BLM Nevada
The Jumbo Grade Trail runs eight miles between Washoe Lake and Virginia City, climbing through the eastern flank of the Virginia Range on a route that ore wagons and timber haulers used during the Comstock Lode boom. Sand, rock, and several seasonal water crossings make it a stock-friendly day trip for anyone with high-clearance and a tolerance for muddy stretches in spring.
The Bureau of Land Management's Carson City District manages the trail as a multi-use OHV corridor. Jeeps, side-by-sides, dirt bikes, mountain bikes, and horses all share the route. Most drivers run it point-to-point, leaving a busy commuter valley and finishing in a 19th-century mining town.
- Technical Difficulty
- moderate
- Length
- 8 miles
- Direction
- Point to point
- Vehicle
- High-clearance required; 4WD recommended in muddy conditions. Spark arrester required on all motorized vehicles.
- Nearest town
- Washoe Valley, Nevada
- Terrain
- Compacted sand and exposed rock with seasonal water crossings
- Cell coverage
- Limited
- Best months
- May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
- Management
- Bureau of Land Management
Resources
Directions
From Reno. Take South Virginia Street / US-395 ALT south for eight miles. Turn left on Eastlake Boulevard, drive four miles, then turn left on Jumbo Grade Way. The trailhead is one mile up the road.
From Carson City. Take I-580 to Exit 10. Turn right on Eastlake Boulevard for 6.4 miles, then right on Jumbo Grade Way. The trailhead is one mile up.
Photos · 8
Getting Oriented
The Jumbo Grade Trail sits in Northern Nevada's Washoe Valley, bracketed by Reno to the north and Carson City to the south. The lower trailhead is roughly 12 miles north of the state capitol on the east shore of Washoe Lake. From there the trail climbs east into the Virginia Range and drops into Virginia City, the Comstock-era mining town that anchors the route's upper end. The corridor sits entirely on BLM land managed by the Carson City District Office.
Trail Overview
Eight miles, point-to-point. The surface is a mix of compacted sand and exposed rock with several water crossings that fill seasonally during snowmelt and summer thunderstorms. BLM rates it rugged but stops short of calling it technical. High-clearance is mandatory; four-wheel drive helps in muddy stretches. Lockers and beadlocks are not required. Expect two to three hours of running time at trail speeds, longer if you stop for ruins or photos. The path is open year-round, with mud, washed-out grades, and active grazing herds as the usual mid-route delays.
Points of Interest
- Jumbo Mining Camp ruins. Pre-1800s stone foundations and tailings visible from the trail.
- Comstock Lode terrain. The route follows historic ore-haul grades worked between the 1860s and early 1900s.
- Virginia City. Upper terminus. Museums, restored saloons, and Victorian-era buildings line the registered National Historic Landmark district.
- Washoe Lake State Park. About 10 minutes from the lower trailhead, with developed camping and water-sports access.
Where to Camp
Dispersed camping is allowed on BLM ground at least a quarter-mile from the trail and away from the staging area. The trailhead itself is day-use only. No camping, no campfires, no shooting at the parking lot. Washoe Lake State Park, a short drive south on Eastlake Boulevard, has developed sites with water and toilets if you want a fixed base before or after the run.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Carry full recovery gear. Cell service is spotty along the route.
- Spark arresters are required on every motor running the trail.
- Active grazing allotment. Close gates behind you unless signage says otherwise.
- Limited shade and no water on-trail. Carry more than you think you'll drink.
- The Carson City District Office (775-885-6000) has current closure and condition info.
Hazards
- Water crossings. Several seasonal washes cross the trail. Depths vary with snowmelt and summer thunderstorms. Walk anything that looks deeper than the running boards.
- Loose surface. Sand pockets and exposed rock punish low ground clearance. Read the line carefully.
- Active grazing. Cattle share the corridor. Slow down for stock and close gates behind you.
- No shade, no water. Summer afternoons run hot in the Virginia Range.
- Spotty cell service. Plan to be self-sufficient. The Carson City District Office (775-885-6000) is the contact point for current conditions.