Elko High Desert Trail Fest
Gear up for the ultimate off-road experience in the Heart of Northeast Nevada. From rugged mountain climbs to sweeping desert vistas, the inaugural Elko Trail Fest brings together OHV enthusiasts, trail runners, and outdoor explorers for a weekend of high-octane excitement and backcountry discovery.
Whether you’re navigating technical rock crawls or enjoying a scenic family ride, come help us blaze the trail for a new Elko tradition.
Partner Hotels:
We are pleased to partner with the following hotels offering exclusive rates for Elko Trail Fest attendees. Please click on the hotels below or contact them directly to book your accommodations.
Book online here
or call
775-738-7115
Hastings Cutoff Ride – ~30 Miles | Elko, Nevada
Ride Elevation Range 5000-6000ft
This shorter, 30-mile guided ride is designed as a relaxed option—ideal for a later start, a recovery day, or riders who want time to enjoy Elko on their own. The loop follows sections of the historic Hastings Cutoff—the same route taken by the Donner Party—before tracing along the South Fork of the Humboldt River and passing through the scenic area around South Fork Reservoir. The return leg brings riders across portions of the historic Hamilton Stage Route, completing a well-rounded loop through multiple layers of Nevada history. Expect open high desert terrain, rolling sagebrush hills, and smooth river-bottom sections with minimal technical difficulty. This easygoing half-day ride delivers strong scenery and historical context without the demands of a full-day run.
Harrison Pass Ride – ~90 Miles | Ruby Mountains, Nevada
Ride Elevation Range 6000-9700ft
This 90-mile guided ride climbs high into the rugged backbone of the Ruby Mountains—often called “Nevada’s Alps”—delivering a full-day experience along one of the most scenic high-elevation routes in the state. Traversing Harrison Pass, riders will work across the upper reaches of the range and enter the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest[MWFN1.1], with expansive views into Ruby Valley and the surrounding basins. Expect a dramatic transition from high desert into alpine terrain of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, including steep climbs, ridgelines, and sweeping mountain vistas shaped by glaciation and rugged granite formations.
Historically, this pass has been used for generations—first by explorer John C. Frémont in 1845, followed by emigrants heading west, and later by mining operations tied to tungsten and other minerals in the region. Today, it remains a classic overland route cutting through the southern Rubies, offering abundant wildlife viewing and wide-open scenery.
This is a moderate, endurance-focused ride best suited for riders ready for a longer day, changing elevations, and big Nevada terrain—rewarded with some of the most iconic mountain riding in the state.
Jack Creek Ride – ~120 Miles | Independence Mountains to Jack Creek, Nevada
Ride Elevation Range 6000-8400ft
This 120-mile guided ride is a true full-day backcountry run, which will take you deep into the Humboldt Toiyabe National, [MWFN2.1]starting high in the Mahala Creek meadows at roughly 6,000 feet before climbing onto remote mountain roads that carry you deep into the Independence Mountains and across the flanks of Wheeler Mountain. From there, the route descends into the historic Jack Creek area, offering a long, continuous transition from high meadow terrain into rugged mountain ridgelines and eventually down into sagebrush basins and creek bottoms. Expect a mix of forested sections, rocky climbs, wide-open alpine views, and fast two-track—this ride covers a lot of Nevada in a single loop.
The Jack Creek area itself has roots as a small stage stop and supply point tied to nearby mining activity, supporting travel and industry in northeastern Nevada during the late 1800s. (Wikipedia) Today, it remains a quiet, remote corridor that still feels connected to that earlier era of travel and settlement.
This is a longer, moderate ride best suited for riders ready to cover serious mileage and experience changing terrain, elevation, and isolation—one of those routes where the distance is part of the reward.
Jarbidge Ride – ~100 Miles | Jarbidge Mountains & Buck Creek Range, Nevada
Ride Elevation Range 5000-9000ft
This 100-mile guided ride is the most demanding of the lineup, pushing riders deep into the remote backcountry of the Buck Creek Mountains and into the rugged heart of Jarbidge. With a cumulative elevation change approaching 15,000 feet, the route delivers relentless climbs, sharp descents, and constant transitions across high ridgelines and narrow mountain corridors. Expect rocky, technical sections, tight forested trails, and exposed terrain that requires focus and endurance—this is a true full-day challenge for experienced riders.
The destination carries some of Nevada’s most colorful history. Jarbidge is linked to the last stagecoach robbery in the United States (1916), and its name is often associated with a Shoshone term interpreted as “monster” or “giant”—frequently connected in local lore to a Bigfoot-like presence in the surrounding wilderness. Once a booming mining camp, the town remains one of the most isolated communities in Nevada, reinforcing the sense of stepping into a place where both history and legend run deep. The area has also served as a backdrop for modern public lands managed by the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in current day[MWFN3.1], and access discussions within the off-road community, adding a subtle contemporary relevance to the ride.
This is a high-commitment route best suited for confident riders prepared for sustained technical terrain, major elevation swings, and true backcountry conditions—widely considered the most challenging and rewarding ride of the event.
Sunflower Flat Ride – ~65 Miles | Wildhorse Reservoir , Nevada
Ride Elevation Range 5700-8700ft
This 70-mile guided ride starts out as a smooth, casual cruise across open high desert before building into a more dynamic mountain route with several summit crossings in the Sunflower Flat area. Early sections offer fast two-track through wide sagebrush basins, gradually transitioning into climbs that work up into the surrounding hills and ridgelines, delivering sweeping views across northern Nevada’s remote backcountry. Expect a steady progression in terrain—from relaxed and flowing to moderate elevation gains that keep the ride engaging without becoming overly technical.
Centered near Mountain City, the Sunflower Flat area is known for its quiet, scenic high-desert setting, with seasonal wildflowers and expansive open country that reflect the character of Bureau of Land Management lands in this region. The area sits within a historic mining corridor that once supported boom-and-bust communities tied to silver and copper discoveries in the late 1800s, adding subtle historical context to the landscape riders move through. (en.wikipedia.org)
This is a well-balanced, mid-distance ride—ideal for riders looking for a mix of easy cruising, moderate climbs, and scenic summit views without committing to the longest or most technical routes of the event.
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Proceeds to benefit:
We gratefully acknowledge the support and coordination of our federal partners in maintaining the vast landscapes that make our region a premier destination.
