Forests of Nevada

Nevada is the driest U.S. state; over 70% is desert (Mojave, Great Basin). True forests are limited to high mountain ranges—Sierra Nevada (west), Snake, Ruby, Jarbidge, and Spring Mountains—where elevation captures enough moisture for pinyon-juniper woodlands, aspen groves, and conifer stands (bristlecone, limber pine, white fir). These "sky islands" are fragmented, not extensive forests.