Big Smoky Valley Railroad Grade
Nevada Central Railroad's silver boom legacy
Follow the ghost of Nevada’s mining boom along the original Nevada Central Railroad grade that hauled silver ore from the Reese River district to Belmont’s mills. The route climbs through Monitor Pass at 7,000 feet, offering panoramic views of the Toiyabe Range while passing stone foundations, abandoned mine shafts, and the remains of Clifton station. You’ll cross Big Smoky Valley’s endless sagebrush flats before climbing into the Toquima Range toward Belmont’s remarkably preserved courthouse.
Moderate to difficult depending on conditions, with loose rock and steep grades through the mountain passes. Stock 4WD with skid plates recommended – the railroad grade includes some technical rocky sections. Best from May through October when snow clears the high passes. No fuel or water available on route, so tank up in Austin. This route delivers true Nevada isolation with incredible geological diversity and mining history most overlanders never see.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Historic Route |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 75 mi / 120.7 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7000 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Austin, Nevada |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler run this trail without modifications?
A stock 4WD with decent ground clearance and skid plates can handle it. Lifted rigs have more comfort margin on the rougher sections, but this isn't a locker-required trail — decent approach angle and a belly skid matter more than lift height.
When does the trail typically open after winter and is snow a real concern?
May through October is the reliable window. The route tops out near 7,000 feet through the Toiyabe Mountains, so late spring snowpack can linger into May and early fall storms can catch you off guard in September. Check recent trip reports before committing.
Do I need a permit to run this trail or camp along it?
No permit required — this is BLM land with dispersed camping allowed throughout. No fees, no reservation system. Follow Leave No Trace and don't camp within 200 feet of water sources.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what makes it technical?
The route is rated moderate overall, but the grades climbing through the Toiyabe range are where most rigs feel it — loose surface, sustained climbs with 3,200 feet of total gain, and shelf road sections where a mistake has consequences. It's not boulder-crawling technical, it's commitment and situational awareness technical.
There's no cell service for 75 miles — how do I handle the fuel and water situation between Austin and Belmont?
Austin is your last fuel stop heading south — top off there. Belmont is a ghost town with nothing open, so plan fuel for the full 75-mile run plus a buffer. Water sources exist in the backcountry but they're seasonal and unreliable; carry all drinking water you need for 2-3 days.
Trail track
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