Official home of the Lincoln County Authority of Tourism (LCAT)
Official home of the Lincoln County Authority of Tourism (LCAT)
Check out Lincoln County’s vast network of dirt roads, designed for all-wheel drive and off-highway vehicle exploration. Trails crisscross diverse terrain, offering access to stunning views. The renowned Silver State Trail is a 260-mile loop of well-marked backcountry roads that will take you up and down Lincoln County’s famous mountain/basin landscape.
Promoted by the Nevada Off-Highway Vehicles Program, Lincoln County “offers a web of trail systems for all types of OHV fun, with numerous routes through washes and valleys, along forested ridgelines and through sagebrush steppe habitat.”
A nationally recognized OHV adventure route.
The Silver State Trail is the crown jewel of the region’s off-road network. This massive system loops its way around 260 miles of Nevada backcountry (part of a larger 356-mile network) and connects the communities of Alamo, Caliente, Panaca, and Pioche.
Terrain & Views: The route traverses mountaintops and panoramic basins where you can spot mule deer, elk, antelope, and golden eagles.
Vehicle Access: The majority of the trail is accessible using a full-size 4WD vehicle. However, there are optional portions designated strictly for ATVs under 50 inches wide.
Navigation: The trail is well-signed with markers designating mileage and access locations.
Trailheads & Staging: Staging areas and access roads can be found along the Great Basin Highway. Specific access points include Antelope Canyon north of Caliente and trails out of Cathedral Gorge State Park near Panaca.
Difficulty: Ranges from Easy to Difficult. Surface types include dirt, gravel, crushed stone, and rock ledges.
Explore washes, valleys, and forested ridgelines.
Beyond the Silver State Trail, Lincoln County features an extensive “web” of interloping roads and trails that offer unlimited exploration. This network connects Basin and Range National Monument, four State Parks, multiple ghost towns, and geologic wonders.
Northern Trails: These routes offer access to the Wilson Creek Mountains, Panaca Hills, and opportunities to explore Echo Dam and Spring Valley State Parks.
Southern Trails: South of Caliente, you will find a large network of roads—many signed by the Kokopelli OHV club—that guide travelers all the way to Mesquite, Nevada.
Chief Mountain South: Located just east of Caliente off Hwy 93, this trailhead features camping facilities and a practice track perfect for beginner riders.
Vehicle Access: While some roadways are passable by passenger vehicles, the rugged and changing conditions generally require 4-wheel drive and high-clearance vehicles.
Towns Served: Alamo, Caliente, Mesquite, Panaca, Pioche.
Safety & Regulations
Registration: All OHVs must be registered.
Stay on Trails: Motor vehicles are permitted on designated trails only. Do not travel cross-country.
Prepare: Travel with warm clothing, first aid, food, water, and tools. Cell service is limited in the backcountry.
Maps & Resources
Nevada Trail Finder: Locate nearby trails and download GPX files.
BLM Offices:
Silver State Trail: Managed by the Ely District Office (775-289-1800).
Lincoln County OHV Trails: Managed by the Caliente Field Office (775-726-8100).
