NW Nevada. Black Rock, High Rock Desert and Sheldon Nat'l Wildlife Refuge. Gas and Range Question.

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Lazynorse

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Tacoma, WA, USA
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Rob
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I'll be going to NW Nevada, linking a route that starts in Cedarville, CA (nearest gas to the West of the Black Rock Desert area), to Sheldon Nat'l Wildlife Refuge, then south to Black Rock, High Rock Desert area, finally exiting in Gerlach Nevada. Ideally, I'd want to do this on my 18 gallon gas tank and 5 gall Wavian can. Exiting this area for gas is a major out and back, 40 miles +/- depending where you are. I'd probably lose most the day to the chore.

For those familiar with Black Rock Desert and the nearby Sheldon to the north of it, what's your experience with range, how did you plan it? I charted out a north to south route, totaling 280 miles. If I poke around off this track - and I'd hope to - that could add another 20 - 40 miles. Now I'm looking at 320 mile range need.

I have a 5th gen, 2022 Ford Ranger FX4, modest suspension lift, 32" C load AT tires, aluminum RCI skids. Worst mileage ever was 11 mpg poking along on White Rim Trail in Utah. On the highway, loaded down, I'm at 16 - 18+. Gravel roads and 4wd, probably 14-15. If I get 14 mpg, I could complete this route with maybe 20 extra miles thrown in. That's cutting it really close. I'm nearly resigned to heading back to Cedarville for gas refill after Sheldon, then going back to Black Rock/High Rock with a full tank (+/- 40 miles of driving from Cedarville). Adele to the North has one gas station, but a recent Google review said it was closed down. Denio at the Oregon/Nevada border to the NE has gas, that's not quite as far as going back West to Cedarville, so long as you're near the NE corner of Sheldon Refuge. No matter, you're racking up lots of miles - and time - going way out of your way to top off.

I keep my Wavian in the truck bed, under a Snugtop canopy. Its absolutely trustworthy in there. I really don't have the room or desire to buy another one, but I do have a fairly rugged 2 gall plastic can for shed/lawnmower duties. That would give me 25+ miles of range, but its not a bomb proof steel NATO Wavian can. Won't be buying new bumpers and swing outs just for this, to accommodate multiple cans outside. Sorta working with what I have, which has been fine in remote Owyhees, Utah. Nevada has me wringing my hands a little. Oh how I wish the Ranger had a bigger fuel tank, lol.

Thoughts on the matter? What's your fueling and range experience in this neck of the woods? P.S., after this area I'll be heading east to Ruby Mountains then Jarbidge area. 2 weeks total, starting and ending in WA state.

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pluton

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Looks like a plan for a great trip!
I have no relevant experience in the area, and I know it's not what you asked, but a second Wavian can seems pretty small thing to accommodate considering it makes the trip much better if you don't have to detour for gas.
 

genocache

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I've spent some time in the Black Rock in the 70's and 80's. Staying mostly on roads isn't too bad as long as it's dry. It's going off on those 2 track off main trail that can be fuel eaters. I carried 2 5gal cans and used both in 4 days of exploring in a 1973 Land Rover Series 3 with a 4cyl petrol 2.25l engine and a 12 gal main tank. Later trips in a 1967 Land Rover Series 2A with a Chevy 6 swap, still a 12gal main and 2 5gal cans. Filled up in Empire before heading into the desert.

You know your vehicle and driving style best so ultimately your decision, Me?, I'd take another can and not worry.
 

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Jim SoG

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Gerlach has fuel and food. The BRD can be harsh at times, There is water crossing in the High Rock Canyon and depending on weather, snow melt etc it can be a bit deep, there are youtube videos on this crossing, mostly it is fine and fun. Stay on trails, if driving the Playa, be sure there has not been any rain recently or a fun traverse can get you stuck and walking or waiting for help. No matter how much "enough" fuel, water, Communications and food, take more........
Not sure if you mentioned when your doing the trip, but remember HEAT, it is a desert.

Contact FBR and you can get latest info and conditions, if you can catch them, they are voluteers and it is hit or miss...... Friends of Black Rock-High Rock
Also can try here: Friends of Black Rock / High Rock | Gerlach NV

Also,
Trego Hot Springs was closed due to contaminated water, I woould avoing going in even if it has reopened.
Soldier Meadows Hot Springs is good to go.
CHECK TEMP before you or animals going in/near. Some will kill you.

Fly Guiser has been bought and cost money to see......

Do you have AAA? Might be worth a few bucks for the help, if getting, pay extra for the 100 mile towing.

This is the number to 775 Recovery: Phone: (775) 238-3793

IF able to post and need help: Support Alert - Community Assistance Request

Last, if using a newer iPhone and no signal, it will connect via Sat to help, worked great in Death Valley as a buddy of ours wife had to be medivaced.....

Psot pics and tell us about your trip when you go.

Jim