A well-traveled stretch of desert backcountry is about to go still for a while, as land managers move to protect both history and wildlife.
The Black Rock Field Office announced it will temporarily close part of High Rock Canyon Road beginning Monday, February 2, through Friday, May 9.
The road sits within the Black Rock Desert High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area.
The closure covers the section of High Rock Canyon between the southern entrance and about five miles below Stevens Camp. During that time, all access through the canyon will be restricted.
“The intent of the closure is to prevent damage to the emigrant trail and reduce human disturbance during seasonal lambing bighorn sheep and nesting raptors,” said Field Office Manager Jonah Blustain.
Officials said the closure follows the long-standing resource management plan for the conservation area. Each year, the restriction begins after the end of the Chukar hunting season and lasts until the second weekend in May.
