The best traffic-free bike rides around Gerlach

Currently, there are 3 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes featured in this guide for the Gerlach area. These routes are designed to offer a serene and car-free cycling experience through the unique desert landscape.

The no-traffic touring cycling routes around Gerlach primarily feature gravel roads and the vast, remarkably flat playa of the Black Rock Desert. You'll encounter extensive stretches of open desert, offering smooth surfaces on the playa and varying gravel conditions on the roads and jeep trails. This makes the area a true bikepacker's paradise.

The routes in this guide range from moderate to difficult. 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 and the Black Rock Desert & Hot Springs gravel loop. The difficulty often stems from the remote nature, long distances, and exposure to the elements rather than extreme elevation changes.

The best times for touring cycling in Gerlach are typically spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these seasons, temperatures are more moderate, making long rides more enjoyable. Summer can be extremely hot, and winter can bring cold temperatures and unpredictable weather, which are less ideal for extended desert cycling.

Yes, all three routes featured in this guide are circular loops. This includes the Frog Ponds & Trego Hot Springs via Jungo Road gravel loop, the Black Rock Desert & Hot Springs gravel loop, and the Steamboat Mountain gravel loop, allowing you to start and end your journey in the same location.

The routes offer access to the vast Black Rock Desert playa, hot springs (some on private land), and expansive desert landscapes. While not directly on all routes, the region is home to the colorful Fly Geyser (private property, guided tours available), the George W. Lund Petrified Forest, and Elephant Head Rock. You might also encounter the unique desert art installation of Guru Road near Gerlach.

Yes, the remote nature of the Black Rock Desert and surrounding wilderness areas provides opportunities for wildlife spotting. Keep an eye out for mule deer, antelope, and wild horses, particularly in less disturbed areas. The Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, though further afield, is known for its pronghorn antelope preservation efforts.

Given the remote nature, long distances, and challenging terrain of the routes in this guide, they are generally better suited for experienced touring cyclists. However, the flat, open playa of the Black Rock Desert itself can offer easier, shorter rides for families if you stick to the main playa access points and plan carefully for self-sufficiency.

Gerlach serves as the primary hub for accessing the Black Rock Desert and surrounding areas. Parking is generally available within the town of Gerlach, which acts as a gateway to these remote routes. Always ensure you park responsibly and are aware of any local regulations, especially when accessing wilderness areas.

Gerlach is a small, remote town, but it does offer basic services for adventurers. You can find limited options for food, drinks, and lodging. It's always advisable to check availability and operating hours in advance, especially given its remote location and seasonal variations in visitor numbers.

Generally, no specific permits are required for cycling on the public gravel roads and playa within the Black Rock Desert - High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area. However, some areas, like the Fly Geyser, are on private property and require guided tours or special permission. Always respect private land boundaries and check with local authorities or organizations like the Friends of Black Rock-High Rock for any specific regulations or advisories, especially for larger groups or events.