Bureau of Land Management
Southern Nevada District Office
4701 N. Torrey Pines Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89103
http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/lvfo.1.html
Size: 32,745 acres
Elevation Range: 650 - 5,060 feet
Designation: Clark County Conservation of Public
Land and Natural Resources Act of 2002
BLM
Ireteba Peaks Wilderness
Area Description
The Ireteba Peaks Wilderness includes the southern portion of the rugged, volcanic Eldorado
Mountains. Named after Irataba, leader of the Mojave people in the mid-1800s, Ireteba Peak rises
to 5,060 feet above sea level, offering a stunning view across the wilderness and Lake Mohave.
Pinyon and juniper trees dot the higher elevation areas where bighorn sheep roam.
As the range drops off to the east, short, steep canyons cut down the eastern side of the ridge.
Rolling hills give way to a series of shallow washes across a broad bajada. From here, the land
gently runs out to the north end of Lake Mohave. Creosote, yucca, cholla, desert willow, and
various cacti sprawl across the lower desert where jackrabbits, side-blotched lizards, rattle snakes,
and desert tortoises make their home.
Petroglyphs and pictographs can be found, as well as old mines. Beyond the shore of Lake
Mohave, water is scarce in this wilderness area, and summer temperatures can reach 120 degrees
Fahrenheit.
Directions
The Ireteba Peaks Wilderness lies 45 miles south of Las Vegas,
between Nelson and Searchlight, Nevada. The northern boundary
is a power line corridor that runs from the end of the Ireteba Peaks
ridge to Lake Mohave. The crest of the Ireteba Peaks ridge marks the
western border. Dirt roads running west from Lake Mohave between
Opal Mountain and the Rockefeller Mine cut around the south end
of the Ireteba Peaks ridge to mark the southern border. The shore of
Lake Mohave forms the eastern border.
Visitors can access the Ireteba Peaks Wilderness from dirt roads
leading off of State Route 165 from the north, U.S. Highway 95 from
the west, Cottonwood Cove Road from the south, or Lake Mohave
from the east.
Recreation
Contained largely within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, the Ireteba Peaks Wilderness is managed jointly by the BLM and
the National Park Service. Backcountry permits are not required. Camping is limited to a total of 14 days in one location, and no
more than 90 days total within any consecutive 12-month period.
Motorized vehicles, mechanized equipment, and mechanical transport are not permitted in designated wilderness.
Maps
USGS 7.5 Quadrangle Maps: Nelson, Fire Mountain Ireteba Peaks, Mount Davis
Additional Information
•
Campsites must be at least a half-mile off of designated roads and 100 feet
from any spring, water hole, seep or watering device.
•
Campsites must be more than 100 feet from any archeological site, including
rock art.
•
Disposing of debris and garbage is prohibited.
•
Maximum group size: 12 members
•
Maximum length of stay: 14 days
•
Campfires are allowed, except during regional fire restrictions, with the use
of a fire pan and/or fire blanket. All firewood must be packed in. Visitors are
encouraged to use camp stoves.
•
Geocaching is not permitted in this wilderness area.
•
Dogs and other pets are prohibited.
Southern Nevada District Office
The Ireteba Peaks Wilderness provides a stunning stage for hiking, horseback riding, and camping. Wildlife is abundant, with
bighorn sheep in the mountains and migrating birds near the river. Hunting is allowed with proper licensing; however, target
practice is prohibited. Visitors are reminded to not disturb archaeological resources and stay out of open mine shafts.
No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land Management as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data for individual use or aggregate use with other data. Original data were
compiled from various sources. This information may not meet National Map Accuacy standards. This product was developed through digital means and may be updated without notification.
Southern Nevada District Office
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BLM
Ireteba Peaks Wilderness
