Six Mile Canyon Road
Comstock silver trail through Devil's Gate
Six Mile Canyon Road cuts through the heart of Nevada’s Virginia Range, following the same route that hauled millions in silver and gold from the Comstock Lode to Carson City in the 1860s. The trail winds through sagebrush-covered hills dotted with mining ruins, including the crumbling foundations of the old Six Mile Station and scattered ore processing equipment. Technical rocky climbs and loose shale descents demand attention, especially around the Devil’s Gate narrows where the road squeezes between towering rock walls.
This moderate trail requires high-clearance 4WD with skid plates recommended for the sharper rock sections. The route runs roughly 18 miles from US-395 near Carson City to Virginia City, with multiple dispersed camping spots along Flowery Peak. Best tackled April through October when snow doesn’t block the higher elevations. No permits required, but carry extra water and a full-size spare — the jagged volcanic rock here has ended more than a few trips early.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Historic, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 6200 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Carson City, Nevada |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
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