Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park Mining Loop
Ghost town meets prehistoric ocean fossils
The Berlin-Ichthyosaur Mining Loop connects two of Nevada’s most unusual attractions: a perfectly preserved 1890s mining camp and the world’s most concentrated ichthyosaur fossil beds, all linked by 15 miles of rough mining roads through the Shoshone Mountains. The route follows the original Union Canyon freight road past tailings piles from the Berlin Mill and climbs through juniper forests to the fossil house at 7,000 feet. Key waypoints include the intact Berlin headframe and the Diana Mine ruins where silver ore was processed until 1911.
This moderate trail requires high-clearance vehicles and skilled driving through rocky washes and steep switchbacks carved by ore wagons 130 years ago. Spring and fall offer the best conditions, though winter access is possible with chains. The park provides water and restrooms at Berlin, but camping requires self-sufficiency. What makes this route special is the combination of industrial archaeology and paleontology you won’t find anywhere else in the Great Basin. Have a dirty day.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 15 mi / 24.1 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7100 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Gabbs, Nevada |
| Land manager | Nevada State Parks |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | parks.nv.gov |
| 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
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or high-clearance 2WD truck handle this loop?
Yes. The trail is rated for high-clearance 2WD, so a stock 4Runner, Tacoma, or similar rig with decent ground clearance will manage it fine. 4WD helps on the rockier mining road sections but isn't strictly required in dry conditions.
When does the trail close, and can you run it in winter?
Best season is April through November. Winter snow at 7,100 ft can make the dirt and gravel sections impassable, and the park may restrict access — call Nevada State Parks before attempting anything outside that window.
Do you need a permit to drive this loop?
Yes, a permit is required — this is a Nevada State Park. Day-use fees apply, and if you're camping, you'll need a campsite reservation or at minimum check current dispersed camping rules with Nevada State Parks directly at parks.nv.gov.
What's the hardest section of the loop and what should I expect?
The roughest stretch runs through the old mining roads on the upper portion of the loop — loose rock, embedded boulders, and uneven surfaces with no room for error on some shelf sections. Nothing technically extreme, but it demands attention and a sober throttle foot.
Is there any water or fuel available near the trailhead?
No water on trail and zero services at the trailhead — Gabbs is the nearest town and it's minimal. Fill tanks and water before leaving Fallon or Hawthorne, as Gabbs may not have reliable fuel availability. Cell service is nonexistent on the entire loop, so don't count on GPS data updates once you're in.
Trail track
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