Islands in the Great Basin Desert

Part II of Great Basin, Sierra Nevada, and Wasatch Plateaus

Devil’s Kitchen, the Table, and Weepah Springs

Many of the wilderness areas preserve mountain range sites, which are often forested islands of bristlecone pine forest, as well as volcanic and geologic features.  Many of the remainder of the remote ranges in the Great Basin are de facto wilderness areas.  The Sierra Nevada units are some of the largest and most well-known wilderness areas.  The wildlife refuges preserve the precious desert springs, which host both waterfowl and rare fish.  The largest refuge in the lower 48 states is a preserve for desert bighorn sheep. Continue reading