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| Home > Nevada > Dry Valley |
Dry Valley OHV Area
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
| Other Names | Mission Wells, Turn of the Road, Mission Peak, Pipe Springs Road |
| Last Known Status | Open |
This large remote area is located about an hour north of Reno and has miles of high desert trails that consist mostly of dry, rocky and rugged terrain and sandy washes. Most of the vegetation is sagebrush and scrub brush so come prepared with your own shade and water.
Recent improvements include trail signage, kiosks and loading ramps and there are plans to add picnic tables, fire rings, graveled parking and restrooms. The riding area is still very remote, about 20 miles from the nearest services in the town of Sutcliffe at the Pyramid Lake Marina. Sutcliffe has a general store, gas station, restaurant and bar, RV campground and boat launch services.
In past years the trails have not seen a tremendous amount of use, probably due to nearby alternatives such as Moon Rocks and Fort Sage OHV Area, but this may change as the areas north of Reno continue to develop. The annual MRANN Diamond Back Hare Scrambles are sometimes hosted on and around these trails in the springtime.
REGULATIONS
| Permit Required | Yes | NVOHV sticker required |
| Dates Open | Year-Round | |
| Other ATV Stickers Accepted | Yes | Nevada registration is not required if the vehicle is already registered in another state and will be located in Nevada for no more than 15 days. |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes | A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles. |
| Noise Limit | Yes (96 dB) | |
| Whip Flags | Not Required | |
| Maximum Vehicle Width | No Restriction | |
 Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Permitted | |
 ATVs | Permitted | |
 UTV & SXS | Some Areas | permitted on designated dirt roads |
 SUVs & Jeeps (registered) | Some Areas | permitted on designated dirt roads |
| Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered) | Some Areas | permitted on designated dirt roads |
| 2 Stroke Engines | No Restriction | |
 Camping | Some Areas | (camp in developed sites only) |
 Campfires | Some Areas | (permitted in developed campsites only) |
| Night Riding | Yes | Not Recommended |
| Trail Blazing | Prohibited | riders must stay on trail |
| Rule Enforcement |
TERRAIN
| Approx Size | 46,813 acres (73 sq mi) | |
| Miles Of Trail | 20 | |
| Climate Type | Desert | |
| Elevation | 4400 to 6000 ft. | |
| Trail Maintenance | Marked, Rated, Lightly Maintained | |
| Loose Dirt |  Little | |
| Hard Pack |  Mostly | |
| Sand |  Some | |
| Mud |  None | |
| Dust | Mostly | |
| Rocks | Some | |
| Trees | None | |
| Steep Hills |  Many | |
| Water Crossings | None | |
| Small Jumps |  Few | |
| Large Jumps | None | |
| Berms | Some | |
| Sand/Gravel Pits | None | |
| Single Track | Some | |
| Roads | Few | |
| Shade | None | |
| Hazards | Few | (hazards not marked) |
 Novice | Some | |
 Amateur | Mostly | |
 Expert | Little |
TYPE OF AREA
| Area | Motorized Trails |
| Land | BLM |
GPS POINTS
KEY SERVICES
 Gasoline | 20-30 Miles (E) | Pyramid Lake Lodge (775) 476-0400 |
| Diesel | 20-30 Miles (E) | Pyramid Lake Lodge (775) 476-0400 |
 Water | 20-30 Miles (E) | Pyramid Lake Marina Campground (775) 476-1156 |
 RV Hookup | 20-30 Miles (E) | Pyramid Lake Marina Campground (775) 476-1156 |
 RV Disposal | 20-30 Miles (E) | Pyramid Lake Marina Campground (775) 476-1156 |
| Campground | 20-30 Miles (E) | Pyramid Lake Marina Campground (775) 476-1156 |
 Conv Store | 20-30 Miles (E) | Pyramid Lake Lodge (775) 476-0400 |
FEES & PASSES
| Parking | (None) |
| Entry | (None) |
| Riding | (None) |
| Camping | (None) |
RATINGS
| Our Rating |  Good |
| Recommended Stay | Full Day |
| Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
| Nearest City | Flanigan, NV | ||
| Address | Surprise Valley Road, Reno, NV 89510 | ||
| From: Reno, NV
1) Take SR-445/Pyramid Hwy north about 57 miles **Road turns to dirt at around 40 miles** 2) Cross over railroad tracks and take the first dirt road to the left 3) Continue about 1 miles toward staging area. For the Turn of the Road Staging Area: 4) From SR-445 turn left (west) onto High Rock Road, continue about 9 miles 5) Staging area is on the right. |
OFFICIAL CONTACTS
| Contact Info | BLM - Eagle Lake Field Office 2550 Riverside Drive Susanville, CA 96130 (530) 257-0456 blm_ca_web_el@blm.gov www.blm.gov |
Dry Valley Trail Photo
Vast open spaces with mountain views are plenty, but there are no trees and no shade.
Dry Valley Trail Photo
The trails are usually pretty dry and dusty with sections of sharp rocks and sand. Some are singletrack.
Dry Valley Trail Photo
This is one of the great views to be had. You can see Pyramid Lake in the backdrop from this hilltop trail.
Dry Valley Trail Photo
This steep downhill with sharp and loose rocks is one of the more challenging parts.
Dry Valley Trail Photo
Eating up some singletrack on the hilltop.
Dry Valley Trail Photo
A single track route that was used in a hare scramble.
Dry Valley Trail Photo
Sharp rock sections like this are typical and although it makes the sand worse, keeping the tire pressures high really helps to avoid flats.
Dry Valley Trail Photo
Dry Valley Trail Photo
Dry Valley Trail Photo
Dry Valley Trail Photo
Dry Valley Trail Photo
RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS