Black Rock - Soldier Meadows Hot Springs Loop

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Pershing County, NV, US

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Route Overview

Bikepacking Northern Nevada

Touring Nevada's Backroads by Bicycle

103 mi.

2,083 ft.

This dirt road route follows the Applegate Emigrant Trail across the Black Rock Desert then along The Black Rock Range to Soldier Meadows before returning on Soldier Meadows Road.

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Route Details

# **Welcome to the Black Rock Desert!** 
I recommend first time visitors check out the information at the @poi[Visitors Center](13218766) at the intersection of Co Rd 34 and SR 447.
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Starting at @poi[12 Mile Access](13218763) point for the Black Rock Desert Playa make a bee-line for @poi[Black Rock Point](13218764), about 19 miles across sun baked ancient lake bottom. Feel free to get creative in your crossing, the playa is wide-open. Be prepared to avoid seasonal wet-spots on the playa. Check out the varying textures on the playa and the intermittent dunes.
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## Black Rock Point and Hot Springs
This area is worth exploring and camping. To the east is the southern point of the Black Rock Range complete with hanging playas and highpoints for improved vistas of the areas. To the southeast you can cross the playa and Quinn River on the Applegate Trail. This route follows the Applegate Trail to the north.

## Casey and Double Hot Springs, Hardin City
The next twenty miles on sandy rocky road (jeep trail) along the Black Rock Range and Pahute Peak Wilderness Area takes you past several hot springs including Casey and Double Hot Springs. @poi[Casey Springs](13218767) is a great example of hot hot water making it to the surface allowing grasses and reeds to create an oasis in an otherwise barren landscape @poi[Double Hot Springs](13218768) is an example of a beautiful but deadly hot springs. @poi[Hardin](13218769) is a ghost town of a silver mine.

## @poi[Mud Meadow Reservoir](13218770)
At the junction of the Applegate Trail and Soldier Meadows Rd you can choose to follow the reservoir or stay on the road.

## Soldier Meadows Campground and Hot Springs
This area is a spring fed meadow with sensitive habitats so tread lightly. The campground provides minimal amenities to do so. The@poi[ hot springs](13219038) are among my favorites!@poi[ From here](13219037) there is the alternate route or side trip to High Rock Canyon via Fly Canyon.

## Soldier Meadows Rd Return
Soldier Meadows Rd provides the backbone to the Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area. The road is in good condition as you travel along the west arm of the Black Rock Desert, the High Rock Lake Wilderness and Calico Mountains Wilderness. The@slice[ final mile](d,163589.88,166212.61) back to 12 Mile Access is on paved County Rd 34.

## Additional Opportunities
As you travel along this route there are “cherry stem” roads, signed Vehicle Access into the wilderness. Time allowing these side routes are worth exploring.

## Beware!
Wet surfaces should be avoided! The clay based mud is impassible when wet. Travel plans must take the weather conditions into consideration. With this in mind the area can be enjoyed year round. In addition to [the BLM](https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/nevada/black-rock-desert-high-rock-canyon-emigrant-trails-nca), the [Friends of Black Rock High Rock](http://blackrockdesert.org) is an excellent resource when planning a trip.

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Black Rock - Soldier Meadows Hot Springs Loop

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