Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails NCA

Overview

The Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon NCA hosts a multitude of recreational opportunities within its 800,000 acres. It encompasses nearly 120 miles of emigrant trails, the Black Rock Desert, and High Rock Canyon. The most popular attractions are the Black Rock Desert playa, the narrow gorge of High Rock Canyon, the natural hot springs, and historic wagon trails.

Located in northwest Nevada is the vast Black Rock Desert - High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area (NCA) managed by the Black Rock Field Office. Congress established the NCA in 2000 to conserve, protect, and enhance resources associated with the California National Historic Trail and surrounding areas including the 10 designated wilderness areas. Not only does the NCA contain fascinating cultural, archaeological, and paleontological traces of the past, but it also offers a rugged brand of recreation activities for today's adventurers. What these million-plus acres lack in developed amenities, they offer in unique and challenging backcountry and wilderness opportunities. The longest intact segments (totaling 175 miles) of the historic Emigrant Trails to California and Oregon is located within the NCA.

Point of Interest

Visitor Center

The Black Rock Station (Visitor Center) is seasonally open. Please contact our office for more information.

Geology

The NCA's geologic features tell a tale of astounding natural forces. The Black Rock Desert playa—a flat expanse of about 200 square miles—once formed the bed of Lake Lahontan, an ancient lake that covered much of northwestern Nevada 15,000 years ago. Today the playa is favored by off-roaders, land-sailers, and amateur rocketry groups, and it provides a dramatic venue for large, outdoor events. The area's namesake, a distinctive formation of black rock, is an impressive outcropping of volcanic rocks and limestone.

History

American Indians inhabited Black Rock - High Rock country for at least 10,000 years before Euro-American emigrants passed through on their way to California and Oregon in the 19th century. Black Rock Point was a welcome landmark for these settlers. In 1843—44 the famous explorer John C. Frémont traversed what is now the Applegate Trail, pioneering a throughway from which many wagon routes would form. Visitors today can walk along the Applegate and Nobles trails and read signs depicting diary entries from the early emigrants.

Know Before You Go

• This area is rugged and remote. Be prepared for backcountry travel.
• There is no cell phone signal and few, if any, other people nearby.
• Black Rock country is a land of extremes—the weather can be hot and sunny one day and cold and snowy the next.
• Be prepared for changing weather conditions and carry additional water, food, and clothing.
• High-clearance vehicles with off-road tires (at least 6-ply) and spare tires are recommended.
• Motorized use is limited to designated routes only, except for the unvegetated, flat surface of the Black Rock Desert Playa.
• Contact the local office for current road and playa conditions, travel information, and fire restrictions.
• Find more tips in the Safety Handout and Visitor Handout.

Recreation

A variety of recreational opportunities are present within the NCA suitable for visitors of all experience levels.

Any commercial, competitive, and organized events and activities will need a Special Recreation Permit (SRP) issued by the local field office -Black Rock Field Office.

Camping

• Visitors can enjoy camping and star-gazing at one of the cowboy cabins at Steven's Camp, Massacre Ranch, or Soldier Meadows.
• Designated campsites can be found in the Soldier Meadows ACEC and in High Rock Canyon.  
• Dispersed camping is allowed everywhere else.
• Please note that fires are not allowed directly on the floor of the  Black Rock Playa. 

Bicycling

Bicycling is allowed everywhere except in designated Wilderness Areas, but be sure to carry plenty of water as it can be a long walk back to civilization if you have mechanical problems. 

Hiking

Hiking is a popular activity all around the NCA and there are dramatic landscapes, including ten associated wilderness areas. There is only one designated hiking trail in the NCA, which is north from Stevens Camp along the Applegate Trail.

Historic Trails

The Applegate and Nobles Trails have been marked with signs containing emigrant trail diary entries from each location. Trail visitors enjoy traveling between markers, reliving the route of the early emigrants. Occasional trail re-enactors can be seen with actual wagons pulled by oxen or horses. 

Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)

Enjoy off-Roading (OHV) and land-sailing on the Black Rock Desert Playa.

Outside of the playa, ATV riding (and other driving) in the NCA is restricted to existing roads and two-tracks

Rock Climbing

Rock Climbing is allowed in all areas with the exception of the High Rock Canyon. 

Wildlife Viewing

Visitors often encounter wildlife and wild horses (also occasional burros) around the NCA. Golden eagles and hawks, antelope, and smaller creatures such as lizards, pygmy rabbits and kit foxes are common, but sightings of bighorn sheep are a special treat. Historic and wildlife sightseeing is also popular along the Emigrant Trail.