High Rock Canyon Loop

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Washoe County, NV, US

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Route Overview

Bikepacking Northern Nevada

Touring Nevada's Backroads by Bicycle

149 km

1,658 m

High Rock Canyon is the primary destination for the National Conservation Area. It is so easily accessible by bike it should not be missed.

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Route Details

High Rock Canyon is a gem of northern Nevada’s wild places. Ultimately I was surprised by just how accessible it was by bicycle. The area is so rich in natural history, Native American, emigrant, and Nevada’s ranching and mining histories that there is something for everyone. Rockhounding, wildlife and wild flower photography, or just enjoying the silence and solitude, you will not be disappointed.

## Willow Creek - Little Smokey Creek - Little High Rock Canyon
The @poi[turn off from County Rd 34](13227425), Leadville Canyon Rd, is 41 miles from Gerlach. This is a great ride in itself but for time’s sake I drove to this loop. The turn off has room to park several cars and is identified by a kiosk with travel information.
The ride starts with a beautiful descent in a canyon between Willow Creek and Little Smokey Creek. Eventually you arrive at the bottom of @poi[Little High Rock Canyon.](13227427) The canyon is in wilderness but is well worth an exploratory hike.

## High Rock Lake - High Rock Canyon
The @poi[entrance to High Rock Canyon](13227428) is gated to indicate seasonal closures for raptor nesting, bighorn lambing or weather conditions. The broad canyon quickly narrows and can force you to take a wet hike where the creek and jeep trail are one. Then the canyon opens at @poi[Mahogany Creek](13227431), a good spot to camp. At Yellow Rock Canyon you will pass the old stone building @poi[the Fox homestead garage](13227432).

## Above High Rock Canyon - County Rd 8a - Steven’s Camp
High Rock Canyon opens up just below @poi[Steven’s Camp.](13227434) Skirting between High Rock and Hanging Rock Canyons the roads climbs to a saddle with @poi[views of dry Massacre Lake](13227436). At County Rd 8a you are at the north boundary of the National Conservation Area. Looping back to Steven’s Camp you are at the most developed campsite in the area. Camping in the concrete block cabin is first come first serve. Above the camp is Upper High Rock Canyon, definitely worth a hike to explore.

## Steven’s Camp - County Road 34 (Leadville Rd)
The rolling terrain across Grassy Canyon and above Yellow Rock Canyon is vast country. It isn’t long before County Rd  34 comes into view and the Granite Range becomes distinct from the Calico Mountains. Although County Rd 34 begins with a 5 mile climb, it rewards you with a @slice[7 mile 1,000’ descent](d,124005.41,135196.16)! Just two miles before the start of the ride is the@poi[ Lund Petrified Forest. ](13228595)Even the trees in Nevada are made of rock!

## Seasonal Closure
High Rock Canyon February 1 - second weekend in May
.