All Going
All Not Going
East Bay - Black Rock Desert Trip May 2022
A mix of off-road exploring the wilderness and tourist stuff
The Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area covers 1.2 million acres that are managed by BLM.
It is one of the lesser traveled desert regions in the United States, you will be rewarded with expansive horizons, abandoned mines and ghost towns, hot springs, and DIY art exhibits.
Please make sure your rig meets the basic requirements listed below
-
START DATE
Thursday, May 19, 2022
07:30 AM Pacific Time (US & Canada)07:30 Hrs GMT -8:00 -
END DATE
Monday, May 23, 2022
06:00 PM Pacific Time (US & Canada)18:00 Hrs GMT -8:00
RALLY POINT EVENT
OVERLAND BOUND REGION
US West
EVENT TYPE
Trip
DIFFICULTY
4 - MODERATE 2
Rally Point Event
Terrain Type
- Dirt Road
- Highway
- Mud
- Rock Crawling
Recommended
- 4WD
- Off Road Tires
Channel
- HAM 146.460
Rally Point Details:
5/2 UPDATE:
- CHANGE OF DATE (NOW THU - MON) - we are shifting the dates of this trip by one day to give us a more flexible shedule and be able to better react to weather conditions.
- Updated GPX file V3
<hr>
NOTE: MEET UP Location - 400 Diablo Rd, Danville, CA 94526 - Chevron near exit 39
# REQUIREMENTS!
Get Ready Before we go
## Offline navigation
- many areas do not have phone service so you need an offline map solution, the attached GPX works great in Gaia. Pay for the app if you don’t have it, it could save your life. Paper maps always work as well. :)
- DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE see below
## HAM radio for Communications
- even if you don’t have a license you can listen in legally, there are a number of handheld radios that are satisfactory on Amazon available from $35-$200. Baofeng to Yaesu
- PROGRAM Mhz 146.460
## Extra fuel
- Prepare for 300 miles without Gas station!! While the loop is approx 250 mi we ask that due to the remoteness (NO GAS STATIONS) and potential need to adjust (ie back track if the playa is impassable) that you please plan for 300 mi gas range. We will top up in Gerlach before the loop.
## Amber Chase Lights to keep the group safer on dusty trails.
- This is absolutely critical as our group will kick up a lot of dust and the wavelength of amber goes the furthest through dust clouds. Please mount them higher up on the rear of your vehicle and they can be battery operated, plug-in to a cigarette lighter, or hardwired to a switch on your vehicle.
- You must have rear amber lights to join this trip to help keep others from rear-ending you on the trail.
## Other
- Off road tires and Spare,
- Recovery Gear / Tools
- Stock high clearance required and should be fine,
- Definitely 4WD
- prepared for dispersed camping ie water, food and sleeping accommodations and please including pooper (leave no trace)
- Meds, emergency kit
If you arrive missing one of these requirements we encourage you to go have a great solo trip but it will put the larger group at risk traveling with us. Prepare-Outfit-Explore
# What to expect
The Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area covers 1.2 million acres that are managed by BLM.
It is one of the lesser traveled desert regions in the United States, you will be rewarded with expansive horizons, abandoned mines and ghost towns, hot springs, and DIY art exhibits.
One added benefit of the Black Rock is its remoteness, the nearest major population center is several hundred miles away, the Black Rock features some of the best stargazing in the contiguous United States.
The planned route makes a veritable loop through the NCA, passing by many of the region's must see sites.
HOT SPRINGS BRING SWIM GEAR !!
Wild life we may encounter along the way include wild horses and burros, big horn sheep, raptors, pronghorn antelope, marmots, and more.
# Terrain
While much of the route is relatively tame in terms of terrain, a combination of dry lake bed, gravel roads, etc, the trail through High Rock Canyon can be rough and does feature rocks, ruts, and water crossings.
- https://youtu.be/AffDZP7R8B4 (video from Emmanuel last trip)
# Maps/Route
There is a map on the rally point. If you have previously downloaded please download again so you do have the latest version. Please download for have available for offline use during the trip.
In addition here is a link to the route in Gaia
- https://www.gaiagps.com/public/TlPKb7hLf6pru9PYaG6r6H6w/?layer=GaiaTopoRasterFeet
DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE
# Itinerary
## Thursday - 325 miles + 75 miles
- 7:30am sharp depart Chevron Danville (exit 39)
- Travel to Gerlach, NV
- Gas up at HWY 80 exit - last diesel stop
- Gerlach gas top off and visitor center - https://blackrockdesert.org/
- Lunch near Guru Road - https://travelnevada.com/weird-nevada/guru-road/art
- (Maybe only - could not get Reservations, will try day off) Fly Geyser Ranch - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fly_Geyser - we are working on getting reservation, plan for a small fee / person
- Petrified Forest
- Camp at Stevens Camp - https://nevadamagazine.com/issue/may-june-2015/2437/
## Friday - 30 miles
- High Rock Canyon - https://blackrockdesert.org/high-rock-canyon/
- Water crossings
- Stone Garage
- Murder Site
- Camp at Soldier Meadows HotSprings - https://travelnevada.com/hot-springs/soldier-meadows-hot-springs/
## Saturday - 40 miles
- Double Hot Spring - Boiling water!! - https://travelnevada.com/hot-springs/double-hot-springs/
- NOTE: we need to be extra CAUTIOUS in this area
- Camp at Black Rock Hot Spring or maybe on Playa
## Sunday - 30 miles
- Rocky Peak Playa
- Drive Playa
- Camp on the playa at the Burning Man location - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burning_Man
## Monday - 30 miles + 320 miles
- Trego Hot Spring - https://www.ultimatehotspringsguide.com/trego-hot-springs.html - may not go there due to health concerns
- travel home
# AirQuality / Weather
Please check for latest conditions :
- https://blackrockdesert.org/current-conditions/
- https://weather.com/weather/tenday/l/Gerlach+NV+USNV0033:1:US
Weather conditions especially on the playa can change quickly, as it may be difficult or impossible to traverse when moisture or mud is present. Also Sandstorms can appear on short notice. So we have to be flexible and adjust as appropriate.
Weather can be chilly at this altitude please plan accordingly
# More Info
- https://blackrockdesert.org/ a great resource
- https://youtu.be/_OBwWMQ_OAw awesome video from the association
- some info on how to navigate the playa https://youtu.be/FGImAsHgQT8 ie the names of the formations
- Tow/service : 775-557-2272
# Wait-list/Change of plans:
We likely will have a wait-list for this trip so if you decide to not go please update your RSVP to "NOT GOING" to open up a spot and let me know.
## ... Let the adventure begin ... making memories ...
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Member#- Start Point: Diablo Rd and Green Valley Shopping Center, Danville, CA 94526, USA GPS Coordinates: 37.82325, -121.99232 Notes: Chevron Danville - Meet up - 7:30 am Departure
- End Point: 565 Main St, Gerlach, NV 89412, USA GPS Coordinates: 40.65423, -119.3511 Notes: Last Gas Fill up
This Rally Point location and route can be downloaded if the buttons are active. The “Launch Google Earth" option will allow you to review the location in 3D. Please keep in mind, actual terrain may vary greatly. This should be used for reference only.
Save KML Save GPX PDF Launch in Google Map Launch in Google Earth
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