Wilson Canyon
Point of Interest:
“Wilson Canyon” is a popular outdoor attraction near the town of Yerington, Nevada. The wider area includes a variety of recreation sites along the canyon and the West Walker River. These sites are managed by different public agencies (BLM, USFS, Nevada Department of Transportation). Visitors can enjoy a scenic drive, river access, trails, picnic tables, and camping.
Overview:
The BLM-managed portion of Wilson Canyon is on the north side of Highway NV-208. It features a large area of multi-use trails for OHV, horses, and hiking.
Camping: There are no designated campsites, but visitors can overnight RVs and trailers in popular staging areas near Highway NV-208. Vault-toilets are located 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), horse-back riding, and hiking along rugged desert trails. Along the river, visitors can also enjoy fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Know Before You Go:
- Cell service is limited.
- There is no drinking water.
- Prepare for sun exposure. There is no shade.
- Watch for horseback riders and OHV riders.
- Emergency vehicle tools are recommended.
- Observe a 15-mph speed limit on Copperbelt Road.
- Spark arresters/mufflers required. The sound limit is 96 dB.
- Stoves are OK.
- Fire restrictions are sometimes in effect, prohibiting campfires, fireworks, and charcoal grills.
Nearby Attractions
Wilson Canyon is located near the town of Yerington, Nevada.
Along NV-208 throughout the Canyon there are pullouts with historic interpretive signs, wildlife viewing, fishing, and river-access opportunities.
Within viewing distance, the Nevada Department of Transportation maintains a rest stop featuring vault toilets, a dumpster, and several picnic tables under cottonwood trees along the river. This area is across the river from the BLM OHV area; visitors must exit onto NV-208 and cross the bridge to access the rest stop.
Across highway NV-208 the US Forest Service maintains a large parking area, 3.5 miles of non-motorized hiking-trail (slope exceeding 20 percent), interpretive signage, and a shaded picnic table.
Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)
This site may present challenges to accessibility due to uneven terrain* and off-highway vehicle/horseback traffic. Nearby areas managed by the US Forest Service and Nevada Department of Transportation offer visitors picnic tables, hiking trails (slope exceeding 5 percent), vault toilets, and parking.
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.
- Pull-through parking is available at the vault toilets.
Paths/Pathways
- None.
Toilets
- Two gender-specific accessible vault toilets with wide entries and grab bars.
Water spigots/hydrants
- None
Signs
- Signs are 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 foot-trails near the river may pose challenges to visitors with mobility impairments due to loose-soil and uneven terrain.
- 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 November 2024. 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
The BLM-managed portion of Wilson Canyon is located 13 miles west of Yerington, NV along Nevada State Route 208 (NV-208).
From Yerington: Drive west on NV-208 for 13 miles through Wilson Canyon. After exiting the canyon but before crossing the West Walker River, turn right onto a dirt road (Copperbelt Drive). The BLM staging and camping area is ½ mile from the turn off.
From Smith Valley: Drive east on NV-208 for seven miles. Turn left onto a dirt road (Copperbelt Drive) just after the bridge crossing the West Walker River. The BLM staging and camping area is ½ mile from the turn off.
Fees
No Fee