Western Nevada near the town of Silver Peak. Silver Peak is 54
miles from Tonopah and 90 miles from Hawthorne.
Description:
Clayton Valley dune field is located in the southern part of
Clayton Valley, 7 miles south of
Silver Peak,
Nevada, and is accessible via dirt/gravel road. The highest dune rises 280 feet
above the valley floor.
This is a very remote dune with very little use.
The dunes have been designated a Special Recreation Management
Area (SMRA) by the BLM.
Elevation - 4,300 ft.
2,500 acres.
Directions:
From Tonopah (at the junction of Highway 95
and Highway 6):
Go north on Highway 95 for 31.3 miles. Looking for
Highway 265 South and Silver Peak.
GPS Coordinates: N 38 01.07, W 117 46.53
South on Highway 265 (aka Nivloc Rd.) to Silver
Peak. If you look at Google Maps, you will technically stay on Highway 265 until
you to get the turnoff to the dunes. Don’t let your guard down, because it isn’t
clear on the ground that this is the case.
Go past this sign (it will be on your left).
Stay on main road past the post office and the
volunteer fire department. The pavement ends, and there is a factory on your
right and a pond in front and to the left. You want to take the dirt road to the
left of the pond towards Oasis.
GPS Coordinates: N 37 45.05, W 117 38.43 -
Google Maps
You will cross under two rows of power lines. At the
end of the pond, the road forks.
GPS Coordinates: N 37 44.76, W 117 38.29 -
Google Maps
Take the road to the right that parallels the power
lines. Drive on this road for 3.6 miles and turn left towards the dunes
(technically this is still Highway 265 or now S. Clayton Valley East-West Rd.)
GPS Coordinates:
N 37 42.07, W 117 39.60 -
Google Maps
Drive 3 miles towards the dunes and turn right on
the dune access road.
GPS Coordinates: N 37 40.97, W 117 36.78 -
Google Maps
The staging/camping area is about 1 mile in.
GPS Coordinates: N 37 40.30, W 117 36.97 -
Google Maps
Staging/Camping Area:
The camping/staging area near Clayton Valley Dunes. In April 2005, there
were two old trash cans at one end of the parking area. Please do not
leave your trash. There is no trash service at the dunes.
No person shall operate an off-highway vehicle in a manner
likely to cause environmental damage. Do not run over vegetation.
Bring in, dispose of or possess any firewood containing
nails, screws, or other metal hardware.
Spark arresters are required on all OHVs.
No trash collection. Please do not litter.
Other Information:
Silver
Peak is one of the oldest mining areas in Nevada. A 10-stamp mill was built in 1865, and by 1867 a 20-stamp mill was built.
Mining camp lawlessness prevailed during the late sixties, and over the next
38 years, Silver
Peak
had its ups and downs. In 1906, the Pittsburg Silver Peak Gold Mining
Company bought a group of properties, constructed the Silver Peak Railroad
and built a 100-stamp mill at Blair the following year.
RV Parks: Twister Inn Trailer Park, Jensen's Trailer Park,
You can also stay at the rest stop 13 miles north of Tonopah on Hwy 95 or
try the Banc's Casino
Hotel/Motel: Best Western Hi-Desert Inn, Ramada Inn Tonopah Station
