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Black Rock Desert

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

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 StatusOpen

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 RequiredYesNVOHV sticker required
Dates OpenYear-Round
Other ATV Stickers AcceptedYesNevada 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 ArrestorYesA spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles.
Noise LimitYes (96 dB)
Whip FlagsNot Required
Maximum Vehicle WidthNo Restriction
Allow Dirt Bikes, Trail Bikes and Motorcycles Motorcycles & Dirt BikesPermitted
Allow All Terrain Vehicles / Quads / Four Wheelers ATVsPermitted
Allow Utility Terrain Vehicles, Side by Sides (SXS), RZR UTV & SXSPermitted
Allow 4x4 Jeeps, SUVs and 4 x 4 Trucks with License Plates SUVs & Jeeps (registered)Permitted
Dune Buggy & Sand Rail
4x4 (unregistered)
Permitted
2 Stroke EnginesNo Restriction
Camping / Overnight RV Parking CampingNo Restriction(camp anywhere)
Campfire Restrictions CampfiresNo Restriction
Night RidingYes
Trail BlazingSome Areas
AlcoholNo Restriction
Rule EnforcementFew/Periodic
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TERRAIN

Approx Size256,000 acres (400 sq mi)
Miles Of Trail25
Climate TypeDesert
Elevation3800 to 5000 ft.
Trail MaintenanceUnknown
Loose DirtThis trail has little loose dirt.Little
Hard PackThe trail has some hard pack terrain.Some
SandThis trail has no sandy areas.None
MudThe trail has mostly mud after it rains.Mostly
DustThe trail has some dust on typical days.Some
RocksThis trail has some rocks.Some
TreesThe trail has no trees.None
Steep HillsThis trail has few steep hills.Few
Water CrossingsThe trail has few water crossings.Fewlarge mud puddles form when raining
Small JumpsThis trail has few small jumps.Few
Large JumpsThis trail has no large jumps.None
BermsThe trail has no berms.None
Sand/Gravel PitsThis BLM land has no sand or gravel pits.None
Single TrackThis BLM land has no single track trails.None
RoadsThis BLM land has few roads.Few
IntersectionsThis trail has many intersections.Many
Rider TrafficThe BLM land has few rider traffic on typical days.Few
ShadeThis BLM land has no shaded areas.None
Ranges/GunfireThis BLM land has few shooting ranges or gunfire.Few
HazardsThis trail has few hazards.Few(hazards assumed marked but use caution)
hot temperatures, easy to get lost, hot springs
Easy Terrain NoviceThis trail has mostly beginner terrain.Mostly
Moderate Terrain AmateurThis trail has some intermediate level terrain.Some
Difficult Terrain ExpertThis trail has little expert terrain.Little

TYPE OF AREA

AreaMotorized Trails, Silt Playa
LandBLM

KEY SERVICES

Gasoline Gasoline1-5 Miles (E)Bruno's Texaco (775) 557-2272
Diesel Diesel30+ Miles (E)Bruno's Texaco (775) 557-2272
Potable Water Water30+ Miles (S)Pyramid Lake RV Park (775) 476-1156
RV Hookups RV Hookup30+ Miles (S)Pyramid Lake Marina Campground (775) 476-1156
RV Dump Station RV Disposal30+ Miles (S)Love's Travel Stop/Fernley (775) 575-2200
Primitive Camping CampgroundOn Siteprimitive camping
Convenience Store Conv Store1-5 Miles (E)Black Rock Landing Saloon (775) 557-2286

FEES & PASSES

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

RATINGS

Prosfree, open riding, over 400 square miles
Consno services, no shade, dry, hot in the summer
Our RatingRatingGood
Recommended Stay1-2 Days
Spring/Fall
Comments(Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments)

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Nearest CityGerlach, NV
Go Back To Nevada List
Trail MapGo To 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 InfoBLM - Winnemucca Field Office
5100 E. Winnemucca Blvd
Winnemucca, NV 89445
(775) 623-1500
wfoweb@blm.gov
www.blm.gov
Contact InfoSylvia Fascio (Owner)
Iveson Ranch
P.O. Box 269
Gerlach, NV 89412
(775) 557-2804
sylviafascio@gmail.com
www.ivesonranch.com
CommentPrimitive RV and tent sites with close proximity to the Black Rock Desert.
Contact InfoPyramid Lake Lodge
30605 Sutcliffe
Sutcliffe, NV 89424
(775) 476-0400
pyramidlakelodge@gmail.com
www.pyramidlakelodge.com

RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS

Black Rock Desert Trail Photo

Black Rock Desert Trail

Photo Submitted 4/12/2015 (Thanks!)

Black Rock Desert Trail Photo

Black Rock Desert Trail

Photo Submitted 3/7/2017 (Thanks!)

Black Rock Desert Trail Photo

Black Rock Desert Trail

Photo Submitted 1/29/2014 (Thanks!)

Black Rock Desert Trail Photo

Black Rock Desert Trail

Photo Submitted 4/12/2015 (Thanks!)

Black Rock Desert Trail Photo

Black Rock Desert Trail

Photo Submitted 7/23/2011 (Thanks!)

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