Kingston Canyon Road

Kingston Canyon Road is a scenic, gentle climb into the rugged Toiyabe Range that serves as an excellent gateway for overlanders, offroaders, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to access pristine alpine terrain. Starting near the small town of Kingston, Nevada, this 10.2-mile unpaved Forest Service road serves up spectacular mountain vistas as it winds northwest, ascending from an elevation of 6,142 feet to a high point of 8,672 feet near the canyon crest. The route is highly approachable, featuring an easy technical rating of 2, making it suitable for most high-clearance vehicles, four-wheel-drive SUVs, and SxSs. Along the way, the route treats travelers to sweeping views of canyon walls and lush vegetation, ultimately gaining around 2,564 feet of elevation as it snakes deeper into the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. This trail is a crucial segment of the Nevada Backcountry Discovery Route and serves as the northernmost access point for the iconic Toiyabe Crest National Recreation Trail. Along the drive, offroaders can easily access several secluded campgrounds, dispersed camping areas, and the scenic waters of Grove Lake, which offers fantastic fishing and relaxing stopovers. Because of its high-elevation finish at well over 8,500 feet, the road is prone to heavy winter snowpack and is typically snowbound from November through early May. Offroaders visiting in the late spring or summer will find a well-maintained gravel surface that allows for smooth cruising, though keeping an eye out for occasional washboard sections, down timber, or active wildlife is always recommended.