Lincoln County covers about 10,000 square miles in southeastern Nevada but it is home to less than 5,000 people. What this remote corner of the state lacks in towns and services, it makes up for with the opportunity for outdoor adventure. If you’re looking to explore Lincoln County on horseback, you’ll need a good basecamp and there is none better than the Mt. Wilson Ranch.
This rustic guest ranch is located just north of the town of Pioche, tucked into the Wilson Creek Range. It dates back to the mid-1800s when this region was booming up with mining. There are mines nearby but this was a working ranch. It still has the original homestead building which dates to the 1870s, as well as a lush meadow, year-round stream, and an orchard with apples and pears.
Despite its remote locale, the Mt. Wilson Ranch has developed a bit of a cult following in paranormal circles, thanks to appearances on several television shows, including Ghost Hunters and Beyond Skinwalker Ranch. Mysteries abound at the ranch, with reports of strange energetic fields, supernatural energy, and even extraterrestrial activity.
The ranch is owned and operated by Jeff Macburnie and his partner NikNak who live on site. Together they have welcomed hunters, OHV riders, paranormal investigators, and other adventurers for years, but now they are also opening their corrals for equestrian guests. If you want to get a little out there in Nevada you can’t beat this destination.
Accommodations
There are two buildings for guest lodging. The upper building, what they call “The Motel,” features three rooms, each with at least two queen size beds, table and chairs, a mini fridge, and a bathroom. The lower building, what they call “The Bunkhouse,” features several guest rooms, including some with full kitchens. Everything is tastefully decorated with a mishmash of Western motifs, clean, and cozy.
Jeff describes the lodging as “camping with walls,” so there are no televisions in any of the rooms. However, there is cell service and wifi at the ranch. And, if you are really craving television, you’ll find one in the lodge. But who has time for tv when you have trails to explore?
The lodge is next to the upper building. In it you’ll find the ranch’s collection of artifacts and bones, gift shop, dining room, kitchen, and sitting rooms. Next to the lodge you’ll find one of the most stellar private saloons in all of Nevada. You will definitely want to saddle up to the historic bar and have a drink. It’s especially atmospheric in the evening when its dimly lit.
Rooms range from $100 to $200 a night. Guests have full access to the lodge and the saloon (BYOB or drinks by donation). A catering package is available but otherwise you’ll want to bring all your own supplies. Stores are limited out here but there is a small market in nearby Pioche.
Dogs are welcome but they must be on a leash around the ranch itself. Jeff and NikNak have their own dogs, as well as one horse (an ornery stallion), chickens, and a bevy of goats. Keep your eyes open for the wild horses and deer that come through the ranch. You may be serenaded by a coyote’s song while you enjoy some of the darkest skies in the U.S. (UFO sightings not guaranteed!)
Horse Lodging
Horse lodging is new for the Mt. Wilson Ranch. Currently, they have one large pen with a shelter set up near the lower bunkhouse. They have more panels and can set up additional pens in a variety of configurations to accommodate guests. You can also set up your own pen, but because wild horses do come through the property make sure its sturdy.
You will need to bring your own hay. There is no feed store in the county but if you do run out Jeff and NikNak can help you connect with a local rancher to buy some. Water is pumped fresh from the creek to your pen.
Horse lodging is $15 per night. A Coggins test is required. There are also full hookups for trailers if you choose to bring an LQ. Those are $35 per night. But, with all the hauling you’re gonna want to do it’s best to bring a smaller trailer and enjoy the guest rooms they offer here.
Mt. Wilson can surprisingly get snow in the winter so this is a spring, summer, fall destination.
Riding
You can ride right off the ranch and explore the area around Mt. Wilson. There are no designated trails but there are numerous old roads that wind and climb through the hills or into the valley below. You’re unlikely to run into anyone else in these parts, except maybe the occasional hunter depending on what time of year it is. There are some private parcels nestled into the hills, but they are easy to avoid and the surrounding area is all public land.
The terrain here is solidly Great Basin with thick pinyon and juniper, sagebrush, and rabbitbrush. There are seasonal creeks and unique rock formations. It’s low stress riding and nice views in all directions, especially if you get a little elevation. Definitely consult a map before heading out, but you can ride as little or as long as you’d like.
From the ranch, you can also haul to many other nearby trails. The must-ride Cathedral Gorge State Park is about 40 minutes south in Panaca. The Silver State OHV Trail has numerous spots to stage and explore. Beaver Dam State Park allows horses for day rides. Lincoln County has no designated horse camps, but you can primitive camp a lot of places. The county is really embracing outdoor recreation for mountain bikes and OHV. Perhaps with more equestrian visitors they will consider building some more infrastructure for us!
Getting Here
When you turnoff Highway 93 onto Mt. Wilson Road, it is nearly nine miles on a graded, gravel road to get to the ranch. Some parts of the road are a little rough. Most rigs should be fine, but you may want to take it slow.
