Overview
The Goshute Mountains are located in Nevada just a few miles from its eastern border with Utah. The eastern watershed is the Great Salt Lake Basin, which is so generally hostile to life that migrating birds avoid it. Instead, they take advantage of the nearly contiguous mountain chains leading south through Mexico to create a major flyway. Food, cover, and winds and thermals favorable for soaring attract thousands of raptors on their north-south journey. Hawkwatch International, a conservation organization dedicated to raptors, has established a research station atop the range at 8600’ (2620m) to conduct basic research. Using nets and captive birds as bait, they snare, then measure and band the birds before releasing them unharmed. Passing birds not attracted to the bait are counted, leading to a long term data source on raptor numbers.
Location
Extreme eastern Nevada, 13 miles west of the Utah border, and 25 miles south of the town of Wendover, NV.
Birds
Notable Species
Most high-desert species will be found here, including resident Clark's Nutcracker, Pinyon Jay, American Crow, Common Raven, Hairy Woodpecker, Flammulated Owl, and many others.
Other Wildlife
The usual sage desert mammals, e.g., coyote, badger, mule deer, blacktail jackrabbit, and others. Lizards and snakes will be found in warmer seasons.
Site Information
History and Use
In 1983, Steve Hoffman recognized that the Goshutes mountains might provide a natural flyway for migrating raptors. Hiking to the top of the highest peak, he discovered that his theory was correct, with hundreds of raptors passing by on a typical day during migration seasons. He and colleagues built the trail to the top and established Hawk Watch International as a platform for conducting research and championing conservation of raptor species. The Goshutes site is one of 14 sites now monitored by HWI.
Gallery by Gary Clark
Areas of Interest
The trail to the research station passes through pinon/juniper forest, fringed with sage. Birds of this biome are found all along it. The main area of interest is at the top of the mountain, however, where there are excellent observation points along a narrow ridge for the passing raptors. Visitors are welcome, and may be able to participate in release of banded birds, subject to conditions and staff availability. The banding season extends from late August through the end of October.
Access and Facilities
Access is via a good paved highway (U.S. 93A) south of Wendover, then a rough dirt road appropriate for high-clearance vehicles only. Finally, a strenuous hike on a good trail leads 2.5 miles and 1800’ of altitude to the summit. Ad hoc camping is possible at the end of the dirt road. Tents are maintained near the research station at the summit that can be reserved through Hawk Watch International. One can also backpack camping equipment to the top. There are several good flat areas before the summit appropriate for low-impact camping. Bring everything you need, including water and food, and pack everything back out. There is an outhouse.
Contact Details
Content and images originally posted by Gary Clark. A map is pending.
