Hunters recognize the Snake Mountains as the major land mark within the unit boundaries. The vegetated areas mostly covered by sagebrush, land ranges from 5,700-8,760 feet above sea level. Road access is excellent on public land, however, nearly half of the Snake Mountains is private.

Steep elevation changes in the Snake Mountains. Mid to lower elevations are relatively mild with rolling hills and flat. Multiple natural and artificial water sources, higher concentrations of sources in the upper elevations.

Sagebrush dominates most of the unit. A lot of the drainages of the Snake Mountains harbor aspen stands, while high ridges and peaks harbor stands of limber pines and mountain mahoganys. The south side of antelope peak to Oxley peak holds intermittent stands of juniper trees, while most of the mid to lower elevations throughout the unit exhibit intermittent to dense stands of service berry.

Approximately one-half of the Snake Mountains, particularly the western half, is privately owned by the Marys River Ranch, whom strictly prohibits public access and trespassing. The Ranch guides hunters on their property. Other areas, in lowest elevations near and within Wells, Nevada and the regions between the Marys River and the west face of the Snake Mountains also exhibit large tracts of private land. The remaining public areas offer a multitude of public road access. Areas without roads can be accessed by hikers.

US Highway 93 serves as the primary route to access the eastern side of the unit, while the Marys River Road provides the best access to the west side of the unit where public land can be found. The O’Neil Country Road serves as the best primary route to access the north part of the unit. The southern portion can be best accessed directly from Well, Nevada. Various county maintained and primitive roads that stem from each of these primary routes provide better direct access into regions of the unit.

Carry plenty of supplies, food, water and spare tires. The closest motels are provided in Well, Nevada, located at the southern tip of the unit. Jackpot, Nevada also offers nearby lodging accommodations to the far north. Better lodging accommodations are provided in Jackpot, Nevada. General supplies and fuel are also provided at both locations.