Nestled between the Black Rock Desert to the south and the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge to the north, Massacre Ranch Recreation Area is about as far from civilization one can get in northwestern Nevada. The Recreation Area sits in a unique desert setting with high rims and vistas and surrounded by willows, aspens, and meadows. Vast expanses of sage-brush steppes and valleys that seem to stretch on past the horizon provide a seemingly endless number of trails to be explored.
The Massacre Rim has recently been designated as one of only 12 International Dark Sky Sanctuaries due to its remoteness and the area provides excellent night-time astrophotography opportunities.
While the nighttime stargazing is a great reason for visiting this area, there is still much to be said for exploration and solitude during the day time hours here as well. Other recreational opportunities include camping, hiking, and horseback riding. Iconic Nevadan wildlife such as sage-grouse, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn allow for excellent wildlife viewing during the day as well.
Currently, off-road vehicles are only allowed on designated roads and not allowed within the study area. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the sanctuary and there are a few designated spots along the outskirts.
Given that portions of the Massacre Rim are near designated wilderness, only hikers and equestrians are allowed within the wilderness boundary. Motorized and mechanized use is only permitted on surrounding non-wilderness trails. Please be respectful of the wilderness boundary and only travel on designated roads and trails for your activity type. Horses are allowed and only certified weed free hay can be brought in.
This sanctuary is very remote, cell phone service and other resources may be scares. The closest gas stations are in Cedarville, Ca, Gerlach, NV, and Denio, NV.
Most established campsites are located in the Black Rock Desert, just south of the Massacre Rim study area.
Primitive camping at Massacre Ranch features a cabin that is available as a first come, first served for up to seven consecutive nights.
Off-road vehicles are NOT permitted within the sanctuary boundary.
For more information visit the BLM Massacre Rim website or contact:
Download map files for your own use.
Massacre Ranch is located north of High Rock Canyon Wilderness, 3-miles east of Nevada Highway 8A, and approximately 45-miles east of Cedarville, California, in northern Washoe County, Nevada.
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