Calico Mountains Wilderness Loop — Black Rock Desert Rim to High Rock Canyon
Volcanic walls, playa dust, and zero cell bars.
The Calico Mountains rise as a crumbling volcanic wall above the northwest edge of the Black Rock Desert playa, and the backcountry road that circles their base is one of the least-traveled overland routes in Nevada. Starting from the dusty crossroads at Gerlach, the loop climbs north through eroded badlands past Double Hot Springs — a pair of boiling pools ringed with mineral deposits — then traverses the Calico Range flanks before dropping into the southern end of High Rock Canyon, where 600-foot rhyolite walls close in tight and the road becomes a rocky, rutted track that demands attention. Native American petroglyphs mark the canyon walls, and the emigrant trail ruts from the 1840s Applegate-Lassen cutoff are still visible in places.
High clearance and 4WD are essential once you leave the gravel county roads; the canyon section requires low-range and has several rocky ledge drops that will punish stock suspension. Run this in spring or fall — summer heat on the playa is brutal and the canyon bakes. Water is scarce; carry everything you need. No permits required for the BLM sections, but the High Rock Lake area has a small fee campsite. Nearest fuel is Gerlach or Cedarville, California. Cell service: forget it.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Overland Route, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 78 mi / 125.5 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 6380 ft |
| Best season | April-June, September-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Gerlach, Nevada |
| Land manager | BLM — Winnemucca District |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | blm.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Land Cruiser handle this trail without modifications?
A stock high-clearance 4WD will get through, but you'll be working it hard on the rocky volcanic sections near High Rock Canyon. Skid plates are strongly advised — the lava rock is jagged and unforgiving on anything hanging low under the frame.
When does the trail become impassable and what closes it out?
Spring snowmelt and fall rains turn the playa-edge and dirt sections into axle-deep mud traps — sometimes overnight. Stick to April–June and September–October; July and August bring brutal heat with zero shade and water sources dry up fast.
Do I need a permit to run this route or camp out here?
No permit required for vehicle travel or dispersed camping — it's BLM land managed out of the Winnemucca District Office. Standard BLM dispersed camping rules apply: 14-day stay limit, pack out everything, stay 200 feet from water sources.
What's the hardest section and what specifically makes it technical?
The approach into High Rock Canyon is the crux — loose volcanic rock shelves, off-camber ledges, and narrow shelf road with no guardrails and significant exposure on the canyon rim. One bad line here and you're on your side; take it slow and walk it first if you're unsure.
How far is the nearest gas from the trailhead and can I find water on route?
Gerlach is the last fuel stop and it's sparse — top off there and carry extra because there's nothing on the 78-mile loop. Water sources exist but are seasonal and unreliable; carry a minimum of 10 gallons for the rig and filter everything you pull from springs along the canyon.
Trail track
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