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Dry Valley OHV Area

Take a day trip out of Reno, into the rugged, high desert sage trails of Dry Valley!
Trail Uses
Utv/jeep driving Atv riding Dirt biking
Location
Washoe County
Length
163.00 miles (Network)
Town
Reno
Surface
Dirt, Sand
Pets
Permitted on Leash
Fees
No
Wilderness Study Areas
Dry Valley Rim Wilderness Study Area, Skedaddle Wilderness Study Area
Other Activities
Hiking Mountain Biking E-biking Horseback Riding

Description

The Dry Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Area covers over 73 square miles (46,813 acres) in central Washoe County, about 75 miles north of Reno on U.S. 395. Dispersed camping is allowed, no ADA accessibility. Extensive road networks provide many potential loop trails. Staging is available at two trailheads - Turn of the Road Trailhead and Mission Wells Trailhead. Here there are amenities such as graveled entrances, restrooms, picnic areas, and visitor information. The Dry Valley OHV area trails are open for multi-use and is frequented by hikers, bikers and equestrians, keep an eye out and be respectful of other recreators.

There are a variety of trail difficulties and trail terrain varies from flat and sandy, to high desert sagebrush, to steep lava rock canyons. Trails will have signage designating acceptable use depending on width and terrain.

Wildlife and Livestock:

Wild Horses, burros, and cattle can be encountered in the Dry Valley area at any time of year. Please observe all wildlife from a safe distance. Do not feed wildlife, as this habituates wildlife to humans and alters natural behaviors. Remember to close all gates after passing through.

Please do your part to keep Dry Valley open by staying on the designated trails in the area.

Remember to go over, not around, obstacles on designated routes to avoid unnecessarily widening the trail. Trails often run alongside private properties and utilities.

The entire valley is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

Other Information

Always plan ahead and prepare for uncertainty. Travel with warm clothing, first aid, food, water and appropriate tools to fix a problem. Traveling in groups is always a good idea, as well as informing someone of where you will be going.

BLM - Dry Valley

Rider Planet

Trail Manager

For more information, contact:

Bureau of Land Management - Eagle Lake Field Office

Bureau of Land Management - Eagle Lake Field Office
Bureau of Land Management - Eagle Lake Field Office
2550 Riverside Drive
Susanville, California 96130
Phone: 5302570456
BLM_CA_Web_EL@blm.gov
View website

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Trailhead Information

To reach the Dry Valley OHV area from Susanville, California:

  • Take State Route 36 South to the stoplight at the junction of U.S. Highway 395 and turn left.
  • Continue on U.S. 395 North about 15 miles to Wendel Road and turn right.
  • Continue about 21 miles to the Nevada state line (the pavement ends and the road becomes High Rock Road). The Turn of the Road trailhead is located directly north of High Rock Road.
    • To access the Mission Wells Trailhead, travel 12 more miles on High Rock Road and turn left onto Sand Pass.
    • Continue on Sand Pass for about half a mile over the train tracks to Dry Valley Road on the left. Follow the signs to the trailhead.
Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
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