Best Off Road Driving Trails in Toiyabe National Forest

Nice and peaceful/quiet/not too many people and great views half way up of Reno... especially at nite.

Hiking only for the season. The road is gated closed with no way around. There is snow there now as well. I'll be up there is spring.

Gate was Locked this morning when I went to drive it. Plenty of people sledding down by the entrance in the small amount of snow.

This trail is amazing!! The bottom is really ugly due to fire debris, but mid way to the top its sooo beautiful. Perfect pine trees, bushes, fields, its soo beautiful. At the too you have a 360* view of the tahoe basin and reno! Its a spectacular view. This trail goes to the first meadow, which is so pretty! I cried when I saw it because it was so perfect with the small breeze on the wheat. This is where you should turn around and go back. Unless you want more...

I was so motivated to see the second field that I kept going, I was as pleased with the second field as much as the first. It was really really big and there is a makeshift wood dam in the middle which is wild to look at!

At this point I was debating whether to go back or just continue to Florinston, CA. I decided to continue, it was worth it. There were so many cool views and amazing fields. Most of it is downhill, and in either fields of bushes or birch forests. I did not regret it one bit. It was really really neat and I would have regretted it if I didn’t go.

Overall, it took me 11 hours for a 20 mile hike. I am experienced so it may take you longer depending on your skill, and of course the environment (snow, ice, etc...) It was pretty rocky and extremely isolated, I only saw one family in a ATV. Keep this in mind, I recommend bringing a partner, there are cyotes and mountainlions, although I did not encounter any, I saw alot of tracks. The trails are pretty spot on and exact. The fields by Florinston are very pretty and open. I highly recommend this trail, its one of the prettiest I have been on.

Prepare for a long hike, with about 3,000 in elevation gain. Be safe and take care!

great trail, not too hard at all. At the very end you have the option to go over to Verdi Peak lookout. Really enjoyed myself however there were so many atvs and dirt bikes that it was a serious damper. May have been my fault for going on a Sunday but it was pretty unpleasant getting dusted by someone riding up behind me every ten minutes.

Great trail. Completed the whole thing in my ‘08 RWD Silverado. Had 1 issue with the first hill but nothing a little patience and airing down couldn’t fix. I would rate this as EASY. 10/10 will do it again this week and take more time to explore side trails.

I do have all terrain 35’s and a G80 locking differential. Plus some recovery equipment (didn’t have to use).

Fun trail with lots of side trails to explore. Best suited for high clearance 4x4s due to a couple steep sections with large, loose rocks. Cant wait to explore more next season!

Was still closed from Kingsbury side until 5:30 per the sign. Headed to Carson to shop then came back from the Spooner side. Fun first trip for Wrangle JKU.

I had a great time on the trail today. The road is a but narrow for a full wife truck, but still doable. I was a little disappointed to find Hunter Lake was just a green field. I would definitely do it again in the spring. I didn't pass a single person in the whole entire Trail.

Closed - sort of. When I went to drive this on July 31, the road from Kingsbury to the trail head was closed due to construction. One of the workers advised I wait until the crew left and come back after 4pm when the road would be reopened, and it was. Good, easy trail that shouldn't put your vehicle at any risk - including Nevada pin striping. Lot's of places to stop, park and take a detour either in the vehicle or on foot. Great trail to take along family and friends who are new to / apprehensive of off road driving.

Did the trial in mid July. Very fun course, challenging at times depending on what you’re driving but very scenic. I have a 2016 DCSB Tacoma with 33” bfg’s and a locking rear differential. At some parts it definitely sped up the trail with the diff lock but I think an expert ended person could do it without. 4wd a must, I’d say about 12” of ground clearance is recommended.

I did this trail again today, and didn't pass even one other person! It took me 7 hours up and back, and that was only stopping for a few photos at the lake- no breaks! I was surprised that there is still a little water in the lake, and will post photos. The trail is in decent shape at the moment, no mud or snow, but this is a pretty strenuous hike, I must admit! One that I will likely do annually, but pushes my limits to do more often. There were many deer in the upper elevations, but thankfully no bears today!

This was a good little trail, we did it in our Cherokee Trailhawk. it took about an hour and a half with driving down one of the logging roads that dead ended.

We went south to north. It’s mostly like a fire road. However there are off shoots you can explore that are truly trails. We went down one that led to a beautiful marsh. Another was a rocky trail to a campfire spot. We also spotted heavily modified Jeepers coming off another off shoot - so we’re guessing they found a fun trail too! We’ll be back to explore other off shoots in the future.

We when down the trail from the top. Very long forest trail not hard at all. Very shaded from the sun.

Great forest trails for stock suv 4x4 vehicles and good views. There are a few turn offs a map would have helped. Never the less it’s not to hard to navigate at that elevation.

Trail was incredibly fun! Took out our trail rated 2018 Grand Cherokee for the first time and it performed beyond my expectations. Any trail rated Jeep can handle the terrain with ease. It was our first time off road and can’t wait for the next trail. Don’t worry about tight brush scratching up your rig or anything like that. Have fun and ride on!!

Went here in stock a rubicon and 4Runner with lift kit. Overall easy great beginner trail, took us about 4 hours but that’s cause we kept stopping at the many scenic spots. Nothing challenging here but definitely a fun drive with a few different terrain conditions. Definitely recommend.

I have been in there multiple times. Very rough road. takes about 45 minutes to get to east Carson river and hot springs. It is a five mile drive. you can exit to the north on a different route. Not good for someone who loves their vehicle, scratches will happen in the brush. Vehicle with clearance can make it, 4x4 when required in spring and early summer for water crossings. I highly recommend airing down your tires, I have taken chunks out of mine on this trail. I give it a 5 out of 10 on difficulty.

Ran this trail yesterday, unfortunately had to stop about 1.5miles from the end due to the storm rolling in (last 10minutes of the descent was a wet one). Tough in a few areas, definitely need 4x4 and at least 1 locker. Did it in my stock 13’ Rubicon with mud terrains, did not get stuck anywhere. Must be ok with some light scratches from debris in the narrow areas (watch your lines). Lots of cool places to pull aside and picnic or relax. Don’t try this trail without some experience first

Hiked this trail 5/5/18. Excellent climb. Trail is primarily loose gravel fire road. Just when the loose gravel starts to get annoying it breaks for a bit. I saw only 2 other hikers. A couple of jeeps, motorcycles and ATVs. Not enough to be annoying. The trail to the “lake” is partially covered in snow but still easy to follow. It is more of a marsh than a lake, but pretty nonetheless. The trail is nothing marvelous with little to look at. The tree variety is interesting and the views of the City in the beginning are spectacular. I wouldn’t do it again except for training.

Fun trail that is easy to notice the changes in the flora while changing elevation. The trail from the peak over to the lake is still covered with snow, so plan accordingly. Lots of different trails that are easy to navigate with the app.

Currently closed (Mid-April)

The map only shows the western half of the road, which takes you another 30 miles to Verdi, Nv. I took two days going west to east, camping at Jackson Meadows reservoir the first night. From camptonville, it climbs quickly and you pass the original toll house as you climb to the top of the ridge . You'll thread this ridge as it takes you all the way to Jackson Meadows. The entire route has remarkably gentle grades but the road does get rubbly in places . Biggest concern on my trip was fallen trees across the road, and there were Many. Passage around them (many had been trimmed a bit by chainsaws) was quite tight along a few sections of wall road . Trees are dying up there in the millions nowadays , so maybe take a chain saw if you are hell bent on not turning back .Two quick stretches of pavement mar an otherwise clean run of dirt from the California gold country on the western slope to dang-near Reno . This is not a dramatic route , but seeing Reno to the east as I came down the last pass was pretty cool . This is the route the Donner Party wishes it had found .

Wow. This hike Is now in my top five in Reno. I have hiked almost every other trail, and this one was the most challenging, with the best views hands down!. I went on a weekday around 1 o’clock and there was virtually no one else on the trail with me and my dog. Wide set trail with changes in terrain and up hill almost all the way. The view even just 3 miles in of the whole city of Reno is jaw dropping. I can’t wait to come back and hike the full thing - will definitely be an accomplishment.
This is NOT the hunter creek trail, nowhere near it (this one is up past scolaris), and the directions take you right to the trail head. I would definitely keep the map open as you’re going the first couple Of miles if you want to follow the main trail. There are a lot of off shoots and you can lose the main trail easily without looking at the map.
Highly recommend this for a good workout!

Great scenic diversity, a little crowded but challenging and SO worth it.

A very scenic alternative to US-395 through the Walker River canyon with a number of forest service roads diverting off to other explorable areas. The southern portion is a gentle, flat, and amply wide dirt surface with rolling hills that do more rocking as you proceed north. You'll enjoy the descent into the canyon in the middle of the route, provided that the narrow road that slopes toward the cliff is not enhanced by snowfall. The ascent up the north side of the canyon is a decent incline and quite rocky, although 2WD would suit nearly every day of the week.
The only clearance issues on this route would be the occasional basketball size rocks that have fallen to the road from up the slope, but they are an easy fix.
The northern portion as it heads into the town of Walker enjoys a high perch above the river and views of the tiny 395 highway below. I wouldn't call this route "the" adventure but it can get you closer. Recommend the route east from this road to Boulder Flats.

You won't like it ;) don't go here...no fun at all HAHAHA

This was a really fun trail. We are new to owning our rzr 1000 and decided to take it out today. Great weather , great trail. Even had a little left over snow. The trail on the map above was exactly accurate for us in the rzr. The rider must have been on a bike. However it was a great guide and we did take a few other trails of the main trail. Spent about 4 hours out on the trial with a few stops. Great views. 2 wheel drive in the rzr the whole time. Saw several dirt bikers and a couple others out in there jeeps.

The gate was closed so I wasted a trip