"Monte Cristos Castle
is a geological
display case and a real
Nevada treasure"
Neal H. Cobb, member of
Westerners International,
The Nevada Corral
For more information contact
Andrea Robb-Bradick &
Frank Bradick
13220 Fellowship Way
Reno, NV 89509
(775) 851-4426
Fax: (775) 851-1469
montecristo@bradick.reno.nv.us
Photos by
Marilyn Newton
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Monte Cristo's Castle — Esmeralda County
Summary
Monte Cristos Castle is a stunning geologic region of colored rock formations, canyons and
vistas, located on the southwestern edge of the Monte Cristo Range in northern Esmeralda
County.
It includes an area called the amphitheater that is rated one of the best places in the United States for stargazing because of its southwest exposure and lack of ambient or highway
light.
Monte Cristos Castle lies about 35 miles west of Tonopah and is controlled by the federal Bureau
of Land Management. In fact, Esmeralda County is 96.8 percent federally owned. The lack of
private land reduces the possibilities for development in this economically depressed county.
Advocates are proposing the federal government donate 10 square miles to Nevada for a state
park. The park would be a boost economically to the central Nevada area and specically to Esmeralda,
Nye and Mineral counties, adding synergy to other tourist activities in the area.
State park supporters include Nevada state lawmakers and the executive branch, county commissioners,
members of the federal government and local, regional, civic and social organizations.
The Landscape
Monte Cristos Castle is a desert landscape composed of eroded white ash and limestone that
provides dramatic colors and formations, including pink boulders with white, taffy-like swirls.
Removed far enough from U.S. 95, trafic noise does not interrupt the tranquility of the place, yet
it still remains accessible to hikers and amateur astronomers.
Flora and fauna are minimal, but desert bighorn sheep are seen here on a regular basis. A
wet spring brings an abundance of wild fowers among the cholla cactus and other desert plants.
Although relatively unspoiled, the soil in the area is fragile and can be disturbed easily. Many
tourists enjoy this region for its beauty, geology, hiking and photographic appeal.
The Threat
The increasing popularity of the area has accelerated the damage now taking place. Although hiking, photography and stargazing are welcome activities, oftentimes visitors arrive with all-terrain vehicles that disturb and harm the soil, increasing erosion.
When left undisturbed, the soil material normally erodes up to three inches in 10 years - much faster than what is typical in the west. Disturbance of this fragile “oatmeal” material increases the rate of erosion on the hillsides and distorts the distinctive lines of colors on the landscape. Also, mining would destroy the
unique beauty of the area, though the possibility of mining is slim.
The Solution
The site needs protection and supervision to prevent erosion from motorized vehicles, destruction of fragile elements and possible future mining efforts. The first step is for BLM to cede the ten-square-mile section to the state.
Then, the Nevada Legislature should designate the site a state park.Immediate action could include installation of interpretive signs explaining the special geologic formations of Monte Cristo's Castle.
Other signs could be placed requesting public cooperation to protect the park from careless use. Fragile areas could be protected by placing barriers to prevent motorized access and by defning
hiking paths.
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