Trail Overview
Starting off the main paved road near the primary mining complex, this trail heads up into the hills and crosses the main mining access road. After cresting a small hill, the route dives into an incredibly narrow and tight Aspen grove. While visually stunning, this canyon section features steep, off-camber terrain and is guaranteed to cause paint damage; it is highly discouraged for tall vehicles. The trail then transitions into a tight path before climbing up the hillside out of the canyon. Popping over the hill, you will find yourself next to Mahoney Spring, before twisting your way through the foothills. The terrain around Mahoney Spring turns to deep mud and is entirely impassable when wet. Do not attempt this section after recent rain or during snowmelt. Active mining operations currently fence off the traditional route that goes left towards California Mountain, so you must bypass this by continuing via Deadman Springs. * Mine Security & Traffic Protocol: When entering the mine property, heed the signs and call security at (775) 738-5600 (Extension 1) to notify them you are on the property. On main mining roads, you must stay to the left for oncoming traffic so that the operators of large haul trucks can see you. Keep completely out of the way of heavy machinery, as fully loaded trucks take a massive distance to stop.
There is zero cell service on this trail. Offline maps and a satellite communication device are mandatory.
Difficulty
Rated a 3 for steep, off-camber sections in the canyon and extremely narrow passages through dense forest where paint damage is guaranteed. Pinstriping is completely unavoidable through the Aspen and mahogany sections. Tall or wide rigs will face significant challenges.
History
This route highlights the dramatic intersection of Nevada's natural wilderness and its heavy industrial present. The pathways through these mountains originally served indigenous travelers and early prospectors seeking their fortunes in the late 19th century. Today, navigating trails like South California requires threading the needle through the massive footprint of the modern Jerritt Canyon Gold operations, showcasing a century of evolving resource extraction in the Independence Mountains.
