Home > Nevada > Panaca Trails

Panaca Trails

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Trail Map

Other Names

Panaca, Meadow Valley Wash, Panaca Spring, Condor Canyon, Panaca Hills, Black Hill, Harnlight Canyon

Last Known Status

Open

With a large play area, variety of trails, makeshift motocross track plus a small sand dune, this place has a little of everything. There is even a small but pleasant pond at the main staging area that makes for a decent swimming hole if you dare.

The scenery is unique and has a sort of badlands feel, with crusty hill climbs that lead to some panoramic views of the surrounding valley and desert. The area is open year-round, and while there are no fees charged to camp or ride, there are no amenities, so come prepared.

The trails are open year-round and while there is no fee charged to camp or ride, there are also no amenities so come prepared. Visitors should note that some of the land to the north is private property, and to respect signage to avoid trespassing.

OHV Area Map... Nearby ATV OHV Areas...

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	Some Areas	(permitted in developed campsites only)
Night Riding	Yes	Not Recommended
Trail Blazing	Prohibited	stay on trail
Alcohol	No Restriction
Rule Enforcement	None
Comment	be aware staging area is surrounded by private property

TERRAIN

Approx Size	10,880 acres (17 sq mi)
Miles Of Trail	30
Climate Type	Desert
Elevation	5000 to 5750 ft.
Trail Maintenance	Not Marked, Not Rated, Not Maintained
Loose Dirt	Little
Hard Pack	Mostly
Sand	Little
Mud	Little
Dust	Some
Rocks	Some
Trees	Few
Steep Hills	Some
Water Crossings	Few
Small Jumps	Many
Large Jumps	Few
Berms	Few
Sand/Gravel Pits	Few
Single Track	Few
Roads	Some
Intersections	Few
Rider Traffic	Few
Shade	Few
Ranges/Gunfire	Few
Hazards	Many	(hazards not marked) Beware of cliffs.
Novice	Some
Amateur	Some
Expert	Some

TYPE OF AREA

Area	Motorized Trails, Off-Road Dunes

Land

BLM

GPS POINTS

KEY SERVICES

Gasoline	1-5 Miles (W)	Panaca
Diesel	1-5 Miles (W)	Panaca
Water	1-5 Miles (S)	Panaca
RV Hookup	1-5 Miles (S)	Panaca - Dotson's Trailer Park (775) 728-4250
RV Disposal	1-5 Miles (S)	Panaca - Dotson's Trailer Park (775) 728-4250
Campground	1-5 Miles (W)	Cathedral Gorge State Park
Conv Store	1-5 Miles (S)	Panaca

FEES & PASSES

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

RATINGS

Pros	gorgeous canyon, nice play areas, pleasant pond at staging area
Cons	certain parts are difficult to find, trails are not marked or rated
Our Rating	Good
Recommended Stay	Half Day spring
Comments	(Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments)

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Nearest City

Panaca, NV

Trail Map

From: Caliente, NV
1) Take Hwy 93 North to Panaca (approx. 14 miles)
2) Turn right (east) on 319, continue approx. 1 1/4 mile
3) Turn left (north) on N 5th Street (in the downtown area), follow approx. 1 1/4 mile
4) Staging area will be on the right next to Panaca Spring (a small pond with a single tree).