The American Discovery Trail is the nation’s only coast-to-coast trail for hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians. Spanning 6,800 miles, the trail links the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean through 15 states… including Nevada!
Nevada’s portion of the trail is approximately 550 miles and runs east-west across the central part of the state, generally just south of Highway 50. In its entirety, the trail gives a wonderful overview of the state including towns like Ely and Virginia City, plus ghost towns, hot springs, mountains and valleys, historic ranches, state parks, wilderness areas, and more.
The trail ranges in difficulty from easy to challenging. There are sections in single track, two track, and along roads (dirt as well as paved). It’s a combination of old Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management roads, long-forgotten wagon roads, historic emigrant trails, and more. There are big stretches without water and towns are sparse along the trail itself.
A handful of thru-hikers cross the state each year but for the most part, the trail is not heavily used. Of all the states that the American Discovery Trail passes through, Nevada is considered one of the most challenging due to the terrain, lack of water, remoteness, and general desert conditions. However, it is well worth setting out to explore.
There are very accessible sections for equestrians near Washoe Valley, Silver Springs, Fallon, Ely, and Baker. In some places, the trail overlaps with other trails like the Pony Express Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, and Toiyabe Crest Trail. Campgrounds like Sacramento Pass, Scout Camp, Pine Creek, and Washoe Lake State Park are on or just off the trail. The Hobart Reservoir Trail follows the American Discovery Trail.
Other Points of Interest
- Great Basin National Park
- Cave Lake State Park
- Ward Charcoal Ovens State Park
- Currant Mountain Wilderness Area
- Alta Toquima Wilderness Area
- Arc Dome Wilderness Area
- Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park
- Sand Mountain Recreation Area
- Fort Churchill Historical State Park
- Mt. Rose Wilderness Area
- Lake Tahoe State Park
- Table Mountain Wilderness Area
Only a portion of the American Discovery Trail in Nevada is marked with signs (from Baker to Illipah) and turn-by-turn directions are not yet available. If you are interested in exploring parts of the trail with a horse, it is strongly recommended that you contact the state coordinator – that’s me! – at samantha@discoverytrail.org for more information.
Trail Maps
