Elko, Nevada BLM land

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This information is compiled from official BLM sources

Elko District Office, Attn: Recreation Information, 3900 E. Idaho St., Elko, NV 89801-4611.

OFF-ROAD DRIVING

The majority of the District is classified as "open" to off-road vehicle use. Opportunities vary from well maintained gravel roads to hundreds of miles of primitive, back country "two-tracks". The 272,000 acres within Wilderness Study Areas and the areas within the Special Recreation Management Areas have a "limited" ORV designation and all vehicles are required to stay on existing roads and two-track routes - no cross-country travel is permitted.

SCENIC DRIVING

The California Trail Back Country Byway, which begins just 25 miles north of Wells off Highway 93, traverses 96 miles of gravel roads in extreme northeastern Elko County. Over 40 miles of the route from the Winecup Ranch to Little Goose Creek actually parallels the California National Historic Trail. Trail ruts are still visible in many locations. Trail markers along the route allow visitors an opportunity to walk the same path blazed by emigrants over 150 years ago. An information kiosk, located four miles into the byway near the Winecup Ranch, provides visitors some insight into the history of the area. Brochures and maps for the byway are available from the District office.

A second scenic drive, yet to be designated as a Back Country Byway, is located in north-central Elko County. The Bruneau River Loop starts and ends at State Route 225 near Wildhorse Reservoir. The route covers approximately 110 miles with the historic town of Jarbidge located near the midpoint of the drive. Gas, groceries and camping are available in and around Jarbidge if you wish to spend more than one day on the loop. The entire route offers spectacular scenic views, opportunities to see mule deer, pronghorn antelope and other wildlife, as well as visiting historic sites. Camping and picnicking areas are also available at Wildhorse and Gold Creek, just north of Wildhorse Reservoir. Visitors who don't care to follow the entire loop can continue north out of Jarbidge into Idaho, and easily access Hwy. 93 at Rogerson, ID via a paved road.

For the serious Byways enthusiast, Falcon Press (Helena, MT) offers a guidebook to BLM Back Country Byways. The guidebook offers the most comprehensive coverage of the national Back Country Byways system to date.

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