Map not loading? Visit our Main Interactive Map. For best performance and experience, use the latest web browser version of Microsoft Edge or Firefox. We are currently troubleshooting technical issues with Chrome.
BDR announces its seventh route, the NVBDR, produced in partnership with the American Honda Motor Co. Inc, TravelNevada and RideNow Vegas.
The NVBDR release includes free GPS tracks and route travel information on the BDR website, a waterproof map from Butler Motorcycle Maps, and expedition documentary DVD produced by ColorBlind, and BDR Documentary Films.
The NVBDR is a scenic ride across Nevada, beginning in Oatman, AZ, and finishing in Jarbidge, NV. Created for dual-sport and adventure motorcyclists, this 900-mile south-to-north route primarily uses dirt roads to lead riders through Nevada’s expansive deserts, open sagebrush valleys, and seemingly endless mountain ranges.
In rural Nevada, you’ll experience historic saloons and relics from it’s rich mining history. The state’s maverick spirit remains, and you’ll see ghost towns, artifacts, desert sculptures, murals, the world’s largest car forest, jackrabbits, antelope and even wild mustangs.
Most importantly, the film reveals miles of meandering two-track roads that are just perfect for spending time on an adventure motorcycle.
NVBDR – SECTION DESCRIPTIONS
Section 1: Oatman, AZ to Pahrump - 159 Miles
Section 1: Oatman, AZ to Pahrump – 159 Miles
The official start of the NVBDR is in Oatman, Arizona, a popular stop along Route 66. Expect an interesting mix of tourists, eclectic locals and donkeys. Yes donkeys! Oatman is known for the burros that wander the dirt main street. After a mellow ride into the desert over Christmas Tree Pass, you’ll turn off onto a narrow two-track south of Searchlight. This section can be very sandy so stand on the pegs, throttle up and focus. This is also a Desert Tortoise sanctuary, so be alert and avoid them. Beyond Searchlight, you’ll wander through the desert in the shadows of the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System before fueling up in Primm.
The ride from Primm to Pahrump is mostly on high-speed gravel roads where time can be made up if you spent too much of it taking pictures of asses in Oatman or picking your bike up in the sand. Take the time to stop at the Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings, the oldest bar in Nevada.
Section 2: Pahrump to Gold Point- 147 Miles
Section 2: Pahrump to Gold Point– 147 Miles
Section 2 runs between the Nevada Test Range and California, through classic Nevada desert sprinkled with quirky Nevada culture. You’ll be cruising on mostly smooth gravel roads with the occasional sandy two-track and a few mellow rocky sections. If you’ve ever dreamed of riding giant sand dunes you can pretend you are Johnny Campbell at Big Dune, north of Pahrump. You’ll also cross a dry lake bed that looks like the moon, pass a pond full of endangered Pup Fish and stop at a crystal clear bubbling oasis.
Wandering around the historic mining towns of Rhyolite and Gold Point are a must as well.
Section 3: Gold Point to Tonopah - 87.3 Miles
Section 3: Gold Point to Tonopah – 87.3 Miles
There are very few places in America that have the character of the old mining town of Gold Point. Belly up for a sarsaparilla and wander around the relics that scatter the old town. There is primitive camping available in the desert and a few small cabins available for rent in Gold Point. Section 3 has lots of big-open desert riding with the exception of an exhausting but fun section of sand whoops north of Gold Point. You’ll earn your rest at fantastic stops along the way, including the bizarre car art near Goldfield—it’s truly a must see.
Section 4: Tonopah to Austin - 177 Miles
Section 4: Tonopah to Austin – 177 Miles
From Tonopah to the north, the scenery begins to evolve from dry desert to mountains with trees and shrubs. You are also clear of the Nevada Test Site which means the route is able to move away from the western border of the state. This section is not particularly challenging, it’s mostly wide graded roads but it does offer incredible vistas as you climb up and over several mountain ranges. Kingston Canyon Road just before Austin is particularly spectacular as it climbs over aggressive alpine terrain that feels more like Colorado than something you’d expect in Nevada.
Section 5: Austin to Elko - 220 Miles
Section 5: Austin to Elko – 220 Miles
Settle in for a long day in the saddle. Section 5 crosses big chunks of Nevada with very few services. It is over 200 miles between fuel in Austin and your next opportunity to gas up, so be prepared. There is however, a detour halfway through this section to nearby Eureka for fuel by taking highway 278 south for about 24 miles..
You’ll be able to make good time in the first part of this section as you dissect wide open gravel roads across enormous valleys. Expect to slow it down a bit the closer you get to Elko. You’ll ride bits of the original Pony Express Trail and get a good mix of tighter 4×4 roads through unique geography that is much different than you’ve seen so far across Nevada. Elko is a bustling town with plenty of options for lodging, food and fuel.
Section 6: Elko to Jarbidge - 102 Miles
Section 6: Elko to Jarbidge – 102 Miles
Navigation is a bit tricky in the early part of this section, so pay attention and don’t be surprised if you find yourself on seemingly unused roads; we put you there on purpose. The riding is a bit different, with much tighter two-track, water crossings and potential for extremely slick mud. You’ll be passing through many cattle gates, so make sure to close any that you open and respect the ranchers who are moving livestock in this area. As you get closer to Jarbidge, the scenery changes from rolling desert hills to a jagged alpine backdrop. Weather can change quickly here and the road can become impassable in early fall if there is snow, so check the conditions before you leave Elko.
Jarbidge is also the official start of the IDBDR and does have fuel as well as a small restaurant and a few rooms for rent. Make sure to book ahead if you get here during the busy season.