Barton Creek-Willow Creek Loop - FS 43011

Trail Overview

The Barton Creek-Willow Creek Loop is a beautiful and immersive journey through the high-desert riparian zones of the Toiyabe Range. This trail offers a refreshing change of pace as it crisscrosses through Willow Creek, where the typical Nevada sagebrush gives way to lush, grassy trails and water-loving vegetation. The drive is exceptionally scenic, but it demands your full attention; the west side of the loop involves multiple creek crossings with steep entrances and exits that will test your vehicle's approach and departure angles. As you ascend over the northern peak, the trail transitions into a smoother "cruising" experience. The landscape opens up into rolling sagebrush hills where wildlife is abundant. You are likely to see Red-tailed Hawks circling above the canyon and Sage Grouse flushing from the thick, tall grass near the water. Throughout the loop, you'll find several high-quality dispersed campsites that offer flat ground and serene views, making this an excellent choice for a multi-day adventure. Access Note: The southwest corner of this trail no longer connects to the paved Reese River Road. To enter or exit this system, you must use either the Bade Creek Bypass or the Willow Creek Bypass. You may find a few bars of LTE service that fade in and out as you move through the canyons, but coverage is never a guarantee. Download offline maps before starting your loop.

Photos of Barton Creek-Willow Creek Loop - FS 43011

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Difficulty

Rated a 3-4 due to the steepness of the wash entrances and the potential for deep mud. This trail can become impassable when wet; evidence of "trail tearing" from previous rigs suggests that the alkaline soil here turns into a treacherous trap during rain or snowmelt. Low-range is recommended for the steeper creek banks.

History

The Willow and Barton Creek areas have long been an oasis in the Great Basin. For the Western Shoshone, these reliable water sources provided essential "groceries" in the form of game and edible plants. During the 1860s, these canyons were vital to the survival of the Austin mining boom, providing the water and grazing land necessary to support the massive teams of horses and oxen that hauled silver ore across the desert. The ruins of old stone corrals found along these creeks are silent reminders of the rugged ranchers who have called these canyons home for over a century.

Technical Rating

Barton Creek-Willow Creek Loop - FS 43011 can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike