1861 Trail ©
The 1861 Trail is an east–west route designed to last far longer than the 18-month Pony Express. It takes riders through Nevada’s mountain ranges, offering a more engaging and scenic experience.
Complete the full trail and send us your track file (.gpx or .kmz) to receive a free trail sticker.
Ready for a ride?
The total distance is 430 miles. The table shows what a rider traveling from east or w can expect in distance and services.
The yellow are routes into local communiitiethat you may want to take -keep in mind as of July 2025 there is no gas in Goldfield.
Here is a little bitty Map
ereThe files are in GPX and KML formats you can upload them to any of your GPS units, or Nav programs like OnX, Ride Command, Cal TOPO and so on.the download links are at the bottom of this page. (click to see full interactive map on Cal Topo)
Some information about the communities along the Battleborn
Virginia City
The 19th-century mining bonanza that turned Virginia City into the most important industrial city between Denver and San Francisco, was the result of the Comstock Lode. A rich deposit of silver ore discovered by Henry Comstock, part-owner of the property on which it was discovered, in June 1859. Getting his nickname for only making pancakes for breakfast, Henry T. “Pancake” Comstock was referred to as one of the original finders of gold in Gold Canyon, just south of Virginia City. Comstock was said to have been lazy, employing American Indians on his claims, and was a fast-talker. Since he was on the scene of the original findings, his name stuck almost instantly.
Dayton
Dayton, Nevada, is one of Nevada's earliest settlements, famously known for being the site of the state's first gold discovery in 1849 by Abner Blackburn. Initially a stopover for travelers heading to the California goldfields, it evolved into a mining and milling center, particularly after the Comstock Lode discovery in 1859. Dayton served as the first county seat of Lyon County and holds a rich history as a commercial hub and transportation center.
Middlegate
Part of the The 1861 Trail follows Nevada’s historic Pony Express corridor, where long distances between services made reliable stops essential. Middlegate Station traces its origins to that era and remains an authentic high-desert roadhouse today, offering fuel (pay inside), food, lodging, and camping for travelers crossing central Nevada. Positioned between Eastgate and Westgate, it continues to serve as a practical waypoint along the route. Nearby, Westgate marks the site of a former CCC camp operated by Company 1915 from approximately 1938 to 1941, where remnants—including an old swimming pool that has remained dry since the early 1940s—still reflect the area’s layered history.
Austin
Austin was established in 1862 following a silver discovery that sparked one of Nevada’s early mining booms, quickly growing into a major commercial and supply center for the Reese River Mining District. At its peak, the town supported more than 10,000 residents and served as the Lander County seat, with transportation routes, toll roads, and later rail connections linking it to the rest of the region. Today, Austin remains a well-preserved historic community, with numerous original buildings reflecting its mining-era roots. The town’s heritage is still actively celebrated through events like Gridley Days, which honors the legacy of Reuel Colt Gridley and the community’s role in Nevada and Civil War history.
Eureka
Eureka, Nevada was established in 1864 following the discovery of rich silver-lead deposits, quickly developing into one of Nevada’s most important mining and smelting centers. During the 1870s, the town grew to become one of the largest in the state, supported by dozens of mines, extensive smelting operations, and key transportation links that connected it to surrounding districts. Known as the “Pittsburgh of the West,” Eureka played a central role in Nevada’s mining economy before production declined in the late 19th century. Today, the town remains one of the best-preserved historic communities in the state, with original buildings, a designated historic district, and a strong connection to its mining-era heritage.
Eureka Nevada
Ely
Ely, Nevada was established in 1878 as a stagecoach station and mining camp, initially serving nearby gold prospects before emerging as a regional hub. Its most significant growth came in the early 1900s with the discovery of major copper deposits, transforming Ely into a key mining and transportation center supported by the Nevada Northern Railway. As the county seat of White Pine County, Ely played a central role in eastern Nevada’s economic development, connecting remote mining districts to national markets. Today, Ely remains a historic community with preserved railroad infrastructure, mining heritage, and continued importance as a gateway to eastern Nevada’s outdoor and recreation landscape.
ELY - City OHV - Routes
Ely is one of several Nevada communities that allows OHV use on certain city streets, providing access between trails and local services like fuel, food, and lodging. Travel is limited to specific routes, and while they may not always be marked, we are providing a map to help guide you.
Obey all speed limits, and all riders are required to wear helmets. These are simple rules, but they matter—failure to follow them can put access at risk.
Ride responsibly, help keep access open, and enjoy White Pine County.
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