Moon Rocks OHV Area
Overview:
The Moon Rocks OHV Area is on the west side of Winnemucca Ranch Road. The recreation area features open OHV riding and multiple camping and staging areas. Due to its high-usage, open access is only possible because the area is maintained, respected, and well-kept by local OHV enthusiasts.
Camping: Dispersed camping is allowed unless marked as prohibited (due to flash flood areas). There are no designated campsites, but visitors can park RVs and trailers overnight in popular staging areas along Bedell Road and Antelope Road. Vault toilets are available nearby.
Vehicle Access: A high-clearance vehicle is not required. However, all roads are unpaved, may be muddy, and may contain sharp debris.
Activities: Popular activities include off-roading (OHV) and hiking along rugged desert trails and along the “Moon Rocks”.
Point of Interest:
Moon Rocks OHV Area is a popular open off-roading recreation site near Reno and Sparks, Nevada. The area is locally referred to as "Moon Rocks" because there is a unique group of large granite formations that have weathered into a rounded, stacked landscape – perfect for rock crawling and competitions. The Moon Rocks OHV Area is part of the Bureau of Land Management’s wider North Reno Recreation Area.
North Reno Recreation Area
The North Reno Recreation area includes the Dogskin Mountains, portions of an area known as Hungry Valley, and the popular Moon Rocks play area. The area includes approximately 19,050 acres of public lands and is managed for motorized recreation by the Bureau of Land Management, Carson District Office. This area is popular with all types of motorized recreation with amenities including rock crawling, motocross tracks, single track, and UTV play areas, making it a high visitation area for the greater Reno area.
The area is heavily grazed by livestock and is a mixture of public and private land and includes several ranch and utility roads that provide good access to remote areas. Trails in surrounding area are primarily dirt and often cross fence lines. Please respect all signage and fences.
Know Before You Go:
- Watch for OHV riders of all ages and abilities.
- There is no drinking water.
- The largest concern for the area is litter and debris. Please help pick up litter.
- Shooting is prohibited in almost all areas.
- Responsible campfire use is permitted.
- Do not leave nails and sharp debris.
- OHV registration, spark arresters/mufflers, and working front/rear lights are required.
- The sound limit is 96 dB.
- Open containers are prohibited in OHVs or vehicles.
- Fireworks are prohibited.
- Fire restrictions are sometimes in effect, contact the local BLM office for more information.
- The wider area is a mix of public and private lands.
Nearby Attractions:
The North Reno Recreation Area is located near the city of Reno, Nevada.
About a 20-minute drive away, Washoe County oversees the Washoe County Regional Shooting Facility. The 600-acre shooting facility offers an extensive number of ranges and amenities for a fee.
About a 30-minute drive away, visitors can enjoy fishing and recreation at the unique Pyramid Lake, which is managed by the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. The “Pyramid Lake Museum and Visitor Center” in Nixon, NV offers a multi-purpose museum on the edge of the lake. The museum and visitor center showcases tribal history and natural history, and provides recreation pass sales.
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 dozens of non-striped spaces. Although none of the spaces are designated as accessible, the entire parking area should be suitable for people with mobility devices.
Paths/Pathways:
- None
Toilets:
- One or more portable toilets are available in various staging areas.
- Due to high winds, the portable toilets are located within fenced platforms on concrete pads. These may pose a challenge to users with mobility devices.
- Please contact the local district office for the most current details on the location of portable toilets.
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 OHV trails are challenging and may pose a challenge to visitors with mobility impairments due to steep grades, uneven terrain, and traffic from OHV users and horseback riders.
*Note: Descriptions and photos uploaded February 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
Addresses
Geographic Coordinates
Directions
Moon Rocks OHV Area is part of the North Reno Recreation Area, which is located 24 miles north of Reno, NV near Winnemucca Ranch Road.
From Reno: Drive north on NV-445 (Pyramid Way) for 10 miles. Turn left onto Winnemucca Ranch Road. Drive northwest for 6.3 miles (partially unpaved). At the BLM sign “Welcome to Your Public Lands”, turn left onto an unpaved road (Bedell Road). Drive west for 1 mile to the main parking area, which is located next to the “Moon Rocks” rock formation.
Fees
No Fee