Trail Overview
The North Fork of Allison Creek is an exhilarating and physically engaging mountain route that serves as a direct "elevator" between the 9,000-foot alpine meadows of Big Flat and the lower trail networks. Starting at the high-altitude plateau and working your way down, you will witness the birth of a desert lifeline. The trail winds past numerous "wild" springs bubbling up through vibrant, emerald-green sections of the hillside. As you descend, the North Fork of Allison Creek gradually gains strength as more springs add their flow, creating a rare and beautiful riparian habitat. The drive is technical and intimate. Expect to navigate through dense, shimmering Aspen groves where the track narrows to a single lane. These sections are unmaintained and frequently feature low-hanging branches and encroaching sagebrush. The views as you drop toward the valley are truly spectacular, offering a dramatic contrast between the lush creek-side vegetation, rugged volcanic rock formations, and the vast sagebrush in the distance. This is a premier route for those who enjoy technical "pathfinding" and the serene atmosphere of a living mountain stream.
This is a remote and overgrown trail. Carrying a handsaw or chainsaw is highly recommended, especially in the springtime or after major storms, as winter deadfall and new growth frequently block the path through the Aspen groves. Expect zero cell service for the duration of this trail. The deep folds of the Allison Creek canyon create a total signal dead zone. Download offline maps before leaving the Austin area.
Difficulty
Rated a 4 due to sustained off-camber sections and technical washouts that have been deepened by the very springs that feed the creek. Ruts and washouts are likely to increase in difficulty after heavy rain or during the spring snowmelt. The vegetation is relentless. Standard-width vehicles will make significant contact with brush. If you are concerned about your vehicle's clearcoat, this is not the trail for you.
History
Allison Creek is named for the 19th-century pioneers who recognized the incredible value of a consistent, spring-fed stream in the high desert. In the 1860s and 70s, these riparian corridors were the most prized land allotments in Nevada. While the miners were chasing silver in the nearby canyons, ranching families utilized the North Fork to sustain the livestock that fed the boomtown of Austin.
