Shellback Wilderness
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Nevada

The 36,143-acre Shellback Wilderness is located in the northeast section of the White Pine Range of eastern Nevada, just north of the Bald Mountain Wilderness and the White Pine Range Wilderness. This area is along Moorman Ridge, a long limestone ridge that rises to 9,052'. The eastern slope of the ridge is quite arid with stands of pinon and juniper, while the western side contains several spring-fed basins that support stands of aspen and conifers. In hiking through here you'll probably come across mule deer, bighorn sheep, a few elk, bobcat, coyote and mountain lion.

Access is via US 50 going west from Ely for about 45 miles to the Illipah Reservoir. Just past the reservoir turn south on Forest Service Road 400. For the next 10 miles the Shellback Wilderness will be on your left: just find a nice, safe place to pull off and park, then head up the hill for the ridgeline.