President Obama officially designated Basin and Range National Monument in July 2015 to protect natural and cultural treasures as well as a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities just a few hours’ drive from Las Vegas.

And there was a lot to protect. The monument designation included two of the most pristine valleys in the broader, Great Basin region, which covers most of Nevada, as well as corridors connecting the surrounding mountain ranges. The area provides habitat for dozens of imperiled or exotic wildlife species, including greater sage-grouse, the rare pygmy rabbit, bighorn sheep, kit fox and a variety of bats. Plants in this vital ecosystem include ancient bristlecone and ponderosa pine and the White River catseye, a desert plant found only in Nevada. It should come as no surprise that Basin and Range is beloved by Nevadans and visitors alike who crave opportunities to hike, camp, hunt, bike and rock-climb on its rugged contours—or simply get away for some peace and quiet.

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