Sheldon Wildlife Refuge NW Nevada

I backpacked through on my Desert Trail Hike. I thought it was really cool.

I followed the official route (Mexico to Canada) using a map I got from the Desert Trail Association.

The route runs from Cottonwood Spring to Bateman Spring over Wild Horse Pasture past East Rock Spring then follows the old road to Virgin Valley Campground. I found (and left after moving it off the jeep track) a spearhead on that road!

Pretty country. Hot springs showers at Virgin Valley Campground. Water and a good camp spot at East Rock Spring. Saw lots of antelope and wild horses. I think it was on Rock Springs Table that I saw the remains of an ancient Indian ambush site, where they’d built stone blinds to hide in while others chased game through a narrow gap in the rimrock. I saw the remains of a cougar kill, but you’d have to be lucky to see one. The Sheldon is a magical place for people who like the high desert. It’s off the beaten path, for sure. A good place to wander and see what you see.

Thanks Buck – I think maybe I'll do that

A couple years ago I did a trip to Hart Mountain which was similar, but higher elevation so more snow

Is the hot spring at Virgin Valley just an undeveloped pool? or do you have to pay a concessioneer?

There was a hot spring at Hart Mountain that a number of people used – sort of "hippy" like

The hot springs has a developed pool and a stone hot shower building, as well as picnic tables and camping. All free.

http://www.fws.gov/sheldonhartmtn/Sheldon/recreation.html