Reno to Winnemucca Backcountry Route
Pioneer route across Nevada's remote heart
This backcountry route traces the path of early pioneers and prospectors across Nevada’s Great Basin, connecting Reno to Winnemucca through a maze of mining roads and forgotten trails. The route passes through the ghost towns of Rochester and Oreana, where stamp mill foundations and tailings piles tell stories of Nevada’s boom-and-bust mining era. Long stretches cross open desert flats broken by sudden climbs into pine-covered mountains, with the challenging ascent over Trinity Pass testing both driver skill and vehicle capability.
Rated difficult due to remote location and navigation complexity rather than technical obstacles, this route demands GPS, paper maps, and self-recovery gear. Stock 4WD vehicles can handle most sections, but high clearance helps with the rockier mountain passes. Plan 2-3 days for the full 280-mile journey, carrying sufficient fuel for 400+ miles and water for extended desert travel. Best season runs May through September. Multiple dispersed camping opportunities exist, but you’ll be truly alone out here — exactly what makes this route special.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 280 mi / 451 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7400 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Reno, Nevada |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| 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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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler handle this trail?
Yes, any stock 4WD with high clearance will make it through fine. The rocky sections and washouts require decent ground clearance, but it's not technical rock crawling.
Is this trail passable in winter?
No, snow blocks the higher passes from October through April. Stick to May-September when the mountain sections are clear and weather is stable.
Do I need any permits for this BLM route?
No permits required - it's all public BLM land. Just follow Leave No Trace principles and camp in existing dispersed sites where possible.
What's the hardest part of this 280-mile route?
The rocky descent through Star Canyon and the washout-prone sections after heavy rains. Take your time and pick good lines through the loose rock.
How much fuel range do I need for this crossing?
Plan for at least 300 miles of range - there's no gas between Reno and Winnemucca on this backcountry route. Carry extra fuel if your rig gets poor mileage.