Silver King Side Loop

The Silver King Side Loop is an ideal moderate route for offroaders seeking stunning high-desert vistas and a closer look at towering cliffs, serving as a scenic detour from the main Silver King trail. Covering approximately 6.7 miles, this route climbs from an elevation of 5,528 feet up to 6,438 feet, crossing the border between Nye and Lincoln counties in Nevada. The trail features a primarily dirt and rock two-track surface that winds through juniper groves and open sagebrush fields dotted with desert holly. While accessible to high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles and SxSs, drivers should be prepared for some tight squeezes. Full-sized rigs are likely to encounter pin striping from overgrown brush along the narrower sections, making careful tire placement essential to navigate the rocky terrain without damage. With a technical difficulty rating of 4, the loop offers some challenges including deep washouts and sharp rocks that pose a puncture risk to standard tires. At least two dispersed camping spots are located near the intersection with Silver King Road, providing excellent campsites with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, including nearby Gap Mountain to the southwest. Perry Spring lies just to the northeast, adding to the remote allure of this rugged area. Offroaders should plan their trip according to the seasons, as summer temperatures can be extreme, and winter weather can make the trail completely inaccessible. There is no cell service in this remote canyon, so travelers must carry self-recovery gear, extra water, and reliable offline navigation maps before setting out.