The best traffic-free bike rides in Selenite Mountains Wilderness Study Area
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rides
No traffic touring cycling routes in Selenite Mountains Wilderness Study Area traverse a rugged landscape characterized by the northern Selenite Range, featuring eroded granite and basaltic flows, granitic outcrops, and cliffs. The area includes a narrow desert piedmont and foot slopes with long, sloping alluvial fans. Touring cyclists will find extensive backroads, often in good condition, offering views of sprawling desert playas and towering granite peaks. The region's diverse terrain includes sagebrush, bunch grasses, and juniper trees at higher elevations,…
Last updated: May 14, 2026
65.6km
05:11
190m
190m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
112km
08:33
120m
120m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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59.7km
04:38
240m
240m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
For a few weeks at the end of each summer Black Rock Desert is home to tens of thousands of festival goers attending Burning Man. For the rest of the year you'll be lucky to see more than a couple of people around, outside of organized events. There are some established "roads" and "trails" across the playa, but when the ground is dry you can pretty much ride wherever you want to for as far as you want to.
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The Frog Ponds are more warm springs than hot springs, as they generally top out around 90F. Also, these ponds are on private property and can be closed to the public at the will of the owners. If the gate is closed please respect the closure. Trego Hot Springs are nearby and a good alternative when these are closed.
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Riding to the summit of Steamboat isn't all that interesting and you might need to walk up the steeper sections, but the views from the top are excellent.
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As far as accessibility goes Trego is one of the easiest hot springs to get to around Black Rock. You can head up Jungo Road for a rocky gravel ride, or cross the playa from State Route 34. While the spring itself is natural, the ditch it runs into was hand dug in the 1800s. Temps can vary greatly so if you plan to soak test the waters first so you don't get scalded.
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Beautiful, remote, and hard to access, Black Rock Hot Springs can feel like paradise. However, you must take proper care if you plan on soaking in these waters. Do your research and check with Friends of Black Rock, online or in Gerlach, for current Playa conditions. This ancient dry lakebed is only accessible when completely dry.
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The trail to the summit of Steamboat is entirely dependent on how confident you are in your vehicle. There are a couple of deep gullys and sand washes after you leave Soldier Meadows Road, so you can park just off the road and walk from there. Or, if you have a good 4x4/AWD, you can drive up to the base and shorten the walk to just a couple hundred yards. The 360° views from the summit are incredible!
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Beautiful, remote, and hard to access, Black Rock Hot Springs can feel like paradise. However, you must take proper care if you plan on soaking in these waters. Do your research and check with Friends of Black Rock, online or in Gerlach, for current Playa conditions. This ancient dry lakebed is only accessible when completely dry. If you attempt to drive across the Playa when wet YOU. WILL. GET. STUCK!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available in the Selenite Mountains Wilderness Study Area?
There are currently 3 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes listed for the Selenite Mountains Wilderness Study Area, offering a range of experiences from moderate to difficult.
What kind of terrain can I expect on these no-traffic touring cycling routes?
The routes primarily traverse rugged desert landscapes, characterized by extensive backroads, often gravel, with views of sprawling desert playas, granite outcrops, and basaltic flows. You'll encounter long, sloping alluvial fans and may see juniper trees at higher elevations. The area is known for its solitude and dramatic desert vistas.
Are there any long-distance no-traffic touring cycling routes available?
Yes, for those seeking longer distances, the Black Rock Desert & Hot Springs gravel loop covers approximately 112 kilometers, offering a challenging ride through expansive desert scenery.
What are the difficulty levels of the no-traffic touring cycling routes?
The routes in the Selenite Mountains Wilderness Study Area are generally suited for experienced touring cyclists. There is one moderate route, the Steamboat Mountain gravel loop, and two difficult routes, including the Frog Ponds & Trego Hot Springs via Jungo Road gravel loop.
Are there any circular no-traffic touring cycling routes?
Yes, all three routes listed are circular loops. For example, the Steamboat Mountain gravel loop offers a moderate circular ride, while the Black Rock Desert & Hot Springs gravel loop provides a more challenging long-distance circular option.
What natural features or viewpoints can I expect to see along these routes?
Cyclists can enjoy panoramic desert vistas, impressive granite peaks, and the unique 'saw-tooth' appearance of the Mount Limbo Wilderness Study Area's ridgeline. The region also features basaltic flows, granitic outcrops, and the vastness of the Black Rock Desert to the north. Opportunities for rock-hounding and fossil hunting exist in the broader area.
Is water available along the no-traffic touring cycling routes?
No, there is no water available within the Selenite Mountains Wilderness Study Area itself. It is crucial to plan carefully and carry all necessary hydration for your entire trip.
What are the regulations for cycling in the Selenite Mountains Wilderness Study Area?
Within the Wilderness Study Area, vehicle and bicycle use is restricted to designated roads and existing routes to protect the natural integrity of the area. New vehicle tracks, including bicycle tracks, are prohibited off these designated paths. For detailed regulations, you can consult the official BLM resources: Selenite Mountains WSA.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in this region?
Given the desert environment, spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant temperatures for touring cycling, avoiding the extreme heat of summer and potential cold of winter. Always check local weather conditions before your ride.
Are there any specific considerations for parking or public transport access to the Selenite Mountains Wilderness Study Area?
Access to the Selenite Mountains is primarily via Nevada State Route 447, which leads towards the Black Rock Desert. While specific parking areas for individual routes are not detailed, cyclists typically access the extensive network of backroads from points along this state route or nearby towns. Public transport options directly into the WSA are generally not available, making personal vehicle transport the most common method of access.
What should I pack for a touring cycling trip in the Selenite Mountains Wilderness Study Area?
Due to the remote and rugged nature of the area, essential packing includes ample water (as none is available on routes), navigation tools (GPS device or detailed maps), repair kits, first-aid supplies, sun protection, and appropriate clothing for varying desert temperatures. Given the gravel terrain, suitable tires and a robust touring bike are also recommended.
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