Black Rock Desert
Black Rock Desert is a easy 150+ miles off-road trail near Gerlach, NV. It requires a properly built 4x4 with All-terrain tires, Recovery boards, Extra water (5+ gallons) and is best run May - October. Stock trucks and Jeeps are not recommended; plan on the required modifications before attempting it.
Trail Conditions
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Black Rock Desert is one of the most vast and empty landscapes in the Lower 48, a massive dry lakebed stretching over 100 miles in northwestern Nevada. The playa, famous as the site of Burning Man and the land speed record, offers a uniquely surreal driving experience, perfectly flat terrain extending to every horizon. Surrounding the playa, backcountry roads lead to hot springs, ghost towns, and colorful canyon formations.
Fun Facts
The Black Rock Desert playa hosted the first supersonic land speed record, Thrust SSC broke the sound barrier here in 1997.
Burning Man has been held here annually since 1990, attracting over 70,000 participants.
The playa is so flat and vast that you can see the curvature of the Earth.
Natural hot springs around the playa have been used for bathing since prehistoric times.
🛞 Tires
🔧 Suspension
⚙️ Drivetrain
🪢 Recovery
📦 Other
Where to Camp
GPS Coordinates
Import into Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad, or Garmin
Map of Gerlach, NV
5-Day Forecast
Nearby Trails
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Stock rigs can usually run this trail, but the right tire size and fitment make it more enjoyable.
Tire Size Calculator
Convert tire sizes and compare diameter differences before you swap.
Verify your stock tires meet minimum clearance for this trail.
Gear Ratio Calculator
Find the right gear ratio after lifting or upsizing tires.
Re-gear after a tire upgrade to restore trail torque and MPG.
Wheel Fitment Calculator
Calculate backspacing and offset so wider wheels clear your suspension.
Ensure any wheel upgrade clears your factory suspension.