East Fork High Rock Canyon Wilderness
RV Guide
Introduction
Ready to hit the open road in search of your next great RV adventure? Consider a trip to Nevada's East Fork High Rock Canyon Wilderness. It's a fantastic place to catch up on some R&R in a tranquil, desert paradise.
A Bureau of Land Management property located in Black Rock Desert, Nevada, East Fork High Rock Canyon Wilderness was designated a wilderness site in the year 2000. Today, the grounds consist of 52,618 acres in total. The landscape is characterized by broad tracts of land deeply impacted by the volcanic activity of years gone by. There are many awe-inspiring sights at this scenic recreational area, including stunning cliffs and rich rock structures. The grounds are a ripe habitat for many species of animal life, including golden eagles, prairie falcons, hawks, and owls.
Home to several canyons cut deep into the rock, some of these regions are home to a vast population of mule deer that congregate here year-round. Other creatures found on the grounds include pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, and wild horses.
Motorized vehicles and equipment are strictly forbidden on the wilderness grounds. This means that RV camping at East Fork High Rock Canyon Wilderness is not permitted; however, several nearby campgrounds offer facilities suited for RV and travel trailer use.
East Fork High Rock Canyon Wilderness is rich in history, bearing marks of having been a fertile settling ground for many people groups for thousands of years. From the pinnacle of High Rock Canyon, incredible views of the nearby Applegate-Lassen Emigrant Trail can be seen, a popular hiking spot among visitors.
An area that boasts of many recreational opportunities, some of the most popular attractions include picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. East Fork High Rock Canyon Wilderness also sits near to many other state parks and local landmarks, making it an excellent central point for families wishing to explore the area in greater detail.
For a camping adventure that will leave you longing for more, plan a trip to East Fork High Rock Canyon Wilderness. You'll have a fantastic time!
RV Rentals in East Fork High Rock Canyon Wilderness
Transportation
Driving
The easiest way to gain access to East Fork High Rock Canyon Wilderness is via High Rock Canyon Road. This route is best taken only by high clearance vehicles with 4WD. To reach this highway, follow Washoe County 8A and Stevens Camp Road when traveling from the north. From the south, take Washoe County Road 34 to High Rock Lake Road.
Both routes to the wilderness follow highways of two lanes. They are paved. Since the highways do not lead directly to the wilderness grounds, it will be necessary to park along the side of the road and travel the remainder of the way on foot. Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the premises of the wilderness.
It is important to note that High Rock Canyon Road is closed between February and May each year for raptor nesting season.
Parking
Though there is no formally designated parking lot at East Fork High Rock Canyon Wilderness, there is ample room for parking along the side of the road. It is important to note that to reach the wilderness grounds, you must travel some distance on foot.
Public Transportation
There is no public transportation available to East Fork High Rock Canyon Wilderness due to its remote locale.
Campgrounds and parking in East Fork High Rock Canyon Wilderness
Campsites in East Fork High Rock Canyon Wilderness
Alternate camping
Soldier Meadows Campground
Soldier Meadows Campground is found on the same premises as the hot springs. This property offers dispersed camping which includes primitive-style campsites equipped with fire pits and a parking section.
The on-site amenities include vault toilets, a rustic cabin, and walking trails.
The campsites available at Soldier Meadows Campground are divided into seven areas. Five of them are located directly by the creek with one by the cabin and the final one directly above the Hidden Spring.
The cabin is available for overnight stays on a first-come, first-served basis.
East Rock Spring Campground
East Rock Spring Campground offers primitive style camping conditions that are best suited to tenting. The landscape is largely undeveloped, making some hiking necessary to secure an appropriate place to pitch a tent.
There are no on-site amenities provided. To ensure an adequate water supply, families are encouraged to bring water with them from home.
There is no formally designated parking lot on the grounds, so you will need to leave your vehicle, RV, or trailer along the side of the road.
Your dog may join you at East Rock Spring Campground, but you must keep them leashed at all times.
Black Rock Desert - High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area
A vast property offering many different spots suitable for camping, Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area is the ideal spot for an overnight stay for families looking to reconnect with nature. Primitive style camping conditions are the name of the game at this popular BLM-managed property.
There are no on-site amenities provided here; however, there are many different recreational activities for families to enjoy including hiking, wildlife viewing, photography, horseback riding, and much more.
Dogs are welcome to join their families on the premises but must remain leashed.
Seasonal activities in East Fork High Rock Canyon Wilderness
In-Season
Fly Geyser
A popular destination during any Nevada visit, you won't want to miss the opportunity to take a trip to Fly Geyser. Fly Geyser is found on the grounds of Fly Ranch, a piece of land measuring 3,800 acres, which rests in the northern portion of the state. A group called the Burning Man Project secured this property in 2016. Fly Ranch sits two hours away from metropolitan Reno at the nearest tip of the Black Rock Desert.
In 1964, Fly Geyser was formed when a local power company drilled the premises to create a test well. It is believed that this well site was not properly stemmed following its use, leading to the formation of calcium carbonate deposits. As these deposits began to grow, they led to a large mass consisting of three hills amid statuesque reeds and grassy areas. Today, the deposits are now six feet in height. Their striking red and green hues are both attractive and eye-catching.
Today, the geyser continues to emit immensely hot water, which soars up to five feet in the air.
Guru Road
A unique attraction located in nearby Gerlach, Nevada, Guru Road is worth a visit during your stay at East Fork High Rock Canyon Wilderness. Guru Road is an eccentric stopping point that measures a mile in total length. A road that can be traveled on foot or by car, the path is lined with whimsical, handmade items and wise sayings to promote reflection and self-awareness. Several large scale art installations can also be seen along the route.
Each of the pieces of art along with the sayings are attributed to a local character named DeWayne "Doobie" Williams, a resident of Gerlach. The art created by Mr. Williams was all handcrafted from locally sourced stone and other materials.
Soldier Meadows Hot Springs
For a little extra R&R after a vigorous workout hiking the grounds at East Fork High Rock Canyon Wilderness, a trip to Soldier Meadows Hot Springs is in order. The springs bubble with immense warmth, providing a soothing balm to aching muscles.
The area is alive with a history that is ripe for discovery. Situated near to the mouth of the well-renowned Black Rock Desert, Soldier Meadows sits on a portion of the Black Rock Desert-High Rock Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area. This region was once believed to be exceptionally dangerous due to its lack of accessible supplies and remote location. Portions of the original trail can still be seen, and the property has been largely undeveloped over the last 150 years.
Soldier Meadows has a number of hot springs pools families can enjoy. The main pool is found at the very entrance to the park. Follow the creek to find a spot that is right for you; there are six in total to choose from.
Off-Season
Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area
Nearby Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area is an excellent place for families looking for a new spot to spend the day while on vacation in Nevada. This recreational area is home to many different outdoor activities. With over 800,000 acres to its credit, there is plenty of land to explore on foot. The property is home to over 120 miles of emigrant trails of varying lengths and intensities with something sure to suit the interests and activity level of every member of the family.
There are also many incredible sites to behold such as the Black Rock Desert beach regions, the High Rock Canyon gorge, the wagon trails of old, and the natural hot springs found on the premises.
Applegate-Lassen Emigrant Trail
One of the most popular nearby trails is the Applegate-Lassen Emigrant Trail found within the Black Rock Desert. This trail measures 130 miles in length and travels through the Nevada counties of Pershing, Humboldt, and Washoe.
This trail is picked up at the confluence of the California Trail with the Humboldt River and can be followed to the Rye Patch Reservoir just outside the exit found at Vya, Nevada. The Applegate-Lassen Trail is of historic significance and is considered one of the most popular and heavily trafficked routes in the west in years gone by.
Due to its prominent role in United States history, many feel the Applegate-Lassen Trail should be designated a national historic site.
Photography
East Fork High Rock Canyon Wilderness is extremely picturesque, affording both amateurs and professionals alike the opportunity to capture some incredible photos to proudly feature in their portfolio. Whether you prefer to train your lens on the incredible rock-lined landscape or the vast array of wildlife found within the wilderness grounds, you will not want for worthy subject matter.
Since traveling through the canyons is a vigorous workout, you will want to be sure to wear appropriate shoes to protect your feet and prevent slipping. Avoid photo shoots during the extreme heat of the day and be sure to bring along lots of water to prevent dehydration.
