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: 4,631 acres
Elevation Range: 2,700 - 4,833 feet
Designation: Clark County Conservation of Public
Land and Natural Resources Act of 2002
BLM
Jumbo Springs Wilderness
Area Description
At just 4,631 acres, the Jumbo Springs Wilderness makes up for its small size with intensely
rugged, mountainous terrain and a remote location that offers grand views overlooking the
eastern end of Lake Mead. Known for the majestic granitic domes and smooth cliffs that cap its
mountains, this wilderness holds the upper canyons of three major washes that drain south and
east into Lake Mead.
Mojave desert tortoise, Gambel’s quail, side-blotched lizards, roadrunners, and a variety of bird
species make their home among the sparse creosote and other Mojave Desert scrub vegetation
tucked away among the maze of canyons. Bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyote, and jackrabbits
can be found in the higher elevations, topping out at 4,700 feet above sea level.
Rarely noticed by even the most attentive outdoor enthusiasts, cryptobioitic crusts live on the
edges of the washes. These living soil crusts build up over time and play a vital role in the health
of desert ecosystems, holding easily eroded soil in place and helping absorb what little rainfall
the desert receives.
Directions
The Jumbo Springs Wilderness lies in a remote corner of southern Nevada approximately 50 air miles east of Las Vegas, beyond
the Overton Arm of Lake Mead just west of the state line. The borders of Jumbo Springs Wilderness follow rocky cliffs and hillsides
south and east of Jumbo Peak and Jumbo Springs.
Dirt roads of varying conditions provide access to this wilderness from Devil’s Cove Road to the east and Scanlon Ferry Road to
the west. To access these roads, drive south from Interstate 15 on State Route 170/Riverside Road. After crossing the Virgin River,
turn west onto New Gold Butte Road. After about 38 miles, Devil’s Cove Road splits south off of New Gold Butte Road, following
Cottonwood Wash. To access the wilderness from the west, continue about 8 miles further on New Gold Butte Road from Devil’s
Cove Road, then take Scanlon Ferry Road south along Gregg Wash.
Recreation
Offering surprising and spectacular views of the Grand Canyon,
Jumbo Springs provides endless opportunities for scenic viewing,
photography, hiking, and camping. The abundance of wildlife
makes Jumbo Springs ideal for wildlife viewing, as well as hunting
and trapping with proper licensing.
Motorized vehicles, mechanized equipment, and mechanical
transport are not permitted in designated wilderness.
Maps
USGS 7.5 Quadrangle Map: Jumbo Peak.
Additional Information
•
Please limit group sized to 12 members.
•
Maximum length of stay: 14 days
•
Cutting of live vegetation is prohibited.
•
Campfires are allowed, except during regional fire restrictions. Visitors are
encouraged to only use camp stoves.
•
Disposing of debris and garbage is prohibited.
•
Other than incidental browsing, riding and pack stock animals may be fed only
packed-in, certified, weed-free feed. Non-commercial hunting and trapping is
permitted subject to applicable state regulation.
•
The creation or construction of permanent blinds in not allowed, however, portable
or “pop-up” temporary blinds may be permitted.
Southern Nevada District Office
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. Hunting is allowed with proper
licensing; however, target practice is prohibited.
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
Jumbo Springs Wilderness
