Bowman Creek FS43307

Trail Overview

The journey begins with a technical, rocky ascent, with the trail composed of sharp volcanic rock. Drivers should focus on careful line selection to protect their tire sidewalls. As you progress, the trail enters a scenic, twisty canyon that crosses through Clear Creek twice. These water crossings are generally shallow, about 6 inches deep, providing a refreshing rinse for your tires and a rare splash of high-desert water. The canyon serves as the gateway to the historic Bowman Mine complex. You will find massive tailings piles and old mine shafts that dominate the hillsides. Please note that the trail becomes unmaintained and significantly narrower right at the Bowman Mine turnoff. This serves as the mandatory turnaround point for all full-size rigs. Beyond this point, the track is only suitable for motorcycles, ATVs, or narrow-body OHVs. While the surroundings are beautiful, the lower section of the trail passes through posted private property where camping is strictly prohibited without prior permission. Once you are past the private land and into the National Forest, a few small clearings exist for dispersed camping, though they are less than ideal. There is no cell service in the deep folds of Bowman Canyon. Download offline maps before leaving the Highway 376 corridor.

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Difficulty

High-clearance 4x4 is recommended to handle the rocky terrain and the sharp creek crossings. The two crossings of Clear Creek are usually about 6 inches deep, but can fluctuate during spring snowmelt or after heavy summer monsoons. Do not attempt to take a full-size truck or SUV past the Bowman Mine area. The trail becomes impassable for large vehicles shortly after the mine workings.

History

The Bowman Mine was an active player in Nevada's later mining eras, when technology enabled the extraction of minerals missed during the initial 1860s silver rush. Clear Creek, which gives this canyon its lush character, was the lifeblood of both miners and early ranchers who claimed these lands.

Technical Rating

Bowman Creek FS43307 can be accessed by the following ride types:

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