The change of the season is upon us in Nevada. Visit 3  fall foliage locations between now and November 30th to get your leaf peeper badge!

Upper Snake Range

Situated on the border of Nevada and Utah lies this hidden gem full of unique geologic features and an abundant amount of wildlife. 
Trail Uses
Utv/jeep driving Atv riding Dirt biking Walking Hiking Mountain biking Horseback riding Cross-country skiing
Location
White Pine County
Length
639.00 miles (Network)
Difficulty
Moderate, Difficult
Town
Ely
Surface
Dirt
Pets
Permitted on Leash
Fees
No
Wilderness Areas
Government Peak Wilderness Area, Mount Moriah Wilderness Area

Description

Located directly north of the Great Basin National Park and 60 miles east of Ely, the Upper Snake Range is teaming with pinyon pines and age old Bristlecone pines. The highlight of the Upper Snake Range is the Mt. Moriah wilderness area and the Mt. Moriah summit, towering it at 12,050 ft. Across from the beautiful summit is Mt. Moriah is a large plateau known as "The Table", full of bristle cone and lumber pines. The majority of the Mt. Moriah wilderness and surrounding area is very rugged and dense with pinyon-juniper forests. Several shallow caves scatter the area, some giving insight to a prehistoric past. 

Several well developed trails, as well as primitive trails, run through the Mt. Moriah wilderness area. The established trails follow year long streams flowing with trout. At the center of the wilderness area, water is sparse, so if you plan to backpack, bring plenty of water! Currently, there are no established trails in the Government Peak wilderness area. 

The southern end of the Snake Range is comprised of Sacramento Pass Recreation Area and the Great Basin National Park. Both of these areas are worth visiting and camping at!

Other Information

Two wilderness areas make up the Upper Snake Range; Mount Moriah Wilderness Area and the Government Peak Wilderness Area. Only non-mechanized and non-motorized travel is permitted within the wilderness areas. If you are looking to OHV or mountain bike, please stick to designated trails only outside of the wilderness boundaries. Certified weed free hay is required if bringing feed into the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest service boundary. Currently, USDA Forest Service policy considers E-Bikes to be motorized vehicles, and therefore, are restricted to roads and trails designated for motorized use.

Hunting and fishing is permitted in the wilderness areas. Visit the NDOW website for information on permits and regulations. 

Snow is common throughout the winter. Be sure to know your route thoroughly before heading out. 

Due to extreme weather conditions, various trails in the wilderness area and surrounding trails may be severely washed out or decommissioned until repaired. Cell service is sparse in the Snake Range so please plan accordingly. 

For more information of the rules and regulations within the forest service area please visit the U.S Forest Service website. 

Trail Manager

For more information visit the U.S Forest Service website or contact: 

Bureau of Land Management - Ely District Office

Bureau of Land Management - Ely District Office
Name
702 North Industrial Way
Ely, NV 89301
Phone: (775) 289-1800
eyfoweb@blm.gov
View website

US Forest Service - Ely Ranger District Office

US Forest Service - Ely Ranger District Office
825 Avenue E
Ely, Nevada 89301
Phone: (775) 289-3031
View website

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Trailhead Information

Accessing the non-motorized trails from the west require a high clearance 4WD vehicle. Trails can be accessed via Hwy 50, State Route 893 or via N Gandy Hwy in Utah.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
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