Ophir Creek Canyon Mining Road
Gold rush canyon with creek crossings and mill ruins.
Ophir Creek Canyon cuts deep into the Pine Nut Mountains east of Carson City, following the old mining road to gold and silver claims that produced millions in the late 1800s. The trail crosses Ophir Creek multiple times as it climbs through narrow canyon walls lined with quaking aspen and mountain mahogany. Remnants of the Ophir Mill still stand at mile 6, where a massive stamp mill once crushed ore from the surrounding hillside mines.
This is a difficult trail requiring experienced drivers and well-equipped 4WD vehicles with skid plates. Creek crossings can be treacherous during spring snowmelt, and the upper section involves loose rock and steep grades. Summer through early fall provides the best conditions, though check with locals about recent weather. No permits needed, but private mining claims still exist, so respect posted boundaries. The technical challenge and mining history make this a favorite among serious Nevada wheelers looking for something beyond the usual suspects.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7200 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Carson City, Nevada |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| 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 Tacoma or 4Runner handle Ophir Creek Canyon, or do I need a built rig?
Stock rigs will get hurt here. You need a modified 4WD with a minimum 2-3 inches of lift, skid plates front and rear, and all-terrain tires — the rock shelf sections will tear up factory underbellies. Lockers are a serious advantage on the steeper canyon pitches.
When does Ophir Creek Canyon open up in spring, and is it driveable in fall?
Best window is June through October. Spring snowmelt pushes the creek crossings high and fast through May — don't attempt it before the water drops. October is generally solid, but early storms can close the upper elevation sections fast, so watch weather before you go.
Do I need a permit to run Ophir Creek Canyon or camp out there?
No permit required — it's BLM land and dispersed camping is allowed. There are no fees. Follow Leave No Trace, don't camp within 200 feet of the creek, and respect any posted mine closures around the historic structures.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what actually makes it tough?
The canyon narrows mid-route where exposed rock shelves drop off the trail edge and require precise line selection — there's no room for error and no easy bailout. Add in multiple creek crossings on slick rock beds and 2,400 feet of elevation change packed into 18 miles, and the back half of this trail will push a capable driver.
How deep are the creek crossings on Ophir Creek, and do I need a snorkel?
Crossing depth varies significantly by season — early June can see 18-24 inches, while late summer typically drops to 8-12 inches. A snorkel isn't required in normal late-summer conditions, but know your diff and intake heights before you roll in, and scout every crossing on foot first.
Trail track
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