SOUTH PINNACLES WILDERNESS STUDY AREA

Values

The WSA provides opportunities for experiencing naturalness, outstanding solitude, and primitive and unconfined recreation. The rimrock area of the South Pinnacles WSA provides numerous pockets and small draws that allows for solitude. The area contains mostly flat topography, with an exposure of broken rimrock and ridges running west to east. Rough, rocky crags and unusual escarpments are prominent in this area. Greasewood communities occupy the draws while big sagebrush and Nuttall’s saltbrush dominate the open areas. Recreational opportunities include wildlife observation, photography, rock hounding, horseback riding, hiking and backpacking.

Visitation Information

State Highway 191 north to mile marker 10. Turn east onto county road 4-17. Follow 4-17 for 36 miles to county road 4-15, in 12 miles 4-15 will become the east boundary of the WSA. Motorized travel is expressly prohibited. Additionally, the WSA is closed to mineral entry, including gold panning.

Visitor Advisory

Access to wild lands inherently requires good navigational skills and four-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicles. Visitors should be prepared for adverse weather and road conditions. The WSAs in the BLM Field Office are primarily accessed by unnamed or unsigned two-track roads that in many cases may be difficult to find without sufficient navigational skills and equipment.

Wilderness Study Areas

WSAs are undeveloped federal lands that retain their primeval character and influence, without permanent improvements or human habitation, and are managed so as not to impair their suitability for preservation as wilderness. Backcountry recreation is a common use along with Leave no Trace Outdoor ethics. Please be advised these areas are restricted and do not allow for the use of motorized and mechanized equipment.