Black Rock Desert – High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area

Black Rock Desert - High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area is a large protected area in northwestern Nevada featuring volcanic rock formations, deep canyons, and natural hot springs. The land varies from wide open desert plains to steep-walled gorges and elevated ridge areas.

This region was a crucial passage during westward expansion, when pioneers followed long trails heading toward California in the 1800s. The routes they used cut across the desert and remain visible today as historic travel corridors.

Indigenous peoples made their homes here for thousands of years, leaving behind rock art and settlement sites scattered across the region. Walking through the canyons today, you can still encounter these traces of their long presence in the landscape.

The area is remote with limited services, so visitors should bring plenty of water and supplies before heading out into the desert. Contact the Bureau of Land Management office in Winnemucca beforehand to learn about current trail conditions and any permits required for your activities.

The conservation area includes several distinct Wilderness Areas such as the Calico Mountains and different preservation zones, each with its own geological character. This variety allows visitors to experience different desert landscapes and rock formations within a single destination.

GPS coordinates: 40.91073,-119.05601

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:04