Home > Nevada > Black Rock Desert

Black Rock Desert

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Trail Map

Other Names

Black Rock Desert Recreation Area, Desert Valley Dunes, Granite Peak, Big Mountain, King Lear Peak, Parrot Peak, Agate Point, Sentinel Rock, Black Rock Desert & High Rock Canyon

Last Known Status

Open

Once an ancient lake, this massive silt playa consists of over 400 square miles of ultra-flat terrain. There are numerous access points and many opportunities for primitive camping. The nearby town of Gerlach has basic supplies only.

Summer temperatures can soar to well above 100F then drop considerably at night. Also note that during the winter months and wet weather conditions, the playa gets very muddy and sticky.

Although there are several hot springs scattered throughout the area, use caution (some water temperatures can range from 160F - 190F). This area is also home to the annual Burning Man Event, which is held the week prior and through Labor Day weekend.

Trail Map... Nearby ATV Trails...

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	Permitted
SUVs & Jeeps (registered)	Permitted
Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered)	Permitted
2 Stroke Engines	No Restriction
Camping	No Restriction	(camp anywhere)
Campfires	No Restriction
Night Riding	Yes
Trail Blazing	Some Areas
Alcohol	No Restriction
Rule Enforcement	Few/Periodic

TERRAIN

Approx Size	256,000 acres (400 sq mi)
Miles Of Trail	25
Climate Type	Desert
Elevation	3800 to 5000 ft.
Trail Maintenance	Unknown
Loose Dirt	Little
Hard Pack	Some
Sand	None
Mud	Mostly
Dust	Some
Rocks	Some
Trees	None
Steep Hills	Few
Water Crossings	Few	large mud puddles form when raining
Small Jumps	Few
Large Jumps	None
Berms	None
Sand/Gravel Pits	None
Single Track	None
Roads	Few
Intersections	Many
Rider Traffic	Few
Shade	None
Ranges/Gunfire	Few
Hazards	Few	(hazards assumed marked but use caution) hot temperatures, easy to get lost, hot springs
Novice	Mostly
Amateur	Some
Expert	Little

TYPE OF AREA

Area	Motorized Trails, Silt Playa

Land

BLM

GPS POINTS

KEY SERVICES

Gasoline	1-5 Miles (E)	Bruno's Texaco (775) 557-2272
Diesel	30+ Miles (E)	Bruno's Texaco (775) 557-2272
Water	30+ Miles (S)	Pyramid Lake RV Park (775) 476-1156
RV Hookup	30+ Miles (S)	Pyramid Lake Marina Campground (775) 476-1156
RV Disposal	30+ Miles (S)	Love's Travel Stop/Fernley (775) 575-2200
Campground	On Site	primitive camping
Conv Store	1-5 Miles (E)	Black Rock Landing Saloon (775) 557-2286

FEES & PASSES

Parking	(None)
Entry	(None)
Riding	(None)
Camping	(None)

RATINGS

Pros	free, open riding, over 400 square miles
Cons	no services, no shade, dry, hot in the summer
Our Rating	Good
Recommended Stay	1-2 Days Spring/Fall
Comments	(Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments)

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Nearest City

Gerlach, NV

Trail Map

From: Reno, NV
1) Take I-80 East to Exit 43
2) At base of ramp turn left (north) onto Hwy 427
3) Continue about 1.5 miles
4) Turn left to stay on Hwy 447
5) Continue north toward the town of Gerlach, about 75 miles
6) Proceed through the outskirts of Gerlach, stage anywhere.

OFFICIAL CONTACTS

Contact Info

BLM - Winnemucca Field Office
5100 E. Winnemucca Blvd
Winnemucca, NV 89445
(775) 623-1500
wfoweb@blm.gov
www.blm.gov

Contact Info	Sylvia Fascio (Owner) Iveson Ranch P.O. Box 269 Gerlach, NV 89412 (775) 557-2804 sylviafascio@gmail.com www.ivesonranch.com
Comment	Primitive RV and tent sites with close proximity to the Black Rock Desert.

Contact Info

Pyramid Lake Lodge
30605 Sutcliffe
Sutcliffe, NV 89424
(775) 476-0400
pyramidlakelodge@gmail.com
www.pyramidlakelodge.com