Trail Overview
Anderson Field Road is an exceptionally scenic and engaging trail that offers some of the most impressive "Basin and Range" views in the district. This route acts as a magnificent valley-floor traverse, twisting and turning through a landscape that feels like a classic Western film set. The middle section is particularly picturesque, rolling through a "park-like" forest where silver sagebrush is speckled with ancient, gnarled Utah Junipers. The sense of scale here is profound; on a day with dramatic cloud cover, the play of light and shadow across the mountains is world-class. The drive is physically active, featuring a series of rhythmic rises and falls that mirror the valley floor's natural undulations. You will notice "braiding" in several areas where previous travelers have carved paths around the deepest obstacles. Please stay on the most established track possible to minimize impact on the surrounding vegetation. The area is a stronghold for Nevada’s most iconic wildlife; travelers are highly likely to encounter grazing cattle (and their calves in the spring), herds of Pronghorn Antelope, and the majestic wild mustangs. To your west, the horizon is dominated by the Monitor Range and the Table Mountain Wilderness, while to your east, you are flanked by the Hot Creek Range and the Antelope Wilderness Study Area. This is active grazing land. Please maintain a respectful distance from all livestock and wild horses. Move slowly to avoid startling animals that may be tucked behind the juniper trees. Expect zero cell service on Anderson Field Road. You are in a total signal dead zone between the mountain ranges. Download offline maps before leaving the Tonopah or Highway 376 area.
Difficulty
Rated a 3 due to deep, technical washouts and sustained ruts. While the trail is generally enjoyable, drivers will encounter several off-camber transitions that require careful line selection.
