Trail Overview
This trail serves as the primary southern gateway into the rugged Independence Mountains and provides access to a network of off-road trails. The trail guides you across sweeping BLM lands dominated by vast sagebrush plains, offering uninterrupted views of the towering mountain range ahead. Along the way, you will pass a fenced-off weather station situated on the north side of the track. The main graded road officially ends just before reaching the private Saval Ranch property boundaries. To continue exploring the mountain range and avoid trespassing, travelers must watch for the turnoff and exit the main track onto the Gance Creek Trail. This route passes through active open range territory. You will frequently encounter roaming cattle on or immediately adjacent to the road. Unlike the deeply remote trails in the surrounding mountain ranges, this lower-elevation access road features excellent connectivity. Travelers can expect approximately 3 bars of usable LTE cell service along the route. However, be prepared to lose this signal as you transition onto the Gance Creek Trail and head deeper into the canyons.
Difficulty
This is a very easy, smooth, fast-moving gravel trail. Drivers should be prepared for occasional washboard sections, but the road is generally well maintained and easy to manage.
History
The name "Saval" is deeply tied to the rich Basque ranching heritage of Elko County and Northern Nevada. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Basque immigrants settled heavily in this region, utilizing the vast expanses of the Great Basin and the Independence Mountains for sheep and cattle grazing. Ranches like these shaped the local economy and culture, a legacy that is still proudly celebrated in nearby Elko today. The Independence Mountains themselves also boast a storied past of extensive gold mining operations, representing the dual pillars of Nevada's historical frontier settlement: mining and agriculture.
