Jumbo Grade
Point of Interest:
Where there’s a will, there’s a way. In the era of Virginia City’s peak fame, the Jumbo Grade Trail was a busy and vital route for transporting building materials, lumber, silver ore and gold ore.
During the Comstock Lode mining boom, this trail saw heavy traffic. Along this winding 8-mile route, millions of board feet of lumber needed for the mines were harvested in the Tahoe area and hauled up to Virginia City. Likewise, a constant line of horses, mules, and wagons brought silver and gold ore down from the mines to the Ophir Mill at Washoe Lake.
History
- Pre-1800s, this trail was established by local native peoples.
- Ophir Grade: In 1860, the Ophir Mining Company developed the trail into a wagon road called “Ophir Grade”. The busy transport road connected the Ophir Milll at Washoe Lake to the Comstock mines in Virginia City. A steady stream of mule-led wagons carried silver and gold ore down from the mines, and timber up from the forests of Washoe Valley.
- Jumbo Grade: In the early 1900s, miners at the Jumbo Mining District Camp used parts of this trail and started calling it “Jumbo Grade”.
- Today, the trail is still called “Jumbo Grade”. The rugged and winding trail carves through the mountains, over stream crossings, past the ruins of the Jumbo Mining Camp, and into Virginia City, Nevada.
Overview:
The Jumbo Grade Trailhead is a day-use staging area for visitors setting out on the Jumbo Grade Trail. The wide, rugged 8-mile trail takes riders from the Washoe Lake area to the historic town of Virginia City, Nevada.
Camping: Dispersed camping is permitted if it is at least ¼ mile from the trail and the trailhead. There are no amenities available outside of the trailhead staging area.
Vehicle Access: A high-clearance vehicle is required. All roads are unpaved, may be muddy, rugged, and may contain sharp debris.
Activities: The most popular activity is day-trip driving and riding along the Jumbo Grade Trail to visit Virginia City. Most locals take off-highway vehicles (OHVs) for the ride, but the trail is suitable for horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking. There are also a variety of scenic and less-trafficked trails that can be accessed from the staging area.
Know Before You Go:
- Camping, shooting, and campfires are prohibited at the trailhead/parking area.
- There is limited shade.
- There is no drinking water.
- Cell service may be limited.
- The area is a grazing allotment, please close gates unless posted otherwise.
- Only use trails that fit the width of your vehicle.
- Muffler and spark arresters are required.
- Open containers are prohibited in vehicles.
- Fireworks are prohibited.
- Please respect all signage and fences.
Nearby Attractions:
The Trailhead starts near Washoe Lake, Nevada and ends at Virginia City, Nevada.
The main attraction is Virginia City. Take your OHV or horse from the Jumbo Grade Trail and into Virginia City for a ride into Nevada’s rich past. Immerse yourself in a variety of museums, Victorian-era buildings, and exhibits that transport you back to Nevada’s mining boom.
About a 10-minute drive from Jumbo Grade Trailhead is Washoe Lake State Park. Managed by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, this state park offers a variety of trails, parking areas, and beach access to Washoe Lake.
Photos:
Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)
This site* may present challenges to accessibility due to uneven terrain and off-highway vehicle traffic.
Parking:
- The parking area consists of hard-packed ground with large areas of unmarked spaces. Although none of the spaces are designated as accessible, the entire parking area should be suitable for people with mobility devices.
- Two off-loading ramps are available to assist with OHV loading and unloading.
Paths/Pathways:
- None
Toilets:
- One accessible vault toilet with a wide entry and grab bars.
Water spigots/hydrants
- None
Signs:
- Signs are positioned at a height that is viewable by / appropriate for visitors using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
Picnic tables:
- None.
Grills/Fire Rings:
- None.
Trails:
- The narrow trails near the staging area may pose challenges to visitors with mobility impairments due to loose-soil and uneven terrain.
- The main Jumbo Grade Trail is a mix of sand and rock with several water crossings. It is a wide, unpaved vehicle trail that is approximately 8-miles long (one-way).
*Note: Descriptions and photos uploaded March 2025. Please note that actual on-the-ground conditions may vary due to natural events (e.g., weather, wildfires, erosion), normal wear and tear, or site improvements.
Phone
Activities
Geographic Coordinates
Directions
The Jumbo Grade Trailhead is approximately 20 miles south of Reno, NV or 12 miles north of Carson City, NV.
From Reno: Drive south on South Virginia Street/US-395 ALT for approximately 8 miles. Before passing Little Washoe Lake, turn left onto Eastlake Boulevard. Drive 4 miles. Turn left onto Jumbo Grade Way. Follow Jumbo Grade Way (road will become unpaved). The Jumbo Grade Trailhead staging area is 1 mile from the turn off.
From Carson City: Drive north on I-580 and take Exit 10 for Eastlake Boulevard. Turn right onto Eastlake Boulevard and drive 6.4 miles. Turn right onto Jumbo Grade Way. Follow Jumbo Grade Way (road will become unpaved). The Jumbo Grade Trailhead staging area is 1-mile from the turn off.
Fees
No Fee