Major landmarks include the Sonoma Range and Buffalo and Edna mountains southeast of Winnemucca, which is in the northeast corner of the unit. Land is mostly covered by desert brush. Road access is excellent in low country and fair to good at middle elevations. Hunters must hike to reach high country.

Some high parts of the Sonoma Range are steep, but most of the high country is moderately rough to mild. Lowlands are relatively flat. Elevations range from about 4,600 feet in the valley floors to approximately 9,300 feet on Sonoma Peak.

Most land is public, but much of the Winnemucca and Grass Valley are private. Small plots of private property are in Pumpernickel Valley, which is between the Sonoma Range and Buffalo Mountain, and along Interstate 80 between Winnemucca and the Valmy Exit. Many roads provide excellent public access in lowlands. Fewer roads exist in the mountains, part of which are accessible only to hikers and horseback riders.

Various primitive roads branch from primary roads, which include:

Sagebrush is the main plant. Some areas are dominated by alien cheatgrass, which took over after range fires. Juniper stands are intermittent at middle elevations, while aspen stands are on some high terrain.

The closest motels are in Winnemucca and Battle Mountain. Hunters may camp anywhere on public land.