The California Trail scenic byway is in northeast Nevada about 75 miles northeast of Elko. It can be accessed in either Thousand Springs or Jackpot on US 93. California Trail is 76 miles long and follows Elko County Roads C765, C763, C761, and C762. All the roads are gravel and are suitable for passenger cars except under adverse weather conditions. The byway is generally open May through October.
California Trail Back Country Byway follows the footsteps and wagon trains of settlers who used this route as the path to a better life in California. Trailmarkers along the byway identify the California Trail. Wagon wheel ruts made by the pioneers can still be seen at many places along the byway. The Mammoth Ruts site is located on private property, please respect the landowners’ rights and obtain permission before exploring this site.
As you travel this scenic byway, you’ll also be retracing part of the path of the old Magic City Freight Line. This route was once used by horse-drawn wagons to haul goods between Toana, Nevada and Magic City, Idaho (now known as Twin Falls).
Though this byway travels through isolated countryside, opportunities for outdoor recreation are plentiful. Photographers and wildlife observers will delight in the many opportunities for spotting mule deer or photographing nature’s work of art. Several streams and creeks, especially Rock Spring Creek and Thousand Springs Creek provide opportunities for the angler.
Although there are no developed campgrounds along the byway, the Bureau of Land Management does permit dispersed camping nearly anywhere on BLM land. It is best to obtain maps from the BLM that will delineate public lands from private property before setting up camp. Developed camping areas can be found in the Toiyabe National Forest, which lies to the west of the byway.