Mount Wilson Back Country Byway is 90 miles south of Ely in eastern Nevada. Northern access is off US 93 at the Pony Springs Rest Area. The byway travels southeast and forms an open loop drive back to US 93, near the town of Pioche. Mount Wilson is 62 miles long and follows County Roads 441, 440, 431, and 430, BLM Road 4045, and NV 322. The roads are a combination of paved and gravel roads that can be safely driven in a two-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicle. Mount Wilson is open May through October; it can become impassable after heavy rain.

The Mount Wilson scenic byway begins in the arid, brush-covered desert landscape common to Nevada and takes you to the forested slopes of Mount Wilson. It passes through the thick pinyon-juniper forest, climbing into pockets of ponderosa pine, fir, mountain mahogany, and aspen. Spring offers a colorful display as the wildflowers growing along the byway proudly make their presence known. Not to be outdone, fall displays its own show of colors, with the golden color of aspen set among leaves of yellow, red, and orange. The byway then descends from the mountains and enters the broad valleys of Camp and Meadow Valleys.

The back country byway offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. Several side roads invite exploration by the hiker and mountain biker. There's never a bad time to watch for wildlife, which includes such species as mule deer, coyotes, hawks, and various lizards. Wild horses can also be seen at times.

Those interested in fishing will find a 65-acre lake stocked with brown trout, rainbow trout, and Alabama striped bass in Spring Valley State Park. The park also offers the opportunity to camp overnight at any one of its 37 sites. Some of the campsites have electrical hookups. Several pioneer ranches, old stone homes, and a cemetery dating to the pioneer days exist within the park.

Situated in a narrow, steep-walled canyon is the BLM operated Meadow Valley Campground. It has six tent-only campsites with picnic tables and fire rings. Pit toilets are provided but there is no drinking water. You can stay here up to 14 days if you want to.

Information: BLM-Ely Field Office, 702 N Industrial Way, HC 33 Box 33500, Ely NV 89301 / 775-289-1800. Spring Valley State Park, Star Rt 89063 Box 201, Pioche NV 89043 / 775-962-5102. Echo Canyon State Park, Star Rt Box 295, Pioche, NV 89043 / 775-962-5103. Cathedral Gorge State Park, PO Box 176, Panaca NV 89042 / 775-728-4460