BLM Nevada
Moon Rocks OHV Area is a free, BLM-managed off-roading site 24 miles north of Reno, Nevada, near Winnemucca Ranch Road. The area sits within the BLM's 19,050-acre North Reno Recreation Area and centers on a cluster of weathered granite formations stacked into rounded shapes that draw rock-crawler clubs and competition events.
Moon Rocks supports motocross tracks, single-track for dirt bikes, UTV play areas, and the rock-crawl zones themselves. All roads are unpaved and may run muddy or hold sharp debris. Standard high-clearance vehicles handle the perimeter roads; the granite features themselves require modified 4WD with rock-crawler tires.
Trailhead: 39.84866, -119.74127
- Technical Difficulty
- hard
- Direction
- Loop
- Vehicle
- Modified 4WD with rock-crawler tires for the granite formations. Stock vehicles can drive the dirt roads but cannot crawl the rock zones safely.
- Nearest town
- Reno, Nevada
- Terrain
- Granite rock formations and surrounding unpaved dirt roads, with rock-crawl, motocross, single-track, and UTV play zones
- Cell coverage
- Spotty
- Best months
- Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov
- Management
- Bureau of Land Management
- Trailhead
- 39.84866, -119.74127
Resources
Directions
From Reno, take US-395 north to Winnemucca Ranch Road. Drive east on Winnemucca Ranch Road to the area's marked entrance. The rock-crawl zones lie east of the staging areas along Bedell Road and Antelope Road.
Approximate coordinates: 39.84866° N, -119.74127° W.
Photos · 11
Getting Oriented
The site sits in Washoe County, off Winnemucca Ranch Road in the foothills north of Reno and Sparks. The granite formations rise out of sagebrush flats and are visible from a distance on approach. Two staging areas, on Bedell Road and Antelope Road, support most overnight users; the rock zones lie a short drive beyond.
Trail Overview
Moon Rocks isn't a single trail. It's a multi-use area with distinct zones for different riding styles. The granite formations cluster in a rock-crawl playground; surrounding dirt roads form motocross tracks and UTV loops; single-track winds through the brush for dirt bikes. The area sees heavy weekend use, especially during cool-weather months. Free and open to camp, ride, and crawl. Rules require Nevada OHV registration, working lights, a spark arrester, and a 96 dB sound limit.
Points of Interest
- The granite formations. Weathered rounded shapes that gave the site its name. The primary draw for rock-crawler clubs.
- Motocross tracks. Multiple informal tracks scattered across the area.
- UTV play zones. Open terrain suited for side-by-side recreation.
- Single-track. Dirt bike trails through sagebrush and along rock outcrops.
Where to Camp
Dispersed camping is allowed unless posted otherwise. RVs and trailers can stage on Bedell Road and Antelope Road. Vault toilets are available at the staging areas. The 14-day stay limit applies. No fees.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Visit spring or fall. Summer temperatures regularly top 90°F with no shade on the rock features.
- Stock vehicles can drive the dirt roads but cannot safely crawl the granite. Modified rock crawlers handle the rock zones.
- All OHVs must be Nevada-registered, with working lights, a spark arrester, and a 96 dB sound limit.
- Carry water; there is no potable water on-site.
- Watch for sharp debris on the dirt roads; tire damage is common.
- Cell service is spotty; carry an offline map.
- Contact the BLM Carson City District Office at 775-885-6000 for current conditions.
Hazards
- Sharp debris. Tire damage is common. Carry a plug kit and air compressor.
- Heat. No shade on the granite features. Summer temperatures top 90°F.
- Mud. Roads soften after rain. Wait for surfaces to dry.
- Heavy weekend use. Watch for other vehicles; the area is busy.
- Vehicle requirements. Spark arrester, working lights, 96 dB sound limit, and Nevada OHV registration are required and enforced.