ATV tours of the vast Black Rock Desert of northern Nevada, located near the California border, provide numerous adventures. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the landscape, referred to as a playa, features miles of trails that take you along historic emigrant trails. While no fees are required to enjoy the area, knowing the rules will help keep the area open to everyone for years to come.
Guided Tours
A guided ATV tour of some of the Black Rock Desert's trails gives you a chance to become more familiar with the area while leaving the logistics to an experienced guide. Adventures of Reno offers tours ranging from 2-hour trips to full-day events. Some of the guided rides take you along the Applegate and Nobles emigrant trails. Along the way, you may spot wildlife, including wild horses, and pre-historic drawings and interesting geology.
Rentals
Several companies, including High Sierra ATV Tours and Adventures of Reno, rent ATVs for you to tour the area on your own. Adventures of Reno picks up and delivers your rental ATV to an OHV area in Black Rock Desert. As of January 2011, rates for ATVs started at $129 per day. High Sierra ATV Tours offers a choice of rentals ranging from $225 per day for a single-seat ATV to $300 for a two-seater. Trailer rentals to transport your ATVs to Black Rock Desert cost an extra fee. Helmets are included in both company's prices.
Exploring on Your Own
You'll find plenty of trails in Black Rock Desert to keep you busy for days. Before you head out, a visit to the Bureau of Land Management office in Winnemucca provides information about sensitive areas closed to off-road vehicles. Keep in mind that cell phones do not work in the area, and you need to bring your own water. A good starting point to park and get your ATV on the trail lies along the outskirts of Gerlach, a small town located just outside of Black Rock Desert and the host town to the annual Burning Man festival.
Rules
If you plan to camp overnight, you can set up camp up to a maximum of 50 feet from the trail. The site must offer minimal vegetation damage. You cannot disturb or remove vegetation to create your camp or a parking area. In some areas, you cannot camp at all, including High Rock Canyon, Trego Hot Springs and Mud Meadows areas. Copies of the rules are available online or at the Bureau of Land Management office.
Tags: Black Rock, Black Rock Desert, Rock Desert, Adventures Reno, Bureau Land
