Major landmarks include the Clan Alpine Mountains, the New Pass Range, and the Augusta Mountains. Vegetated public land is mostly covered by desert brush, pinyon and juniper. Road access is good in in the lowest elevations of the unit. With the exception of the Cherry Valley region of the Clan Alpine Range, a good deal of each mountain range in the unit is accessible only by hiking.

Steep elevation changes in much of the Clan Alpine Range and Augusta Mountains. The remainder of the unit is relatively mild with rolling hills and flat valleys. Scattered natural and artificial water sources.

Widely public land. Few private parcels are in Edwards Creek Valley and northern Dixie Valley, but public access is provided through or around these parcels. Numerous public roads are in the lower elevations, each providing good access throughout Edwards Creek Valley and Dixie Valley. The primary route to access the western side of the Clan Alpine Range is State Route 121. The Alpine Road on the west side of Edwards Creek Valley provides the best access to the east side of the Clan Alpine Range, while the main road running north and south in the east side of the Edwards Creek Valley provides the best access to the west side of the New Pass Range. The road stemming north from US Highway 50 in Smith Creek Valley to Petersons Mill provides the best access to the east side of the New Pass Range. The Augusta Mountains can be best accessed from the Jersey Valley Road, State Route 121, or the Antelope Valley Road, which stems west from State Route 305 toward the Augusta Mountains.

Desert brush dominates much of the vegetated areas of the unit, but pinyon and juniper take up large portions of the Clan Alpine Range, New Pass Range and Augusta Mountain. The lowest elevations of Dixie Valley and Edwards Creek Valley are covered in salt flats.

Carry plenty of supplies, food, water and spare tires. The closest lodging is provided in Fallon to the west, or Austin to the east. General supplies are also provided at each of these locations. Fuel and a hot meal are available at Middle Gate, located on US Highway 50, near the southwest corner of the unit.