Trail Overview
North Wallace - Allison (FS 43004) is a premier cross-range thoroughfare, offering explorers a direct and visually stunning way to traverse the rugged Monitor Range without committing to the most extreme high-altitude peaks. This trail acts as a central "backcountry highway" for the region, providing a seamless transition between the expansive desert basins on either side of the range. The journey takes you through a classic Great Basin landscape of silver sagebrush, mountain mahogany, and scattered juniper groves. The route is an excellent choice for those looking to build a multi-day expedition, as it serves as a major hub with numerous technical offshoot trails branching into the deep interior. Along the way, you will discover an abundance of high-quality dispersed campsites, many of which offer impressive vistas and a serene mountain atmosphere. This is active open-range country; the odds of silhouetting a band of wild mustangs against the horizon or encountering grazing cattle are exceptionally high. While the road is generally in good condition, it remains a wild mountain track that demands a vigilant eye. Expect zero cell service for the duration of this trail. The massive ridges of the Monitor Range create a total signal dead zone. Download offline maps before leaving the Tonopah or Belmont area.
Difficulty
Rated a 3 due to several "sneaky" washouts that can appear suddenly in the middle of otherwise smooth sections. These erosion gaps are deep enough to swallow a tire if approached at speed. Be prepared for technical off-camber transitions and short, rocky hill climbs and descents.
History
The names "Wallace" and "Allison" are echoes of the 19th-century pioneers who first carved these paths through the Monitor Range. In the late 1800s, these mid-mountain corridors were the preferred routes for teamsters and "Buckaroos" because they provided a reliable way to move livestock and freight between the booming mining camps of Belmont and the outlying ranching hubs. This trail follows the same historical logic of the 1860s: finding the most efficient way to conquer the "Basin and Range" topography to reach vital water sources and seasonal grazing lands.
