Santa Rosa-Paradise Peak Wilderness Area

Lonely and rarely visited and quietly spectacular, this area encompasses the south end of the Santa Rosa Mountains with Santa Rosa Peak (9,701 feet) in the northern section as its highest point. Paradise Peak at 9443 feet stands above the southern section. Here is Basin and Range country: no lakes, no alpine meadows, no large coniferous forests. Find here rugged granite formations, a profusion of spring wildflowers, sweeping basins above pockets of aspen and an abundance of wildlife. California bighorn sheep have been introduced. Mountain lions and bobcats are elusive but common inhabitants. Eagles and hawks are often seen in the higher country. Lower elevations are thick with upland game birds, grouse and partridge being dominant. Cold streams provide a home for many trout including the threatened Lahontan cutthroat. Rattlesnakes and hornets are common in summer.