Kawich Range facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kawich Range |
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 Kawich Range
Location in Nevada
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Kawich Peak |
| Elevation | 2,865 m (9,400 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Nevada |
| District | Nye County |
The Kawich Range is a mountain range found in Nye County, which is in southern Nevada, United States. It sits just south of the Hot Creek Range. This mountain range covers an area of about 250 square miles (647 square kilometers).
The highest point in the Kawich Range is Kawich Peak. This peak reaches an elevation of 9,399 feet (2,865 meters) above sea level. Part of the southern Kawich Range is located within the Nellis Air Force Range, which is a special area used by the military.
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Where is the Kawich Range?
The Kawich Range is surrounded by other interesting places. To the east, you'll find the Reveille and Kawich valleys. Beyond these valleys are the Reveille Range and the Belted Range.
To the south of the Kawich Range are the wide Pahute Mesa and Gold Flat. If you look to the southwest, you'll see Cactus Flat and the Cactus Range. To the northwest, across Stone Cabin Valley, lies the Monitor Range.
A major road, U.S. Route 6, crosses a pass between the Kawich Range and the Hot Creek Range. This road connects with State Route 375 at a place called Warm Springs, which is just north of the range.
Who Manages the Land?
Different groups help take care of the Kawich Range. The Bureau of Land Management looks after about half of the mountains, specifically 50.3% of the area.
Another part, 39.7%, is managed by the Air Force Range. A smaller section, about 8.9%, is part of a USFWS National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is a special place set aside to protect wildlife.
Plants and Animals
The Kawich Range is home to many types of plants and animals. The main plants you'll see are sagebrush scrub and piñon-juniper trees. These plants are well-suited to the dry environment.
Unique Plants
One very special plant found here is the Kawich Range beardtongue (Penstemon pudicus). This plant is endemic to the range. This means it grows naturally only in the Kawich Range and nowhere else in the world!
Wildlife of the Kawich Range
The mountains are also home to various animals. You might spot porcupines and several kinds of mice. Other small mammals like chipmunks, voles, squirrels, and gophers also live here.
Many birds make their home in the Kawich Range too. These include the colorful American kestrels, the beautiful MacGillivray's warbler, the bright Bullock's oriole, and the busy hairy woodpeckers.
How the Kawich Range Got Its Name
The Kawich Range was named after an individual Indian chieftain. This is how many places in the American West got their names, honoring important local figures.
