The majority of this wilderness is composed of the rugged eastern faces of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Owens Peak, the high point of the southern Sierra Nevadas, rises to more than 8,400 feet. The mountainous terrain has deep, winding, open and expansive canyons, many of which contain springs with extensive riparian vegetation. Vegetation varies considerably within the site, with a creosote desert scrub community on the bajadas, scattered yuccas, cacti, annuals, cottonwood, and oak trees in the canyons and valleys, and a juniper-pi*on woodland with sagebrush and digger/grey pine on the upper elevations. Wildlife includes mule deer, golden eagle, and prairie falcon.