Cain Mountain

Current Proposed Acres: 12,339

WSA Acres: 89,372
Current Management Status:
BLM Wilderness Study Area (WSA)
Area Description
The Augusta Mountains of central Nevada lie between the Clan Alpine Mountains and the Fish
Creek Mountains. Located at the intersection of Pershing, Lander, and Churchill counties they
rise above Dixie Valley to the west and Antelope Valley to the east. Elevations range from
8,420 feet at the top of Cain Mountain (8,420 feet) down to 4,100 feet near Homestation
Ranch.
Cain Mountain itself is the prominent feature of the Augusta Mountains and comprises a
majority of the wilderness proposal area. Steep limestone cliffs on the mountain’s northeast
side face Dixie Valley. To the north the mountain slopes steeply, dropping 1,500 feet before
turning into more gradual silicic ash flow tuff canyons and drainages near Homestation Gap.
Major drainages drop from meadows east of the ridgeline and provide water to Antelope Valley
below. The south face drops gradually into a topographically complex depression called “Hole-
in-the-wall” that drains into Dixie Valley and defines the separation of the Augusta Mountains
and the Clan Alpine Mountains.
Naturalness
The forests, drainages, and numerous cliffs of the Augusta Mountains provide ample natural
habitat for maintaining the area’s biodiversity. Stands of mountain mahogany form patches on
top of Cain Mountain. Juniper and pinyon pine dot steep hillsides and grow denser along
drainages. Lower elevations are sparsely vegetated with sagebrush and rabbitbrush at lower
elevations.
The Augusta Mountains support a resident mule
deer population and lower elevations offer
favorable conditions for pronghorn. Raptors,
including golden eagles, and many varieties of
hawk, can be seen soaring from the cliffs on Cain
Mountain. This area has also been identified as
general habitat for the Greater Sage-grouse and
wooded areas provide shelter for an abundance
of ravens. Coyotes and mountain lions are also
found all throughout the Augusta Mountains.
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Recreation and Solitude
Recreation in the Augusta Mountains is only limited by lack of curiosity and willingness to
explore. Cain Mountain is a challenging hike but is worth the view of Mount Tobin, Mount
Moses, and the Toiyabe Crest. Cain Mountain is ranked #57 on Peakbagger.com and there are
many trips listed from recreationists climbing the peak.
There is unlimited opportunity for hiking and horseback riding in wide meadows, water filled
drainages, steep slopes, and tree-covered hill sides. Unique geologic formations offer many
exploration options for rock-climbers, rock-hounds, and fossil hunters. Local fauna offer
opportunity for big game hunters. The Augusta Mountains also offer fantastic night-sky viewing
as one of the darkest places in the United States.

Special Features
The Middle Triassic deposits in the Augusta Mountains have yielded one of the North America’s
richest and most diverse faunas of marine reptiles. These beds feature an excellent state of
preservation of the fossil material. Wilderness designation will help protect these valuable
resources and allow for continued scientific research, study, and excavation of these unique
marine reptile skeletons.
Of historical significance is a stage coach stop marked by a lonely stone cabin and corral. This
area now functions as a popular camp site.

Issues and Proposed Resolution

The Augusta Mountains have been designated as a wilderness study area for several decades.
The proposed wilderness boundaries eliminate conflict that has risen around the boundaries of
the wilderness study area but the interior remains intact and problem free.
The grazing permittee has agreed to support the proposed wilderness boundary after recent
modifications made to accommodate his ranching operation.
With Churchill County considering a public lands process in the future, we are proposing that
the Wilderness boundary and WSA release be drawn on the Pershing – Churchill County
boundary. An example of that happening in Nevada is the Goshute Canyon Wilderness that was
drawn on the White Pine/Elko County Boundary. Where the lands in Elko County remain WSA
and those in White Pine were designated as Wilderness.

Maps
The maps on the following pages show the original Augusta Mountains area as well as the
revised area where conflicts have been resolved.
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