranges for mule deer and bighorn sheep. The wilderness is located in the northern part of the sector and consists of 48,080 acres. OHV intrusions are prevalent along the Piute Crossing road which dissects the wilderness. The crossing road receives most of its usage during hunting season when hunters access the Fenner Spring which is located within the wilderness area.