Best Off Road Driving Trails in Toiyabe National Forest

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

Fantastic beginner trail with multiple hiking access points to the Tahoe rim trail. Beautiful route. Good for most 4x4 with large tires. Dispersed camping is allowed within 100 yards of road. Awesome views of the lake.

I rate everything that doesn’t disappoint me five stars and this trail had great views!

we took our JK Sahara on the trail today full-time 2 wheel drive not a problem 2 hours start to finish getting out a few
times cool easy Trail for beginners.

Great off-road trail

Very nice trail. Wide enough for a full sized truck. Made it in a lifted 2 wheel drive even with some rain. There are some parts that can be tricky. Just keep it slow and watch for sharp and tall rocks. Offers some good views of Lake Tahoe. Just take a map or memorize the trail. Gets a bit confusing getting back to the 207. Cell service is spotty along the way. Took about 2hrs from end to end with a couple stops.

Great but rocky road to Hunter Lake and Big Meadow. Plentiful water and edibles along the way.

Wonderful views. Met a few mule deer on the way and what appeared to be a bunch of pheasants. No one else was on the trail. Did hear some ATVs of in the distance.

9/4/17 Gate still closed

trail was closed to vehicles on 7/4/17. lots of foot traffic but the gate at the beginning was locked

Great trail for beginners. Soft sand and dirt and some rocks on the first 1/3rd of the trail. Hard dirt and rocks the final 2/3rds of trail. NOTE: The gate highway 50 is closed so enter at Kingsbury Grade. You'll have to take a left about 2/3rds into the trail at the right hairpin turn and head towards White Hill. Those trails will take you to highway 50.

I have done this trail several times. Do not confuse this with hunter creek trail. No water along the way. Note, you are hiking on a loose gravel dirt road the entire way. Wear good shoes and bring plenty of water. Also don't be disappointed when you get to the "lake", it is actually a marsh and the headwaters to hunter creek. Still for some reason I love this journey. Very active bear country as well.

The gate to this trail on the Castle Rock hike side is currently locked. I gave it a three star rating to be neutral because I wasn't able to drive it. 6-17-17

most technical thing about this trail is a bunch of loose rocks and a few turns.
the drive itself isn't much to write home about, but the ending is worth the drive for a nice weekend or evening out.

Great hike offering nice views of Stampede and Boca during most of the ascent, and views in every direction once you hit the top. We did encounter some sizeable sections of snow-covered trail, and lost the trail entirely at the top. The trail itself is wide with good footing, and no extreme climbs or scrambles. Once the snow melts, I hope to head back and make it to the fire lookout on Verdi Peak. Right now (early June 2017) there is still quite a lot of snow at the top and our timing didn't allow for more exploration.

The trailhead is in close proximity to Verdi, as well as Crystal Peak and Lookout campgrounds, making it a nice day trip or combination with an overnight campout.

pretty gnarly right now.. went off roading and got through some precarious stuff.

definitely would not advise a novice to go. saw a dude get his Dodge Ram get seriously stuck

Great local area hike, challenging but not crazy, great views and like Ladybug Peak the opportunity to snag 3 peaks in a day is great. Trail is basically Ladybug peak trail (Forest Route 72 to Verdi Peak Road) except you take the right hand path once in the saddle between the 2 peaks. This trail has regular Dirtbike and ATV traffic as well as 4x4 use. At the end is the cool old fire watch tower and 360 degree views of Nevada and the Sierra in CA.