SEPTEMBER 16th

2014 had a very interesting season of Trekking for members and friends of the Black Rock Explorers Society. On this day we trekked up High Rock Canyon.  This is something you don't want to do at the spur of the moment, and definitely not alone. Our small caravan consisting of a Jeep and a Ford Expedition set out on an easy run. But it turned out to be the hardest Trek we've done to date.  We spent more time traversing ruts, rocks and growth that we didn't have much time for photo taking.

All said, while it was an experience, we did enjoy ourselves. Now that we've done it we'll know better the next time. And there probably will be a next time - but not next year!

Coordinates to the turn off are: 41º 21' 22.55" N 119º 36' 38.57" W   Follow the signs then you're on your own in free country. Download our HIGH ROCK CANYON Map Book for turn by turn directions.

The road to High Rock Canyon is relatiely easy to tranverse, typical of Nevada's dirt road system.  A welcome site before arriving at High Rock Canyon is the Little High Rock Hilton, a pleasant rest stop before reaching High Rock Lake area and the South Gate to High Rock Canyon.

The Little High Rock Hilton, a rest for travelers	Indian action?
Jim and Dave relax in the Hotel's Lobby	There are very limited supplies, mostly stuff you don't need
Behind the Hotel, giant boulders broken by weather	Packing up at Little High Rock Hilton
What looks like Basalt, but could really be anything	There are pretty of golden meadows throughout High Rock

High Rock Canyon is BLM land that we think they intentionally ignore in hopes of discouraging visitors. Trails used by Native Americans through High Rock Canyon were first followed and recorded by Captain John Fremont and his expedition that included legendary mountain man Kit Carson in 1844. The Applegate brothers guided emigrant wagon trains through the canyon on their way to Oregon's Willamette Valley in 1846. In 1849 it became a well beaten path to the gold fields of California. The sixteen mile-long canyon is a fine place for hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and horse back riding - you notice this doesn't say driving!

We started out from Gerlach and head North on Rt34 past 12 mile entrance and up toward Vya.  About 55 miles North of town we turned right following the signs to High Rock Canyon.

The road is easy however DO NOT take the family car. It gets bad in a short time.  The rode starts to get rough just as you approach the South Gate, as it's called. Once past the gate you technically are in High Rock Canyon - good luck.

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A LARGER VERSION
South Gate entrance to High Rock Canyon	Sign on the open gate, guess the road is open
The road through High Rock Canyon is dirt all the way	It does claim some very interesting scenery
It appears to be a lot of eroded Basalt Rock	Designated Routes do not mean roads
The three points most people see as High Rock Canyon	A closer view doesn't show what lays beneath
Tom & Jerry in the Post Office	We renamed the cave for Deb
Dave also climbed inside, something you don't see	Nor do you see Dave coming out of a cave
A very large vein of all sorts of minerals	Ready to depart three point, the adventure begins
The walls of High Rock are very steep in places	An 1892 message from George
Road crew repairing  big holes in the road	No place for the family car
More meadows and high walled canyons	More high walls, - high rocks
Lo and behold, a garage in the desert	The sign says it all
The garage is quite solid	Except for the roof
Yellow hills behind the garage	Giant worn conglomerate hills
More green meadows through the canyon	Also running water
End of High Rock Canyon is Steven's Camp	A concrete and steel rescue building
The weary traveler finds a kitchen	Complete with a stove and supplies
Plenty of beds but no mattresses	Jerry and Tom rest before the trip back to Gerlach

After a rest at Steven's Camp: 41º 29' 24.92" N 119º 29' 29.42" W we decided to make a dash back to Gerlach. Actually we wanted to stop in Vya but with the Sun marching toward the horizon we figured it would be best to bypass Vya for dinner at Bruno's. There's always next year - and Hanging rock Petrified Forest isn't too far away from Steven's Camp.