Trip preparation
Emigrant Trail Ride FAQ
GMRS ch. 15–22 · ≈180 miles · No services on trail
The trail crosses a remote stretch of northern Nevada with no fuel, no water and sparse cell coverage. Read this before you commit a vehicle to the ride.
What is the most common problem on the trail?
Flat tires are the most common issue for travelers of the trail. Make sure your spare tire is good and you have the tools needed to access and change tires. Make sure to have any lug nut locking keys.
What radio will we be using for trail communications?
A major part of the ride is learning about the area from our trail guides. You need a GMRS radio capable of receiving on channels 15–22. A handheld GMRS radio will do — a basic handheld GMRS radio is fine. High Rock Trekkers should have enough radios for everyone, but we strongly urge you to obtain the license.
An FCC license is required to transmit on any GMRS frequency. It costs $35 for 10 years, there is no test, and it is good for all members of a household.
Are there fuel stops along the trail?
No. Fuel is available in Cedarville CA at the start, and at the end at Mill City TA (5 minutes east of the Imlay turnoff) and in Lovelock NV. The trail is roughly 180 miles, traveled at slower speeds.
Where can I buy groceries?
Minimal food is required on your part unless you have specific dietary restrictions. We recommend some food just in case.
HRT provides: Friday dinner; Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner; Sunday breakfast and lunch.
Where can I refill water?
There are no services between the start and end of the trail. Bring enough for the duration, especially water.
Can I bring my dog?
You can, but it is highly recommended you leave them at home. Most of the area has goat’s head weeds and thorns, which are extremely painful and make for an unpleasant experience for the dog.
Will my fullsize truck be able to do the trail?
Not recommended. This is an offroad 4x4 trail with lots of brush on the trail edge and on the trail, and multiple locations where a fullsize vehicle would have issue traversing the terrain.
Important locations
Fuel
Friday · before departure
Rabbit Traxx Truck Stop
580 Patterson St, Cedarville, CA 96104
Sunday · end of trail
TA Gas Station
6000 E. Frontage Road, Mill City, NV 89418
Hotels & camping after the ride · Sunday, June 13, 2027
Rye Patch State Recreation Area
2505 Rye Patch Reservoir Rd, Lovelock, NV 89419
Royal Inn
1435 Cornell Ave, Lovelock, NV
C Punch Inn & Casino
1440 Cornell Ave, Lovelock, NV
Super 10
1390 Cornell Ave, Lovelock, NV
Cadillac Inn
1395 Cornell Ave, Lovelock, NV
Comfort Suites Fernley
800 Mesa Dr, Fernley, NV 89408
Super 8
1350 W Newlands Dr, Fernley, NV
SureStay Hotel
1405 W Newlands Dr, Fernley, NV
Medical services
The trail traverses a remote area in Northern Nevada. Medical services are a long way away, with sparse cell phone coverage. Use the utmost care and judgement. The trail crew has GMRS radios, HAM radios, Starlink and cell phones to assist in attempting to contact 911 in an emergency.
DisclaimerThe above locations are not final nor a guarantee of services or quality of services provided. Please do your own research and plan accordingly.
Recommended supplies
- Roll bar or factory installed hard top.
- Emergency brake, parking brake, line-lock or other redundant braking system.
- Tow strap or rope rated at 2x vehicle weight.
- First aid kit.
- Jack capable of lifting the vehicle plus all tools to change a tire.
- Spare tire within 3 inches diameter of the others, or for 37" and larger, run-flats or tools to repair/re-inflate.
- Fire extinguisher with gauge indicating good/full, appropriately stored.
- Seat belts for all occupants.
- Adequate attachment points front and rear (tow hooks, receiver). Tow balls are NOT adequate recovery points.
- Battery hold downs, no bungie cords.
- Camping supplies.
- Water.
- Food just in case.
- GMRS radio.