- Region
- NV, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm current permit requirements, campi…
- Managed by
- Bureau of Land Management
Plan with verified data
Calico Mountains Wilderness trip tools
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Photos of Calico Mountains Wilderness
How to get there
Approach the wilderness via maintained Soldier Meadows Road along its eastern boundary in western Humboldt and northern Pershing Counties, Nevada. Area access roads can be very rough; use a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle and carry extra fuel and two spare tires. Confirm the specific canyon approach with the Bureau of Land Management before departure.
- Soldier Meadows Road
The best access corridor for the wilderness, following its eastern boundary. The road is maintained, but other area access roads can be very rough.
- Box Canyon
A canyon hiking and backpacking destination, not a confirmed developed trailhead. Confirm the road approach and appropriate starting point with the Bureau of Land Management before using it as an entry area.
Sources: blm.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory · Wikipedia. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
NV, USA · United States
- Mountaineering
- Winter Camping
- Skiing
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Wildlife Viewing
Southern Calicos: colorful rock and steep country
Calico Mountains Wilderness protects the southern portion of a north–south Great Basin mountain range in western Humboldt and northern Pershing Counties, Nevada. Colorful rock layers and formations give the Calicos their name and provide a strong focus for photography and walking. This is mountain-and-canyon country rather than a single landmark destination: sagebrush dominates much of the landscape, while saltbush and greasewood occupy lower ground. Several canyons support willows, cottonwoods, aspens, and other riparian plants, creating a marked contrast with the surrounding dry slopes. Box, Fly, and Cherry Creek Canyons are places to consider for day hikes or backpacking. Choose an outing around the terrain and conditions rather than assuming that a named canyon comes with a maintained trail or an obvious starting point.
Canyon outings, photography, and wildlife
Day hiking, backpacking, geological photography, and wildlife watching are ways to spend time in the Calicos. Box, Fly, and Cherry Creek Canyons offer settings for these activities, including opportunities to see wild horses. Spring wildflowers add another photographic subject, though a visit should not depend on finding a particular display. Wildlife inhabiting the wilderness includes mule deer, California bighorn sheep, pronghorn, mountain lion, kit fox, coyote, and sage grouse. Keep enough distance that animals can continue feeding or moving without reacting to your presence. The nearby Calico Mountains Herd Management Area is a separate management unit, not another name for the wilderness; its acreage and boundaries should not be used to plan a wilderness outing. For a canyon trip, prioritize a clear turnaround plan over trying to cover several locations.
Water, temperature, and remote-road preparation
Prepare for substantial temperature extremes and limited support. Summers can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures often fall below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Carry sufficient water for the entire outing: even though some canyons have perennial streams and springs, these should not be treated as dependable supplies. Poor cell coverage makes a satellite phone the reliable communication option here. Soldier Meadows Road, the maintained road along the eastern wilderness boundary, provides the best access, but access roads in the area can be very rough. A high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle, extra fuel, and two spare tires are recommended. Allow time for slow travel and keep road access separate from the walking plan. Pack for both exposed daytime conditions and cold periods, and shorten the outing when temperatures or water needs exceed the margin available.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Calico Mountains Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 41.0310, -119.2152
- Latitude (DMS)
- 41° 1′ 51.7″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 119° 12′ 54.8″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Calico Mountains Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
The Calico Mountains Wilderness includes the southern portion of the Calico Mountains a typical north-south trending Great Basin mountain range. Elevations in the wilderness range from 3,950 to 8,491 feet...
Key takeaways
- Region: NV, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 41.031, -119.215
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Calico Mountains Wilderness
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Winter Camping
Cold-season travel and camp craft; layering matters more than mileage.
- Skiing
Ski-touring access when the road closes for the season.
- Desert Hiking
Water carries and heat management drive the plan.
- Canyoneering
Narrows, downclimbs, and flash-flood timing.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
Animals around Calico Mountains Wilderness
Southern Calicos: colorful rock and steep country
Calico Mountains Wilderness protects the southern portion of a north–south Great Basin mountain range in western Humboldt and northern Pershing Counties, Nevada. Colorful rock layers and formations give the Calicos their name and provide a strong focus for photography and walking. This is mountain-and-canyon country rather than a single landmark destination: sagebrush dominates much of the landscape, while saltbush and greasewood occupy lower ground. Several canyons support willows, cottonwoods, aspens, and other riparian plants, creating a marked contrast with the surrounding dry slopes. Box, Fly, and Cherry Creek Canyons are places to consider for day hikes or backpacking. Choose an outing around the terrain and conditions rather than assuming that a named canyon comes with a maintained trail or an obvious starting point.
Canyon outings, photography, and wildlife
Day hiking, backpacking, geological photography, and wildlife watching are ways to spend time in the Calicos. Box, Fly, and Cherry Creek Canyons offer settings for these activities, including opportunities to see wild horses. Spring wildflowers add another photographic subject, though a visit should not depend on finding a particular display. Wildlife inhabiting the wilderness includes mule deer, California bighorn sheep, pronghorn, mountain lion, kit fox, coyote, and sage grouse. Keep enough distance that animals can continue feeding or moving without reacting to your presence. The nearby Calico Mountains Herd Management Area is a separate management unit, not another name for the wilderness; its acreage and boundaries should not be used to plan a wilderness outing. For a canyon trip, prioritize a clear turnaround plan over trying to cover several locations.
Water, temperature, and remote-road preparation
Prepare for substantial temperature extremes and limited support. Summers can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures often fall below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Carry sufficient water for the entire outing: even though some canyons have perennial streams and springs, these should not be treated as dependable supplies. Poor cell coverage makes a satellite phone the reliable communication option here. Soldier Meadows Road, the maintained road along the eastern wilderness boundary, provides the best access, but access roads in the area can be very rough. A high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle, extra fuel, and two spare tires are recommended. Allow time for slow travel and keep road access separate from the walking plan. Pack for both exposed daytime conditions and cold periods, and shorten the outing when temperatures or water needs exceed the margin available.
Route options
- Box Canyon outing
Consider Box Canyon for day hiking, backpacking, photography, or wildlife watching. Plan the approach and turnaround before setting out; no fixed trail itinerary is established here.
- Fly Canyon outing
Fly Canyon offers a setting for a day hike or backpacking trip, with photography and wildlife-viewing opportunities. Carry all needed water rather than depending on canyon sources.
- Cherry Creek Canyon outing
Consider Cherry Creek Canyon for walking, backpacking, and photography, including possible wildlife and wild horse viewing. Verify the approach and choose an outing length suited to conditions and available water.
Sample itineraries
- Calico Rock Layers and Canyon Day Hike · 1 day
Plan a day hike in Box Canyon, with time to photograph the colorful rock formations of the southern Calicos. Confirm access before choosing a starting point and turnaround. Carry all needed water rather than counting on canyon sources.
- Two-Day Canyon Photography Visit · 2 days
Devote separate days to Fly and Cherry Creek Canyons rather than assuming a connecting route. Focus on geology, sagebrush landscapes and wildlife observation. Confirm access and overnight arrangements with BLM; prepare for rough roads and unreliable cell service.
- Box Canyon Backpacking Overnight · 2 days
Plan an out-and-back backpacking trip in Box Canyon after confirming access, terrain and camping guidance with BLM. Choose the turnaround according to water carried and group ability. Pack for cool nights and carry satellite communication.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring; wildflower timing varies
Spring wildflowers offer a photography focus among the colorful formations. Bring layers for cool nights and changing mountain weather. Do not assume streams or springs will supply drinking water.
Summer
Summer
Temperatures can exceed 100 degrees F. Keep hikes conservative, reduce midday exposure and carry sufficient water for the entire outing. Canyon water sources should not be relied upon.
Fall
Fall; check conditions before departure
Prepare for cool nights and temperature differences across the wilderness's broad elevation range. Carry insulating layers and check the forecast before committing to an overnight trip. Water availability remains unsuitable as a planning assumption.
Winter
Winter
Temperatures often fall below 20 degrees F. Cold-weather clothing, shelter and an emergency plan are essential. Confirm road conditions before travel and avoid relying on cell service for help.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring; wildflower timing varies | Spring wildflowers offer a photography focus among the colorful formations. Bring layers for cool nights and changing mountain weather. Do not assume streams or springs will supply drinking water. |
| Summer | Summer | Temperatures can exceed 100 degrees F. Keep hikes conservative, reduce midday exposure and carry sufficient water for the entire outing. Canyon water sources should not be relied upon. |
| Fall | Fall; check conditions before departure | Prepare for cool nights and temperature differences across the wilderness's broad elevation range. Carry insulating layers and check the forecast before committing to an overnight trip. Water availability remains unsuitable as a planning assumption. |
| Winter | Winter | Temperatures often fall below 20 degrees F. Cold-weather clothing, shelter and an emergency plan are essential. Confirm road conditions before travel and avoid relying on cell service for help. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit requirements, camping guidance and activity-specific rules with the Bureau of Land Management.
Official source: Calico Mountains HMA - Bureau of Land Management · Verified October 19, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Summer heat can exceed 100 degrees F; exposed travel requires conservative pacing, sun protection and sufficient water.
- Streams and springs occur in some canyons but should not be relied on. Carry enough water for the full trip.
- Access roads can be very rough. Use a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle and bring extra fuel and two spare tires.
- Cell coverage is poor. Carry a satellite phone and leave trip details with a reliable contact.
- Steep volcanic mountains and narrow valleys require careful navigation and terrain assessment.
- Winter temperatures often fall below 20 degrees F; inadequate insulation or an unplanned night out can become dangerous.
What to pack for Calico Mountains Wilderness
- Water sufficient for the entire outing
- Additional emergency water
- Sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Topographic map and compass
- Offline navigation with backup power
- Satellite phone
- Written trip plan left with a reliable contact
- Insulating layers for cool nights
- Season-appropriate shelter and sleep system
- Sturdy hiking footwear
- First-aid kit and emergency shelter
- High-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle
- Two spare tires and tire-changing tools
- Extra fuel carried securely
Calico Mountains Wilderness FAQ
- Where is Calico Mountains Wilderness?
- It occupies the southern portion of the Calico Mountains in western Humboldt and northern Pershing Counties, Nevada. BLM manages the wilderness. Sagebrush slopes, colorful rock formations and canyons define the landscape.
- What is the main access road?
- Maintained Soldier Meadows Road forms the eastern boundary and provides the best access. Other access roads can be very rough; bring a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle, extra fuel and two spare tires. Confirm the specific approach before departure.
- Which canyons offer hiking opportunities?
- Box, Fly and Cherry Creek Canyons offer day-hiking, backpacking, photography and wildlife-viewing opportunities. Confirm starting points and route conditions before setting out; do not assume these destinations have marked trails or established connections.
- Can drinking water be found in the canyons?
- Some canyons contain perennial streams and springs, but these should not be relied on. Carry sufficient water for the whole outing, including a margin for delays.
- Can vehicles or bicycles enter the wilderness?
- Motorized equipment and mechanical transport, including vehicles and bicycles, are generally prohibited in wilderness. Plan to explore on foot and confirm boundary locations and current rules with BLM.
- How should wildlife and wild horses be approached?
- Observe from a distance, give animals room to move and never feed or pursue them. Use binoculars or a longer camera lens rather than approaching for photographs. Wild horse viewing is possible, but sightings are not guaranteed.