Soldier Meadows Hot Springs Bike Loop

103 miles | 2,080 ft elevation gain.

This remote dirt road loop travels through the Black Rock Desert NCA following portions of the historic Applegate Emigrant Trail, where 19th century emigrants crossed this landscape in search of a safer route west.

Starting at the 12 Mile Playa Access Point the route heads straight across roughly 19 miles of open playa toward Black Rock Point. Ride across vast, sun-baked lakebed, changing surface textures, intermittent dunes, and seasonal wet spots that should be avoided. The openness of the playa allows for creative route choices and expansive views in every direction.

You’ll likely need to follow GPS to find the designated route off the playa, through the dunes to Black Rock Hot Spring, where the road will fork, but you’ll find emigrant trail markers. From here, the route turns north-west along the base of the Black Rock Range following sandy and rocky jeep road near the Pahute Peak Wilderness Area. Along this stretch you’ll pass boiling and hot springs, including Casey Hot Springs, a lush oasis created by steaming water and grasses, and Double Hot Springs, striking but extremely dangerous and best viewed from a distance. Farther up, the route also passes Hardin City, a short-lived silver mining town from the late 1800s that now stands as a quiet desert ghost town.

Continuing north the route reaches Mud Meadow Reservoir, where riders can stay on the main road or take a short detour near the water before heading into Soldier Meadows. This spring fed meadow supports sensitive habitats so travel and camp lightly. The nearby hot springs are among the most beloved in the region, and optional side trips lead toward High Rock Canyon and Fly Canyon.

The return follows Soldier Meadows Road, generally well maintained and scenic, skirting the western edge of the Black Rock Desert and passing the High Rock Lake and Calico Mountains Wilderness Areas before finishing back at the playa via County Road 34.

This route is extremely remote with no services. Wet clay/Playa surfaces become impassable when wet, weather conditions must be carefully considered. First time visitors are encouraged to stop by our Friends of Black Rock Visitor Center at 320 Main Street Gerlach, Nevada. Detailed navigation and route data are available via the linked Ride with me GPS page