Basin and Range Trail, Moderate 4x4 trail in Tonopah, NV
    Moderate
    Overlanding
    4.5

    Basin and Range Trail

    Tonopah, NVSouthwest

    Basin and Range Trail is a moderate 200+ miles off-road trail near Tonopah, NV. It requires a properly built 4x4 with All-terrain tires, 4WD with low range, Recovery boards and is best run April - October. Stock trucks and Jeeps are not recommended; plan on the required modifications before attempting it.

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    The Basin and Range Trail explores Nevada's iconic geological province where vast, empty valleys are punctuated by isolated mountain ranges in an endless repeating pattern stretching to every horizon. This is overlanding at its most remote and contemplative, hours between any sign of civilization, with ghost towns, hot springs, and abandoned mines scattered across the landscape.

    Fun Facts

    #1

    Nevada's basin-and-range geology was created by the Earth's crust stretching apart over millions of years.

    #2

    More than 300 named mountain ranges exist in Nevada, separated by flat valleys.

    #3

    The Loneliest Road in America (US 50) crosses this landscape, averaging fewer than 200 vehicles per day.

    #4

    Nevada is the most mountainous state in the Lower 48, with over 170 peaks above 9,000 feet.

    Length
    200+ miles
    Elevation
    4,000 - 8,000 ft
    Best Season
    April - October
    Permit
    Not Required
    Emptiest terrainGhost townsBasin-range geologyTrue isolationDark skies

    🛞 Tires

    required
    All-terrain tires

    🔧 Suspension

    recommended
    2"+ lift kit

    ⚙️ Drivetrain

    required
    4WD with low range

    🪢 Recovery

    required
    Recovery boards
    required
    Tow strap

    📦 Other

    required
    Extra fuel (15+ gallons)
    200+ miles between fuel stops
    required
    Satellite communicator
    No cell service for hundreds of miles
    1
    Tonopah Start
    38.0672, -117.2300
    2
    Hot Creek Range Pass
    38.5234, -116.5678
    3
    Belmont Ghost Town
    38.5222, -116.8633

    Closest campgrounds to Basin and Range Trail:

    Where to Camp

    GPS Coordinates

    38.0672, -117.2300

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