Kingston Canyon Mining Road
Brutal tungsten mine climb to alpine lakes
This brutal 14-mile climb follows the old tungsten mining road up Kingston Canyon in the Toiyabe Range, gaining 3,400 feet to reach the abandoned Belmont Mine complex at 9,200 feet elevation. Built during WWII to supply strategic tungsten ore, the road deteriorates into loose shale switchbacks above timberline, with a notorious rock garden at mile 11 that’s claimed more than a few oil pans. The payoff: Kingston Lake sits in a perfect cirque surrounded by 10,000-foot peaks.
Difficult trail demanding experienced drivers and capable rigs — articulation, skid plates, and low-range mandatory. Summer-only access due to snow, typically July through September. No permits but bring recovery gear and extra fuel. Zero cell service once you leave the highway. Dispersed camping at the lake for those who make it. What you get: genuine high-alpine Nevada that most never see, pristine fishing, and bragging rights for conquering one of the state’s toughest mining roads. This isn’t for weekend warriors.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote |
| Length (miles) | 14 mi / 22.5 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 9200 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Built 4WD with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Austin, Nevada |
| Land manager | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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