Gilbert Baker WMA is an area of ridges covered with ponderosa pines, with scattered areas of grassland at the forest fringes. Monroe Creek traverses the area and is a trout stream. Pinyon Jays nest here (the only documented location in the state), as do White-throated Swifts, and possibly even Swainson’s Thrushes and Lewis’ Woodpeckers. Monroe Canyon also supports some distinctly western species, such as Townsend’s Solitaires, Cordilleran Flycatchers, Plumbeous Vireos and Violet-green Swallows. Other western species to be found here include the least chipmunk, mountain birch and mountain maple. Nearby Sowbelly Canyon supports many of the same western species as Monroe Canyon (Cordilleran Flycatcher, Plumbeous Vireo, White-throated Swift, Violet-green Swallow), as noted below. Unmarked trails penetrate the Gilbert-Baker area.

This 640-acre WMA adjoins Fort Robinson State Park north of Soldier Creek Road. With the park land nearby, enjoy the outdoors in the shadow of the Cheyenne and Red Cloud buttes. 

Located just two miles south of Chadron State park, this area encompasses 2,529 acres of wilderness. The area was purchased in 2003 with the help of the Platte River Basin Environments, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the Nebraska Environmental Trust. Their focus is primarily for wildlife and the public. Several species including elk, deer, turkey and more can be found in the area. Several recreational activities are also offered in the area including hiking, horseback riding, biking and hunting. There are two parking areas, and fishing is available in Chadron Creek. 

The 1,271-acre Bighorn is one of two WMAs that were completely covered by the wildfires’ flames during the 2012 West Ash fire—the other was the Metcalf WMA north of Hay Springs. The flames burned hot in the Bighorn, reaching the crown of most of the ponderosa pines in the area and leaving nothing but charred sticks in their wake. While they’re not pretty, wildfires have long been an important and healthy part of the Pine Ridge ecology. Since the fire, wildlife has moved back into the area and Bighorn Sheep have been seen throughout the area. Elk can also be found in the Bighorn WMA. Even with the effects of the fire, the Bighorn WMA is still a sight to behold. Every time you make your way to the top of a Pine Ridge butte or cliff, you’ll find a new view and the topography alone, with or without pine trees, is magnificent and pictures rarely do it justice.

Located southeast of Crawford, this area comprises over 4,831 acres of wilderness land covered in ponderosa pine forests, grasslands and deciduous trees along Squaw Creek. Hiking trails provide excellent panoramic views and wildlife viewing. There are six parking areas, and fishing is available in the creek. 

Bordeaux Creek is one of the newest Wildlife Management Areas in Nebraska and offers fishing in Big Bordeaux Creek. It covers 1,915 acres and is located just east of Chadron on Hwy 20. This WMA is completely undeveloped with the exceptions of three parking areas on Hwy 20 and Bordeaux road. 

The 4,261 acres of Petersen WMA are located west of Fort Robinson State Park on Highway 20. With four parking areas, it’s a secluded spot to enjoy the outdoors. 

A small WMA compared to others in Northwest Nebraska, the 7.6 acres of Whitney Lake Inlet WMA has two parking areas, is open to hunting and provides easy access to Whitney Lake for fishing. 

Box Butte Reservoir State Recreation Area is located in southern Dawes County about six miles west of Hwy 385. The reservoir and SRA offer 1,600 acres of water and 612 acres of park land.  Hunting is allowed in season and fishing is allowed year-round and the reservoir has northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, yellow perch and channel catfish. The SRA is also a great spot for camping, picnicking and birding.

The area is a good spot for fishing, camping and picnicking and also features some of the best birdwatching opportunities in the region. There are 34 (20 of these are being constructed in 2023) camping pads with 30- and 50-amp electrical hookups and 40 non-pad camping sites without electricity. The park offers water and vault toilets on site, with construction of a shower house and sewage dump station planned for 2023. Some of the campsites can be reserved through the Nebraska Game & Parks reservation system with the rest available on a first-come, first-served basis. Fees can be found here. State park permit required.

With the Nebraska Wilderness Act of 1986, Congress added the Soldier Creek Wilderness area to the National Wilderness Preservation System. Covering 7,794 acres, the land is managed and protected by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Nebraska National Forest. Originally part of the Fort Robinson Military Reservation, the land was once used to pasture horses and mules, as well as a recreational area for military personnel. A massive wildfire destroyed major portions of Soldier Creek just weeks after it was dedicated in 1989. Today, visitors are allowed to hike, hunt, fish, ride horses, camp and cross-country ski in the area. However, bicycles and motorized vehicles are not permitted. Recreationists are asked to follow the “Leave No Trace” program, supporting outdoor ethics that leave back country areas with as little evidence as possible of their stay. Water sources in the wilderness, including springs and streams, are not necessarily potable; it is important to safely purify or filter the water if you choose to drink it, or be sure to pack enough water with you for your visit. Trail heads are located just outside the eastern boundary and include primitive campsites, a hand-pump well, vault toilets, and a large 15-paddock corral system (livestock feed and water must be hauled in).