Delamar Dry Lake Road
Ghost town to dry lake desert adventure
Delamar Dry Lake Road connects the substantial ruins of Delamar ghost town with one of southern Nevada’s most impressive dry lakebeds, crossing 15 miles of classic Great Basin desert. Delamar was once Nevada’s third-largest city, and the cemetery tells the grim story of silicosis deaths that earned it the nickname ‘Widowmaker of the West.’ The road itself is mostly graded dirt that any decent truck can handle, ending at the vast white expanse of Delamar Dry Lake where you can camp anywhere the eye can see.
This is easy desert touring suitable for stock high-clearance vehicles in dry conditions. The road can get sticky after rain, so check weather before heading out. Spring and fall offer the best temperatures, though winter camping can be spectacular if you’re prepared for cold nights. No permits needed and dispersed camping is allowed throughout. Bring plenty of water and shade – this is genuine desert country with no services for 60 miles. The payoff is huge skies, absolute silence, and some of the most photogenic ghost town ruins in Nevada.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 15 mi / 24.1 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4200 ft |
| Best season | October-May |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Caliente, Nevada |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Subaru Outback handle Delamar Dry Lake Road?
Yes, any stock high-clearance vehicle can handle this easy dirt road. The surface is well-maintained with no technical obstacles.
Is the trail accessible during summer months?
Avoid summer - temperatures regularly exceed 110°F with zero shade. October through May offers comfortable conditions for this exposed desert route.
Do I need permits or pay fees to camp at Delamar Dry Lake?
No permits or fees required. This is BLM land with free dispersed camping throughout the area.
What's the most challenging part of this trail?
The soft sand approaching the dry lakebed can be tricky - maintain momentum and air down tires if you start sinking. Otherwise it's straightforward driving.
How much fuel range do I need for this trip?
Plan for at least 100 miles of range beyond the 30-mile round trip, as Caliente has limited services and the nearest reliable fuel is 50+ miles away.