This fun and slightly challenging route will take you through a deep canyon with trees, water, interesting rock formations, and lots of history.
Look for the hillside letter “D” to the southeast of Dayton. Eldorado Canyon lies just beyond. “El Dorado” means the golden in Spanish. Most place names in Nevada come from mining and this one is no exception. Dayton boomed after gold was discovered in 1849 and it’s easy to imagine these hills alive with the sounds of optimistic miners and explorers.
As you ride toward the canyon, you’ll pass the ruins of the old Dayton Lime Works. Built in 1875, three large kilns were used to make lime for early brick buildings in the region. Today, the crumbling ruins of the kilns are still visible. Just past the kilns, you’ll find the mouth of Eldorado Canyon.
The “trails” here are all old roads, which tend to range from moderate to very rocky throughout so boots or shoes are recommended. In addition, some of the creek beds feature large, loose river rock and there is some hillwork so this is a moderately technical ride.
There are several creek crossings which is always a treat when riding in the high desert. In the spring, the water flows quite well through the canyon and it usually flows into fall, depending on the year. Most of the creek crossings are shallow and should be no problem for a horse. Because it is a canyon, it does hold snow and ice a little longer. If you come too early in the spring, the creeks can be frozen over.
The canyon is filled with pinyon and juniper trees as well as aspens and other water-loving shrubs. There are patches of grass for grazing breaks. The wildflowers absolutely pop here in the spring. Because so much water flows through here, the trails can be washed out in some years and be tricky to follow. Keep an eye open for deer, lizards, and your usual Nevada wildlife.
Eldorado Canyon connects Dayton to Carson City and Smith Valley on old rocky roads so it is a popular area for local jeep clubs and dirtbike riders. Occasionally you’ll have to let a convoy pass but usually, this is a lowkey spot to ride. There are a number of roads to explore in this region. The ones that veer into the hillsides can be very steep.
There are also quite a few wild horses in this area. I’ve never run into them in the canyon itself, usually just in the flats above. Typically they will keep their distance, but always be alert.
Getting Here
Where to Park: Park at the Dayton Rodeo Grounds where there is plenty of space for rigs. From there you can ride out the main road that connects to the mouth of the canyon. This does add an extra mile or so to the ride, but the road beyond the rodeo grounds is too rocky and is not maintained well enough for rigs.
