BLM Nevada
Wilson Canyon is a multi-use BLM recreation area along the West Walker River in Lyon County, Nevada, 13 miles west of Yerington along State Route 208. The site supports off-road driving, dirt bike and ATV use, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and dispersed camping in staging areas off the highway.
The canyon is accessible to standard high-clearance vehicles; all roads are unpaved and may be muddy after storms or hold sharp debris. The 15 mph speed limit on Copperbelt Road is enforced. Free, no-fee access with a 14-day stay limit.
Trailhead: 38.81020, -119.22740
- Technical Difficulty
- easy
- Direction
- Loop
- Vehicle
- Standard high-clearance vehicle. Roads are unpaved but well-graded.
- Nearest town
- Yerington, Nevada
- Terrain
- Multi-use trail network along the West Walker River, unpaved dirt and graded gravel
- Cell coverage
- Spotty
- Best months
- Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov
- Management
- Bureau of Land Management
- Trailhead
- 38.81020, -119.22740
Resources
Directions
From Yerington, drive 13 miles west on State Route 208. Wilson Canyon is on the north side of the highway. Several staging areas off SR-208 lead to Copperbelt Road and the trail network beyond.
Approximate coordinates: 38.810202° N, -119.227395° W.
Getting Oriented
Wilson Canyon cuts through the foothills west of Yerington along the West Walker River, a year-round trout stream. The area sits between Smith Valley to the south and the Pine Nut Mountains to the north, with State Route 208 running through the canyon as the main highway. The BLM-managed land lies on the north side of the highway and supports the trail network.
Trail Overview
Wilson Canyon supports a network of multi-use trails rather than a single linear route. Surfaces are unpaved dirt and graded gravel suited to most high-clearance vehicles. Copperbelt Road is the main interior road, posted at 15 mph. Trails connect staging areas to the river, the canyon walls, and the surrounding hills. The canyon sees heavy use during weekends and hunting seasons.
Points of Interest
- West Walker River. Year-round trout stream running through the canyon. Fishing access from several pullouts.
- Multi-use trails. OHV, equestrian, and hiking-shared. Some segments restricted to non-motorized use.
- Wildlife viewing. Mule deer, bighorn sheep, golden eagles, and waterfowl along the river.
- Stargazing. Dark-sky conditions. Far enough from Reno and Carson City to escape light pollution.
Where to Camp
No designated campsites. RVs and trailers can stage near State Route 208 with a 14-day stay limit. Vault toilets are available; no drinking water on-site. The Heyday Inn in Wellington and commercial campgrounds in Yerington offer paid lodging nearby.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Visit spring or fall. Summer temperatures top 95°F at the canyon floor.
- Carry water; the area has no potable water source.
- Spark arresters required on all OHVs; sound limited to 96 dB.
- Fire restrictions sometimes prohibit campfires; check current rules before lighting one.
- Watch for muddy sections after rain.
- Cell service is spotty; carry an offline map.
- Contact the BLM Carson City District Office at 775-885-6000 for current conditions.
Hazards
- Heat. Summer temperatures top 95°F. The canyon floor offers minimal shade.
- Mud. Roads soften after rain. Wait for surfaces to dry.
- Sharp debris. Carry a tire repair kit.
- Fire restrictions. Periodic seasonal bans on campfires; check current rules.
- Limited cell coverage. Carry an offline map.
- Mixed-use traffic. Watch for hikers, equestrians, and other OHVs on shared trails.