| Pine Valley Mountain Wilderness | |
| Iucn Category: | Ib |
| Map: | USA |
| Relief: | 1 |
| Location: | Washington County, Utah, U.S. |
| Nearest City: | Leeds, UT |
| Coordinates: | 37.3664°N -113.4147°W |
| Area: | 50232acres |
| Established: | 1984 |
| Governing Body: | U.S. Forest Service |
Pine Valley Mountain Wilderness is a 50232acres wilderness area located in the Dixie National Forest in the U.S. state of Utah. It is the fourth-largest wilderness area located entirely within the state (following the High Uintas Wilderness, Zion Wilderness, and Cedar Mountain Wilderness). The wilderness designation protects the Pine Valley Mountain range, a large rock outcrop surrounded by desert. The Pine Valley Mountains form the Pine Valley Laccolith, one of the largest laccoliths in the United States. Elevations in the wilderness range from 6000feet to 10365feet at the summit of Signal Peak.[1] [2]
The southern half of the Pine Valley Mountain Wilderness area supports a large stand of virgin Engelmann spruce. On the south edge of this unit, young stands of bristlecone pine are also found. The north half of the area is composed of stands of mixed spruce, subalpine fir, Douglas fir, and limber pine. Stands of large aspen are also found throughout the area.[1] [2]
There are numerous meadows up to 50acres in size within the boundaries of the Wilderness. The predominant vegetation is mat muhly, subalpine needlegrass, alpine timothy, dandelion, Perry clover, shrubby cinquifoil, yarrow, fleabane, snowberry, and serviceberry.[1]
The Pine Valley Mountains is more or less isolated from the Wasatch Range. Because of this isolation there are a number of sub-species of mammals found here, including the Uinta chipmunk, yellow-bellied marmot, and red squirrel. There are numerous dusky grouse and herds of deer within the meadows and timber.[1] Brown bear roamed the Pine Valley Mountains as late as 1914.[3]
A variety of Utah sensitive species live in the Pine Valley Mountain Wilderness area.[4]
Common recreational activities in Pine Valley Mountain Wilderness include hiking, camping, horseback riding, and wildlife watching. There is a network of over 151miles of trails on and around the Wilderness, including the popular Summit and Whipple Trails.[1] [2]