Trail Overview

This route takes you from the outskirts of Dayton, Nevada to Clifton Flats. The trail head starts at the unlocked wild horse protection gate. Make sure to properly close and latch the gate. The trail begins on a graded dirt road. As you ascend, the road narrows to a double track trail. The surface varies with smooth compacted dirt, rocky ruble, and mud. The trail is generally level with gradual changes in grade however;there are a couple of steep short hill climbs/descents, some with loose 6" rocks that litter the trail for brief sections. Stock SUVs will catch and drag rocks. High clearance and lifted vehicles advised. Juniper trees adjacent to the trail can leave minor pinstripes on Jeep sized vehicles. There are several seasonal stream beds that cross the trail and caution is advised during storms and spring snow melts. Herds of wild horses and pronghorn antelope were seen along the trail which is mostly BLM lands. This trail connects to the Clifton Flats Trail. Dayton is 2 miles from the trail head and has gas, food and lodging.

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Difficulty

Stock SUVs may/will catch loose rocks located on the trail surface. High clearance and lifted vehicles advised. Juniper trees adjacent to the trail can leave minor pinstripes on Jeep sized vehicles.

Technical Rating

Carter Nead

Jul 10, 2026

2020 Ram 2500

Open

Dusty

A pretty tight trail for a full sized truck. I got one nasty dent in my truck bed because of this trail. But hey it’s a great story dent now.

M G

Jul 05, 2025

Open

Normal

This is an easy trail because of the heavy mining equipment they recently brought up there the road was grated level in most areas. A nice night ride with great views of the Dayton Valley lights at both natural springs.

James Baker

May 31, 2025

Open

DustyRough/Deteriorated

20psi was still a bit rough with 34s. just tons of goat heads keep the going slow. Not many places to pull off if you experience oncoming traffic. There was one tight off camber hairpin that made me really Feel the weight of my RTT. Still had fun and enjoyed the views.

Dean Eppley

May 12, 2025

2015 Jeep Wrangler

Open

Normal

Wild Horse Trail is more scenic than I expected and does not have as many surface rocks as the near by, teeth rattling, Old Como Trail. We didn't see any Wild Horses, Antelopes or even cows but did see lots of Quail and Chukars. Our route was done with the Clifton Flat Trail and there were a total of four range gates to open and close. Total run time was approximately 3 hours to 95A. We returned to Dayton via the Churchill Road/Pony Express Trail which provided good views of the Carson River and the Nevada Automotive Testing Center. We did see a wild horse in Dayton. Fun run!

Austin Girdner

Apr 06, 2025

2020 Jeep Gladiator

Open

Saw a lot of livestock cattle, but didn't see any wild horses or antelope this time. trail is washed out in lots of places and is extremely bumpy throughout but possible. I suggest four-wheel drive and at least 33s on a small Jeeps and 35s on anything four-door larger. couple of extremely steep climbs.

Mark Newton

Mar 29, 2025

Open

Trail conditions were excellent. It appears that BLM are building camp sites. There are multiple small areas that have been cleaned, leveled with gravel. Also, underground electric has been run to the sites as well. At the trail head, a large dozer and grader are setting at the gate. It looks like they've been quite busy expanding these campsites on the Northside of the trail. going up the south side the roads are pretty open due to the equipment activity, once you drop over onto the southside things go back to normal.

Andrew Connors

Mar 18, 2024

Open

Muddy/WetRough/Deteriorated