Bunker Hill Mine Road

The switchbacks start easy enough through pinyon and juniper, but once you hit the limestone shelves above 8,000 feet, Bunker Hill Mine Road turns nasty. This old mining supply route climbs relentlessly to the Ruby Mountains’ highest ghost town, where the Bunker Hill Mine pulled millions in silver from 1869 to 1893. The final mile to the headframe requires careful tire placement on loose rock shelves with thousand-foot exposure. Original mine buildings still stand, including the superintendent’s house and assay office.

Expert-level terrain demands lockers, skid plates, and confidence on narrow ledges. The limestone gets greasy when wet, making this a dry-weather-only proposition from June through October. No permits, but this is serious backcountry — bring recovery gear, extra water, and let someone know your route. The payoff is massive: 360-degree views from the Ruby Crest, Nevada’s most pristine ghost town, and knowing you’ve driven one of the state’s most technical mining roads.