Jumbo Grade Historic Road
Washoe Valley / Virginia City, Nevada
Activity
OHV
Distance
16 mi round trip
Route
Out & back
The adventure
Follow an old ore-and-timber road from Washoe Valley toward Virginia City on a rugged route built by Nevada's mining history.
The main Jumbo Grade is roughly eight miles one way from the Washoe Lake side toward Virginia City. The route mixes sand, rock and several water crossings. High clearance is required.
ONCE YOU’RE THERE
From Eastlake Boulevard turn onto Jumbo Grade Way and follow it about a mile to the staging area. Begin on the wide historic Jumbo Grade and stay on routes appropriate to your vehicle width. The main grade runs roughly eight miles toward Virginia City through sand, rock and water crossings. Use the current route map, respect gates and private boundaries, and return to the same trailhead unless your trip has a legal planned shuttle.
LOCAL INTEL
Watch for the remains of the old Jumbo Mining Camp along the route before you reach Virginia City.
TRAIL CONDITIONS & SAFETY
shade: Limited.; grazing: Active grazing allotment; close gates unless posted otherwise.
FEES & ACCESS
Current official recreation page explicitly lists No Fee.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Official site is day-use year-round, but snow, mud, runoff, water crossings and fire conditions can make the route impractical.
What to expect
- Follow the rugged historic Jumbo Grade from Washoe Valley toward Virginia City and back.
- The main Jumbo Grade is roughly eight miles one way from the Washoe Lake side toward Virginia City.
- The route mixes sand, rock and several water crossings. High clearance is required.
- In the 1860s this corridor hauled silver and gold ore down from the Comstock and timber up toward Virginia City.
- There is no drinking water and cell service may be limited. Carry repair gear and enough supplies to self-rescue.
Good to know
- 16 Miles Round Trip
- The main Jumbo Grade is roughly eight miles one way from the Washoe Lake side toward Virginia City.
- Not A Sedan Road
- The route mixes sand, rock and several water crossings. High clearance is required.
- Comstock Road
- In the 1860s this corridor hauled silver and gold ore down from the Comstock and timber up toward Virginia City.
- Come Prepared
- There is no drinking water and cell service may be limited. Carry repair gear and enough supplies to self-rescue.
- Fee
- Free — no required entrance or parking fee.
- Entrance fee
- Current official recreation page explicitly lists No Fee.
- Dogs
- unknown.
- Season
- Official site is day-use year-round, but snow, mud, runoff, water crossings and fire conditions can make the route impractical.
Photos