Northwest of the Scharnitz Pass lies the German nature reserve of Riedboden (NSG-No. 00157.01; 1.46 km²), which adjoins the nature reserve of Arnspitze (00158.01; 2.22 km²). The protected area of Wettersteingebiet einschließlich Latschengürtel bei Mittenwald (Wetterstein region including the Latschengürtel near Mittenwald, LSG-No. 391021; 86.33 km²) borders the two reserves to the north. On the east side - on the far side of the Isar, road and railway track - on the German side, lie the nature reserve of Karwendel und Karwendelvorgebirge (00171.01; 193.45 km²) and, on the Austrian side, immediately adjacent, the Ruhegebiet Eppzirl in the Natura 2000 area of Karwendel Alpine Park.