Gerlach to Soldier Meadows Hot Springs Road

This 50-mile desert track runs north from Gerlach through the heart of the Black Rock Desert playa, past the infamous Burning Man site, toward Soldier Meadows Ranch and its cluster of natural hot springs. The route crosses the same alkali flats where land speed records were set, threading between isolated mountain ranges through country that hasn’t changed much since the wagon train days. You’ll pass Fly Ranch Geyser (private property, visible from road) and navigate several sandy washes where the old emigrant trail crossed.

Moderate difficulty with soft sand sections and occasional washouts after storms. Stock 4WD with good clearance handles it fine, but bring extra water, food, and fuel—services are 100+ miles away. Best tackled April through October when the playa isn’t a muddy mess. The hot springs at trail’s end make camping worth it, though they’re on private ranch land requiring permission. It’s proper Nevada backcountry—big sky, endless views, and the kind of solitude that reminds you why folks head into the desert in the first place.