Bare Mountain Mining Road
Mercury mines and technical rock climbing near Death Valley
This forgotten mining road climbs the eastern face of Bare Mountain, winding past abandoned mercury mines and mill sites that once supplied quicksilver to Nevada’s gold operations. The route begins near Beatty and immediately gains elevation through loose volcanic rock and tight switchbacks, passing the ruins of the Bare Mountain Mine and several smaller workings. The old road to the Telluride Mine requires careful navigation around washouts and rockfall, with some sections barely wide enough for a single vehicle on exposed mountainside.
Difficult terrain demanding experienced drivers and capable vehicles—high clearance 4WD with recovery gear essential. Sharp volcanic rock threatens tires, while steep grades and off-camber sections test both vehicle and driver. Best tackled spring through fall, avoiding summer heat that can exceed 110°F. No permits needed, but Beatty is your last fuel stop. The reward is sweeping views across Death Valley and the Amargosa Desert, plus the stark beauty of Nevada’s mining heritage carved into unforgiving desert mountains. Limited camping due to steep terrain and old mine hazards.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 6800 ft |
| Best season | March-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Beatty, Nevada |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner run Bare Mountain Mining Road, or does it need to be built?
Stock rigs will struggle — this trail genuinely requires modified 4WD with skid plates, solid ground clearance, and lockers recommended for the technical rock sections. A bone-stock Wrangler can make it in ideal conditions but risks undercarriage damage on the sharper rock climbs.
When does Bare Mountain Mining Road become impassable, and is it runnable in winter?
The trail is best March through November. Winter months bring snow and ice at the higher elevations near 6,800 ft, making already technical rock sections genuinely dangerous. Check conditions before heading out — desert elevation weather changes fast.
Do you need a permit to run Bare Mountain Mining Road?
No permit required — it's BLM land, so access is free and open. Standard rules apply: pack out your trash, don't disturb the historic mine structures, and stay on established tracks.
What's the hardest section of this trail and what actually makes it technical?
The upper rock climbing sections near the mine area are where rigs get tested — exposed shelves, loose rock, and steep climbs with minimal room for error. The 3,600 ft of elevation gain is compressed into 18 miles, so sustained technical driving, not just one hard obstacle.
How far is the nearest gas from the trailhead, and is there water on the route?
Beatty, Nevada is your last reliable fuel stop — fill up there before you head out. There is no potable water on the trail; bring everything you need for the day, and do not drink from any water sources near the mercury mine sites.
Trail track
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