Nevada · Hiking

Big Rocks Wilderness Trail

4.2 mi
round trip
988 ft
climb
6,859 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Apr–Jun, Aug–Oct
best months

Big Rocks Wilderness Trail is a 4.2-mile out-and-back hike on Bureau of Land Management land in Nevada's Caliente Field Office, about 30 miles from the town of Pioche. The trail rises from a low point of 5,871 feet to a high of 6,859 feet, with a total elevation gain of 988 feet, and is rated moderate. The route is on natural surface, and the Bureau of Land Management's records show that neither horses nor bikes are allowed on it. For comfortable weather, aim for late spring or early fall. Typical averages from the nearby Pioche weather station, which sits about 870 feet lower than the trail's high point, show May highs around 68°F and September highs around 77°F, with lows in the 40s. Summer runs warmer, with July highs near 86°F, and winter highs hover in the low 40s. The trail is open year-round, and the Bureau of Land Management manages the surrounding land.

  • Nearby · Crystal Wash Petroglyphs Trail · Canyon Overlook Loop · Red Rhyolite Trail
  • Best time to go · Apr–Jun, Aug–Oct

    Best time to visit Big Rocks Wilderness Trail

    Best months: April–June and August–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      43° / 23°

      5 wet

    2. Feb

      45° / 25°

      6 wet

    3. Mar

      53° / 31°

      5 wet

    4. Apr

      59° / 36°

      4 wet

    5. May

      68° / 45°

      4 wet

    6. Jun

      79° / 55°

      3 wet

    7. Jul

      86° / 62°

      4 wet

    8. Aug

      84° / 60°

      5 wet

    9. Sep

      77° / 52°

      4 wet

    10. Oct

      65° / 41°

      4 wet

    11. Nov

      53° / 30°

      3 wet

    12. Dec

      43° / 22°

      4 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Pioche, NV, 31.1 mi away at 5,990 ft. The station sits about 900 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.