Hinkey Summit Trail

Total Miles
39.1

Technical Rating

Easy

Best Time

Summer

Trail Type

Full-Width Road

Accessible By

Trail Overview

There is a lot to see on this trail; you rise to about 7,850 feet in elevation and have views all around. However, it's definitely not a winter or bad weather trail. You can reach the trail from either Paradise Valley, Nevada, or from Highway 95 near McDermitt, Nevada. This road can be closed from November to June because of snow. It is maintained by the Forest Service and is comprised of all dirt and loose rocks. There are lots of off-trails to explore along this route. There is one campground, Lye Creek, that has running water and pit toilets. There are about 10 campsites.

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Difficulty

There are lots of switchbacks on the way up and down, but there are places to pass. This road is mostly loose rocks and is slow going, but a fun time nonetheless.

Technical Rating

Status Reports

Very easy track in dry conditions, any vehicle can make it but be prepared to find space to let cars by. We only came by a few but the track is single lane the whole way. We came up from Paradise Valley and it was under 30 min to the summit and just over an hour from the summit down to 95. Truck was in 2WD the whole time. Beautiful views!

Craig Gaevert

Jul 20, 2025

2022 Mercedes Sprinter

Trail is generally well graded with many sections of embedded rocks and rock gardens. Some rutted areas but passable (might be different if wet). Traveled through in my 2WD Sprinter with no difficulties. Lye Creek CG is open and had ~6 groups on site. No water. The only creek crossing at the north end of the trail was dry (wasn't back in April with all of the snow melt).