Enjoy this unspoiled section of the East Walker River, which is part of the Nine Mile Ranch Unit of the new Walker River State Recreation Area.
The Bighorn Campground at “The Elbow” is a beautiful, quiet campground with several campsites right along the river. This is a popular spot for fishermen and off-roaders, and provides staging areas and access to the adjacent USFS and BLM lands. The campground provides staging and access to several USFS trails and roads, including longer routes to a hidden natural hot springs, incredible vistas, and the historic ghost towns of Aurora, Masonic and Bodie.
Facilities in this portion of the new park are in the process of being upgraded and include a picnic table and fire ring in each campsite. Restroom facilities are also available, but the site has no water, so make sure to bring your own.
The campground provides access to several USFS trails and roads, including longer routes to a hidden natural hot springs, incredible vistas, and the historic ghost towns of Aurora and Masonic.
High clearance vehicles (ATV, UTV, small 4x4s) are recommended. Expect technical and washed-out trails in some areas. Roads may be impassable due to snow during winter and early spring.
Bodie Adventure Loop - a 53-mile suggested route to the Bodie State Historic Park.
From the main east-west Hawthorn-Fletcher Road, adventurers can make a 53-mile loop south along Maybell Mine Rd (NF 128), through the ghost town of Masonic, and south to Bodie State Historic Park. Take some time to visit and walk through the well-preserved town and learn about the miners and community of the past. Continue the loop by heading northeasterly on Bodie-Masonic Road through beautiful Del Monte Canyon, and past the historic and current mining area of Aurora Mine. From there, the trail continues north and meets the main road at Fletcher.
The Nevada Division of Natural Heritage has put together a historic and ecological google earth tour of the area. Be sure to download it for offline use before heading out to become fully immersed!
The Walker Basin Conservancy works to restore and maintain Walker Lake while protecting agricultural, environmental, and recreational interests throughout the Walker Basin. The Conservancy conveyed more than 12,000 acres of land and nearly 30 miles of the East Walker River to the State of Nevada to become the Walker River State Recreation Area (WRSRA). The new State Park opens this amazing stretch of river to public access, promotes protection of wildlife, and increases recreation in the region. Walker Basin Conservancy continues to work closely with state agencies to manage restoration activities on the WRSRA and actively promotes local public access, information, and recreation opportunities within the Basin. Learn more at: https://www.walkerbasin.org/community-recreation
For equestrian specific information visit Nevada Horse Trails!
Nevada Division of State Parks, Walker River State Recreation Area website.
See the Nevada OHV Program website for more information.
See the TravelNevada website for more information on the park and surrounding communities.
Visit the California State Parks website for information on Bodie State Historic Park
For fishing regulations, stocking and fishing reports, see the Nevada Department of Wildlife website.
Given that portions of the East Walker Area are designated wilderness, only hikers and equestrians are allowed within the wilderness boundary. Motorized and mechanized use is only permitted on surrounding non-wilderness trails. Please be respectful of the wilderness boundary and only travel on designated roads and trails for your activity type. Horses are allowed and only certified weed free hay can be brought in.
Download map files for your own use.
From Hwy 395, near Topaz Lake, turn east onto SR 208. Stay on SR 208 for about 11 miles, heading toward Wellington. Turn right onto SR 338, and follow south for 24 miles to the Hawthorn-Fletcher Rd (NF-028). Follow dirt road east for bout 6 miles to the campground on your left.
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