Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest - west of Carson City, NV
N 39° 07.074 W 119° 50.616
11S E 254156 N 4333710
The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is the largest National Forest outside of Alaska, covering various areas in Nevada and small parts of California.
Waymark Code: WMJBEB
Location: Nevada, United States
Date Posted: 10/24/2013
Views: 2
"The Humboldt-Toiyabe's spectacular 6.3 million acres makes it the largest national forest in the lower 48 states. Located in Nevada and a small portion of eastern California, the Forest offers year-round recreation of all types." SOURCE
"The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest encompasses all of Nevada and the far Eastern edge of California. The name “Humboldt” comes from the explorer John C. Fremont. He named the East Humboldt Mountain Range and the Humboldt River after German naturalist Baron Alexander von Humboldt. “Toiyabe” is an ancient Shoshone word meaning “mountain.”
The Humboldt-Toiyabe, or H-T, is largest forest in the lower 48 states. To manage the expansive acreage on the H-T there are ten ranger districts throughout the state of Nevada and Northern California." SOURCE
"Within its 6.3 million acres, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest contains an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 prehistoric and historic archaeological sites. The various types of heritage resources range from the enigmatic squiggles and curlicues of prehistoric rock art, to the phenomenal mining towns of the 19th century, to Euro-American emigrant trails and roads.
A number of Native American tribes claim Humboldt-Toiyabe lands as part of their ancestral homelands. These include different groups of Southern Paiute, Northern Paiute, Western Shoshone, and Washoe Indians. All of these Native American groups are the descendants of the prehistoric peoples that once inhabited the vast landscape stretching east from the Sierra Nevada Mountains across the basin and range lands of Nevada. Evidence of both historic Native American camps and prehistoric occupations are abundant throughout the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. While there is some evidence for very early Native American occupations (ca. 13,000 years ago) on the Forest near Ely, Nevada, archaeologists believe that most prehistoric uses of the mountain ranges managed by the H-T occurred after about 4,500 years ago.
Europeans began to travel through the Great Basin region as early as the 17th century. However, it was not until the American westward expansion of the 19th century, spurred on by the California Gold Rush, that full-scale settlement occurred. Lands overseen by the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest are rich in historic sites, as represented by old emigrant roads, extensive mining towns, stagecoach stops, logging-related sites, among others." SOURCE
"The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest manages 18 designated Wilderness Areas. These Wilderness Areas are as diverse as the Forest itself. On the eastern side of the Forest, the Quinn Canyon Wilderness is a maze of deep canyons and rugged peaks reaching to over 10,000 feet. Red volcanic rhyolite composes the lower canyons and gray limestone forms most of the peaks.
To the west, the Mokelumne Wilderness offers diverse beauty ranging from peaks over 11,000 feet high to river canyons hundreds of feet deep. It is known for its volcanic peaks and diverse variety of plants. Some of the peaks are composed of granite that is as old as the dinosaurs.
Many visitors pass through the Mokelumne Wilderness as part of their trek along the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT).
Bordering Yosemite National Park along the Pacific Crest and falling away to the Great Basin to the east, the Hoover Wilderness is a spectacular piece of the Sierras. Soaring peaks, glistening lakes and lush meadows are just some of its awesome spectacles. This Wilderness Area has special considerations for obtaining an overnight camping permit, so plan ahead.
The Jarbidge Wilderness is tucked into the northeast corner of Nevada on the north edge of the Great Basin. Its isolated location makes it very remote. Elevations range from cool desert at approximately 5,000 feet to towering peaks well over 10,000 feet. Approximately 170 miles of trail can be accessed from several trailheads.
To the south, you'll find La Madre Wilderness, which dominates the area with spectacular cliffs and steep canyons occurring on its southeast flanks. The large variation in elevation, 6,000 feet, provides for a variety of plant communities. They range from South Mohave Desert shrub, to juniper-pinyon woodland, to subalpine communities of white fir and ponderosa pine.
The name “Humboldt” comes from the explorer John C. Freemont. He named the East Humboldt Mountain Range and the Humboldt River after German naturalist Baron Alexander von Humboldt. “Toiyabe” is an ancient Shoshone word meaning “mountain.”
Within its 6.3 million acres, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest contains an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 prehistoric and historic archaeological sites. The various types of heritage resources range from the enigmatic squiggles and curlicues of prehistoric rock art, to the phenomenal mining towns of the 19th century, to Euro-American emigrant trails and roads.
Before you go, check out the trails for hiking, backpacking, horseback riding. There are a number of picnic areas and campgrounds. Many exciting and beautiful areas can be explored on an Off-Highway Vehicle or snowmobile." SOURCE
Estimated size of the public land (in regional measurement standard: hectares, acres, kms, etc.): 6.3 million acres
Is there a trail system?: Yes
If there is a trail system, please describe length, terrain, etc.: Due to the immense size of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, there are 9 area Ranger Stations that serve 79 different trails
What points of interest are there?: Ely Ranger District
Success Loop, several old mining towns, Cave Lake State Park, Great Basin National Park, The Table at Mt. Moriah Wilderness, and 447,858 acres of Wilderness scattered over the District.
Austin Ranger District
Arc Dome and Table Mountain Wilderness Areas, Spencer Hot Springs, Toquima Cave (for Native American rock art), Little Grand Canyon, Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park, old mining towns such as Austin, Berlin, and Kingston
Carson Ranger District
Within the Carson Ranger District there are three designated wilderness areas that can be enjoyed for those wanting to explore the beauty of the Sierra Nevada 's. They are the Carson-Iceberg, Mokelumne and Mount Rose Wilderness Areas. Also of interest are the fall colors in Hope Valley, the Mount Rose Ski Area, Crystal Peak and Crystal Mine, Carson Pass National Forest Byway, Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway and the Pacific Crest Trail.
Tonopah Ranger District
Arc Dome, Table Mountain and Alta Toquima Wilderness Areas, historic mining towns such as: Manhattan, Round Mountain, Belmont, and Tonopah, Round Mountain Gold Corporation open-pit gold mine in Big Smoky Valley
Santa Rosa Ranger District
Hinkey Summit Rock Formation
Hinkey Summit Wildflowers
Chocolate Mountain
Lye Creek Campground
Paradise Valley Guard Station
Windy Gap
Sawtooth Mountain
Quinn River
Falls Canyon
Horse Canyon
Summit Ridge Trail
Rebel Creek
Santa Rosa Wilderness
Granite Peak
Santa Rosa Peak
Devils Gate
What activities are available?: Camping & Cabins
Fishing
Big Game & Bird Hunting
Wildlife Viewing
Bird Watching
Ghost Train Rides
Touring Old Mining Towns
Hiking
Backpacking
Horseback Riding
Mountain Biking
OHV Riding & Camping
Snowmobiling
Picnicking
Scenic Driving
Snow Shoeing
Cross Country Skiing
Caving
Photography
Rock Climbing
River Rafting
Pine Nut Collecting
Wilderness
Hours of accessibility?: 24/7
List of known hazards (cliffs, snakes, poison plants, etc.): Bears, Snakes, Wildfires
Dogs Allowed?: Yes
Is a permit/fee required?: Yes
If a permit/fee is required please describe in detail how to get one, how much, etc.: Permits are required in theHoover Wilderness area. Bear canisters are REQUIRED in the Hoover as of April 2012. Please call the district for more details, 760-932-7070.
Please supply the website of the land if available: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions: Visitors are encouraged to supply a picture of either themselves or their GPS at the trailhead and/or signage of the public access lands - describe your experience there and what you saw - tell us why other folks should come visit!
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