Hiking
The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest offers over 2,000 miles of non-motorized trails to be enjoyed by hikers and equestrians. This includes four National Recreation Trails (Mt. Charleston, Toiyabe Crest, Tahoe Rim, and Ruby Crest), three National Historic Trails (California, Pony Express, and Old Spanish) and the Pacific Crest Trail, a National Scenic Trail. Whether you're roughing it in a tent or planning a family picnic, there Forest’s trails offer ample choices for all, from beginners to experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
Backpacking
Be prepared
- Pack a first aid kit. Your kit can prove invaluable if you or a member of your group suffers a cut, bee sting or allergic reaction. Pack antiseptics for cuts and scrapes, tweezers, insect repellent, a snake bite kit, pain relievers, and sunscreen. Tailor your kit to your family's special needs.
- Learn ABC - Airway, Breathing, & Circulation. Know how to perform CPR and basic first aid. Recognizing serious injuries will enable you to attend to a victim until medical help arrives.
- Bring emergency supplies. In addition to a first aid kit, you should also have a map of the area, compass, flashlight, knife, waterproof fire starter, personal shelter, whistle, warm clothing, high energy food, water, water-purifying tablets, and insect repellant.
Check the elements
- Check the weather report before you leave home. When you arrive at the site, keep on eye on the skies for changes and, if possible, carry a compact weather radio. In inclement weather, take shelter until the bad weather passes. Stay dry - wet clothes contribute to heat loss.
- Forest and grassland home pages post alerts you should know before you go. Many of our forests and grasslands also post alerts on social media.
General Hiking
Hiking is a wonderful way to see and experience the many wonders of our nation’s forests. Visit your forest’s ranger district office, our All Maps page, or National Forest Store to obtain a trail map to help you plan your route based on your ability, available time and interest. Please follow these safety tips to ensure a safe journey:
- Being prepared includes knowing how to be a responsible hiker. Learn more on our Responsible Recreation page.
- Stay on marked trails.
- Don’t hike alone. Let the slowest person in your party set the pace. This is especially important when children are a part of your group.
- Leave your itinerary with a friend or family member and check in with them upon your return.
- Develop an emergency plan before you start your trip. Make sure everyone knows what to do if they become lost or a medical emergency arises. Give children whistles with the instructions to "stop and blow" if they become lost.
- Take frequent rests or vary your pace to maintain your energy level.
- Drink plenty of water, even on cool, wet days. Never drink your entire supply between refills.
- Wear appropriate clothing, including sturdy boots that are broken in and are comfortable.
- Consider using a hiking pole or walking stick to help maintain your balance in unlevel or hazardous areas.
- Be aware of your surroundings, and pre-plan your approach before hiking through more hazardous areas. Wet surfaces can be a hazard and even more so if it's on a slope.
- Consider what you'll do if you start to slide or fall so that you are prepared.
- If falling, do not try to catch yourself; try to avoid landing on your hands, elbows or knees. Landing on the side of your body is much safer.
- If the slope is such where you know you are going to slide, lowering your center of gravity, by sitting down and sliding on your feet or bottom, is safer.
- If sliding while standing up, keep your weight over your feet and bend your knees—do not lean back or forward while sliding.
Day Hikes
On a day hike, extra weight wears you down and reduces your agility over uneven terrain. Pack as light as possible. Leave the extras behind, but consider bringing these essentials:
- Map
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Sunscreen
- Flashlight
- Waterproof matches
- First aid kit
- Water and water-purifying tablets
- High-energy bars, granola, candy, or fruit
- Extra clothing. Temperatures can change dramatically, particularly if there is an elevation change. For every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, the temperature often drops three to five degrees.
Search for Hiking Opportunities
Big Cottonwood Canyon Trail
The Big Cottonwood Canyon Trail is a 4.7 mile long on-motorized trail open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians on the southern end of the Monitor Range near Tonopah, Nevada. It begins off of…
Big Creek Campground
Site Open
Big Creek Campground, located on the west side of the Toiyabe Range, is a quaint site surrounded by water birch, cottonwood, and Russian olive trees at the mouth of a canyon along a creek which runs…
Big Creek Canyon Trail
The Big Creek Canyon Trail is a 4.08 mile long non-motorized trail located within the Quinn Canyon Wilderness near Rachel, Nevada. This trail passes through Big Creek Canyon. On the southern end of…
Big White Sage Trail
The Big White Sage Trail is a 4.8 mile long motorized trail located in the southern portion of the Monitor Range near Tonopah, Nevada.
Bird Creek Campground
Site Open
Bird Creek Campground is located in the Duck Creek Basin, high on the Schell Creek Range. This site sits at an elevation of 8,200 feet, approximately 25 miles from Ely, Nevada. Hiking, mountain…
Blackrock Canyon Trail
The Blackrock Canyon Trail is a 2.9 mile long non-motorized trail that access the northern portion of the Table Mountain Wilderness near Tonopah, Nevada. This trail starts at the end of Black Rock…
Blue Tree Loop
The Blue Tree Loop Trail is a 6.98 mile long non-motorized trail that takes hikers, bikers, and equestrians on a long and narrow loop on both sides of Lee Canyon Road, starting and ending at the…
BM15 Trail Dispersed #1
BM15 Trail Dispersed #1 is a 2.9 mile long motorized trail located in the Cold Creek area of the Spring Mountains NRA near Indian Springs, Nevada. The north end of the trail starts at the end of…
Bob Scott Campground
Site Temporarily Closed
Bob Scott Campground is a very popular campground for travelers and hunters as it is just off Historic U.S. Highway 50, known as the "Loneliest Road in America", and not far from the small community…
Bonanza Trail
The Bonanza Trail is a 13.6 mile out and back trail on the Spring Mountains NRA near Las Vegas, Nevada. This remote trail provides excellent access to the Mt. Charleston Wilderness. From the…