The best MTB trails in Pershing County
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Mountain bike trails in Pershing County, Nevada, traverse a rugged and diverse landscape characterized by vast sagebrush plains and prominent mountain ranges like the Humboldt Range. The region offers a high desert environment with significant natural features, including the expansive Black Rock Desert. Riders can explore varied terrain, from long, flat stretches to routes with considerable elevation gain. This area provides a sense of wilderness for those seeking adventurous off-road cycling experiences.
Best mountain bike trails in Pershing County
- The…
Last updated: May 10, 2026
11.7km
01:28
490m
490m
Get ready for a solid mountain biking workout on the Water Canyon Trail. This moderate route spans 7.2 miles (11.7 km) and challenges you with 1618 feet (493 metres) of…
8.20km
01:13
560m
560m
Embark on a moderate mountain biking adventure along Dry Canyon Road to Unnamed Peak, a route that spans 5.1 miles (8.2 km) and climbs 1828 feet (557 metres). You can…
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22.3km
03:14
1,360m
1,360m
Embark on the Sonoma Peak Access Trail for a challenging mountain biking adventure that spans 13.9 miles (22.3 km) and climbs a significant 4447 feet (1355 metres). This difficult route…
14.5km
02:06
860m
860m
Get ready for a moderate mountain biking adventure on the Water Canyon and Sonoma Crest Loop, a 9.0 miles (14.5 km) route that promises a dynamic ride. You'll tackle a…
30.9km
04:02
1,450m
1,450m
The Sonoma Peak and Sonoma Lake Loop offers a challenging mountain biking experience through varied landscapes. You will encounter extensive singletrack sections, with some trails featuring punchy climbs and flowing…
78.7km
07:04
40m
40m
Imagine mountain biking across the vast, ancient lakebed of the Black Rock Desert, where the horizon stretches endlessly under an immense sky. This difficult 48.9-mile (78.7 km) route offers a…
34.7km
03:19
10m
10m
Embark on a moderate mountain biking adventure through the Black Rock Desert, a unique landscape shaped by ancient waters. This 21.6 miles (34.7 km) route, with a minimal 45 feet…
60.2km
04:24
250m
250m
Embark on the Steamboat Mountain loop for a moderate mountain biking adventure across the vast, open landscapes of the Black Rock Desert. This route spans 37.4 miles (60.2 km) and…
164km
13:18
490m
490m
Embark on the Soldier Meadows Campground & Hot Springs loop, a difficult mountain biking adventure spanning 102.2 miles (164.5 km) through the remote Black Rock Desert. You will navigate a…
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Tips from the Community
Riding to the summit of Steamboat isn't all that interesting and you might need to walk up the steeper sections, but the views from the top are excellent.
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This basic cabin is available on a first come first served basis and is free of charge. You'll find a wood stove, vault toiler, and plenty of room to make yourself comfortable. The nearby meadows and hot springs are great to explore from this cabin as your base.
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Soldier Meadows gets its name from the Civil War era, when a Camp McGarry was built in the newly admitted state. These days there are a number of dispersed campsites and hot springs for visitors to enjoy. BLM manages the area and advises travelers that "You are on your own" So if you do plan on making the journey out here be sure to have more than enough food, water, and supplies than you need. Tell people where you are going and have a backup plan.
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As far as accessibility goes Trego is one of the easiest hot springs to get to around Black Rock. You can head up Jungo Road for a rocky gravel ride, or cross the playa from State Route 34. While the spring itself is natural, the ditch it runs into was hand dug in the 1800s. Temps can vary greatly so if you plan to soak test the waters first so you don't get scalded.
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Beautiful, remote, and hard to access, Black Rock Hot Springs can feel like paradise. However, you must take proper care if you plan on soaking in these waters. Do your research and check with Friends of Black Rock, online or in Gerlach, for current Playa conditions. This ancient dry lakebed is only accessible when completely dry.
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For a few weeks at the end of each summer Black Rock Desert is home to tens of thousands of festival goers attending Burning Man. For the rest of the year you'll be lucky to see more than a couple of people around, outside of organized events. There are some established "roads" and "trails" across the playa, but when the ground is dry you can pretty much ride wherever you want to for as far as you want to.
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The trail to the summit of Steamboat is entirely dependent on how confident you are in your vehicle. There are a couple of deep gullys and sand washes after you leave Soldier Meadows Road, so you can park just off the road and walk from there. Or, if you have a good 4x4/AWD, you can drive up to the base and shorten the walk to just a couple hundred yards. The 360° views from the summit are incredible!
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Beautiful, remote, and hard to access, Black Rock Hot Springs can feel like paradise. However, you must take proper care if you plan on soaking in these waters. Do your research and check with Friends of Black Rock, online or in Gerlach, for current Playa conditions. This ancient dry lakebed is only accessible when completely dry. If you attempt to drive across the Playa when wet YOU. WILL. GET. STUCK!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on mountain bike trails in Pershing County?
Pershing County offers a rugged and diverse landscape for mountain biking. You'll encounter vast sagebrush plains, prominent mountain ranges like the Humboldt Range, and the unique environment of the Black Rock Desert. Trails can range from long, relatively flat stretches to routes with significant elevation gain, providing a true high desert riding experience.
How many mountain bike trails are available in Pershing County?
There are 9 mountain bike trails detailed in this guide for Pershing County. These routes offer a variety of experiences across the region's diverse terrain.
Are there trails suitable for different skill levels?
Yes, the trails in Pershing County cater to moderate and difficult skill levels. There are 5 moderate routes and 4 difficult routes, ensuring options for experienced riders seeking a challenge.
What are some notable natural features or landmarks I might see while mountain biking?
Pershing County is rich in natural beauty. You can explore areas like the Black Rock Desert, known for its vast playa, or ascend towards Steamboat Mountain. Other points of interest include Trego Hot Springs and the Frog Ponds. The region also features the Humboldt River and Rye Patch State Recreation Area.
Are there any trails that feature hot springs?
Yes, you can ride to hot springs on some routes. Consider the Black Rock Desert loop with Black Rock Hot Springs, a difficult 48.9-mile trail, or the Trego Hot Springs via Black Rock Desert, a moderate 21.6-mile route.
What is the best time of year to go mountain biking in Pershing County?
Given the high desert environment, spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant temperatures for mountain biking. Summers can be very hot, and winters can bring cold temperatures, though specific trail conditions should always be checked seasonally.
Are there any trails that offer significant elevation challenges?
For a significant climb, the Sonoma Peak and Sonoma Lake Loop is a difficult 19.2-mile route with considerable elevation changes as it ascends towards Sonoma Peak. Another challenging option is the Sonoma Peak Access Trail, a difficult 13.9-mile ride.
Can I find any loop trails for mountain biking?
Yes, several routes are loops. The Steamboat Mountain loop is a moderate 37.4-mile option, and the Water Canyon and Sonoma Crest Loop offers a moderate 9-mile ride. For a longer adventure, the Soldier Meadows Campground & Hot Springs loop is a difficult 102.2-mile journey.
What do other mountain bikers enjoy most about riding in Pershing County?
The komoot community appreciates the sense of wilderness and solitude offered by Pershing County's rugged landscapes. Riders often highlight the unique experience of traversing vast sagebrush plains and exploring remote high desert environments.
Are there any historical sites accessible by bike or nearby?
While not directly on a mountain bike trail in this guide, the Lovelock Cave Historic Site is a significant archaeological attraction in Pershing County. It features a self-guided hiking trail, allowing visitors to explore the area's ancient past. You can find more information about visiting on the BLM website.
Are there any trails that are less crowded?
Pershing County generally offers a sense of wilderness and solitude due to its remote nature. Trails like Dry Canyon Road to Unnamed Peak or Water Canyon Trail, being in less developed areas, are likely to offer a more secluded experience.
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