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Eldorado Canyon

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Trail Map

Other Names

Pine Nut Mountains, Dayton, Carson City Foothills, Fort Churchill, Eureka Canyon, Santiago Canyon, Hedcett Canyon, Bismark Peak, Fort Churchill Road

Last Known Status

Open

This area near Dayton offers some scenery that's a cut above the typical Nevada sand and sage. The trails get a little bit rocky, but if you like stream and creek crossings, you'll want to hit this place during spring thaw when the creek washes out over the parts of the trail.

Due to the elevation and the shade from the trees you may find some trails blocked by snow even in the late spring. You can can stage or camp at the trailhead or there are some primitive camping spots along the trail on your way up the canyon, but a 4x4 is recommended to access anything past the base of the canyon.

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	season permitting
Night Riding	Yes	Not Recommended very rocky in spots - would be a difficult night ride
Trail Blazing	Permitted	BLM - ride anywhere, but tread lightly
Alcohol	No Restriction
Rule Enforcement	None

TERRAIN

Approx Size	233,600 acres (365 sq mi)
Climate Type	High Desert & Forest
Elevation	4500 to 6200 ft.
Trail Maintenance	Not Marked, Not Rated, Not Maintained
Loose Dirt	Some
Hard Pack	Some
Sand	Some
Mud	Some
Dust	Some
Rocks	Mostly
Trees	Some
Steep Hills	Some	steep hill climbs on sides of canyon, not on trail
Water Crossings	Some	15-20 stream crossings (seasonal)
Small Jumps	Few
Large Jumps	None
Berms	Few
Sand/Gravel Pits	None
Single Track	Few	70% roads, 30% narrow trails
Roads	Some
Intersections	Few
Rider Traffic	Few
Shade	Some
Ranges/Gunfire	Few
Hazards	Few	(hazards not marked) Beware of open mine shafts, cliffs.
Novice	Little
Amateur	Mostly
Expert	Some
Comment	Canyon trail is moderate difficulty with many stream crossings and rocks.

TYPE OF AREA

Area	Motorized Trails

Land

BLM

GPS POINTS

KEY SERVICES

Gasoline	1-5 Miles (NW)	Dayton Chevron (775) 246-9990
Diesel	1-5 Miles (NW)	Dayton Chevron (775) 246-9990
Water	1-5 Miles (NW)	Dayton RV Park (775) 246-9300
RV Hookup	1-5 Miles (NW)	Dayton RV Park (775) 246-9300
RV Disposal	1-5 Miles (N)	Dayton State Park (775) 687-5678 available Memorial Day through Labor Day
Campground	On Site	primitive camping along trail - 4x4 required
Conv Store	1-5 Miles (NW)	Dayton Chevron (775) 246-9990

FEES & PASSES

Parking	(None)
Entry	(None)
Riding	(None)
Camping	(None)
Comment	BLM, but beware private land, near entrance & along Schaad Lane

RATINGS

Pros	many stream crossings, good variety, secluded, excellent scenery
Cons	a little rocky, no services
Our Rating	Very Good
Recommended Stay	Full Day mid spring
Comments	(Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments)

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Nearest City

Dayton, NV

Address

Old Como Road, Dayton, NV 89403

Trail Map

From: Carson City, NV
1) 50 East to Dayton
2) Downtown Dayton (stop light)
3) Take right on Dayton Valley Road, continue .3 miles
4) Turn right on Old Como Road, drive pass high school until road turns to gravel
5) Staging area is marked.