Nevada Trails

Sunrise Pass Road is a graded dirt road. It can be accessed from the Johnson Lane OHV Park located east of Minden, Nevada. As the road gradually ascends to Sunrise Pass, it traverses alluvial plains covered in sage and low canyons with juniper trees. Rising to 7,087' at Sunrise Pass, the road takes you to the heart of the Pine Nut Mountains. From the top of the Pass, the road descends to the very north end of Smith Valley, Nevada.

Numerous side trails lead to dispersed campsites, natural springs, abandoned mines, and scenic views. Most of this wide dirt road can accommodate two-way traffic.  Most of the Pine Nut Mountain area is managed by BLM.

During dry weather, this road can be driven with 2-wheel drive high clearance SUV vehicles. During the winter months, the mountains get snow, and 4WD with recovery equipment, water, and extra supplies are warranted. Muddy road conditions are present during the spring thaw and wet weather. During these conditions, canyon washes may have shallow water crossings.

Intermittent to no cell service was available on the T-Mobile network along this road. Minden and Carson City both have gas, food, and lodging, and both are 9 miles from the trailhead.

Como, Nevada, is a gold-mining ghost town established in 1862 with a peak population of "several thousand" people, according to a Mining and Scientific Press article published in 1912. Today the population is zero. Back then, the town folk enjoyed eight saloons, 4 stores, 4 hotels, a blacksmith, and many other services. The most famous residents were Paiute Chief Truckee and his son Chief Winnemucca.

Como, at an elevation of 7,116 feet, can be reached via a poorly graded dirt road that is under-maintained and full of cobblestone size rocks. It is a very bumpy ride but does accommodate two-way traffic. During dry weather, the road can be driven with a 2-wheel drive high clearance SUV.

Dispersed camping is allowed on BLM land. Intermittent to no cell service was available on the T-Mobile network at this location. Food, gas, and lodging are available at the trailhead, just outside Dayton, Nevada, along Highway 50.

Twelve thousand years ago, Lahaton Lake covered a large portion of the then-wet Nevada basin. In 1905 Lahontan Reservoir was created and named after that huge ancient lake. With 69 miles of willows and cottonwoods scattered along its shoreline, the park is one of the most popular places in Nevada to boat, fish, water ski, and horseback ride. The Lake is open to the public year-round. Lahontan is also a nesting site for bald eagles. Wild horses, bobcats, foxes, and deer share the park with a variety of birds, including migratory waterfowl, pelicans, herons, egrets, and hawks.

The west shore at Lahontan State Recreation Area offers great camping. Open year-round with a nightly fee of $20.00 per vehicle, primitive beach camping is permitted in all areas except for day use and boat ramp areas.   A camping limit of 14 days in a 30-day period is enforced. Leashed pets are welcome.

The trail surface varies with smooth compacted dirt, mud, and sand. The trail is generally level with gradual changes in grade. Stock 4WD SUVs will work during dry weather. Drivers should be careful of the deep arroyo sand. Use caution during wet weather since the sandy arroyos are prone to flash flooding. When wet, portions of the trail are almost impassible. The trail crosses a mixture of public and private land. Please be respectful of the sections of private property.