This page is mainly to document the new bikepacking routes "Sagebrush Ripple" and "Dark Sky's." These two new long distance bikepacking routes take in the best of central Nevada from both a historical and geological perspective. Other worthy, envy inducing routes will be highlighted here as well.
Be prepared for heat, cold, dry, wet and very remote isolated conditions.
GPS navigation is highly recommended and below you will find links to the GPS files. Resupply is available but limited. Resupply options are noted in the GPS files linked below.
Have at least a little bike repair knowledge. Know how to fix your flats, repair your chain, what to do if you damage your derailleur and the tools to accomplish these repairs. Maybe take an extra set of brake pads and a Fiberfix spoke. InReach or Spot tracker is recommended in the event you find yourself in trouble. You may possibly go several days without seeing anyone out here.
Best riding seasons are early summer where you may encounter blazing heat and snow still on the high passes and fall where you may have to contend with early winter storms, and/or heat.
You will want a mountain or fat tire bike. Much of the routes could be done with skinnier gravel tire bikes but overall you will encounter conditions that are much more suitable for for at least + sized tires. Fat tires are overkill but you can certainly use them out here.
Created over several years and ridden in October 2023. A deep dive into the central Nevada outback. Long flat valley's, steep mountain passes, dry ocean's of sage and lush riparian canyons. This route has it all including deserted mining towns and ranches as well as living ghost towns such as Belmont and Manhattan. Super scenic canyon's, old stage stations, ancient petroglyh's and the travertine dome and steaming cauldron of Diana's Punchbowl are but a few of the attractions along the way. Water filters and GPS navigation are a must out here. Be prepared for fast flat dirt and steep pushing up deteriorating two track. Washouts are common and there is one 9 mile section where there are multiple washouts and tricky riding, but overall the riding is on pretty good to excellent dirt. Plus sized tires are king but could be ridden on 2.3 - 2.6 as long as you accept that you will push through a few sandy sections. If you crave isolation, occasionally difficult travel and the darkest of Dark Skies, this route may be for you. Named for the vast sage coverage and multiple mountain ranges, the 'ripples', the route was initially ridden in October 2023 by Doug Artman and Kurstin Graham of Bikepacking Northern Nevada.
its4pm.blogspot.com/2023/11/bikepacking-sagebrush-ripple-9-days-in.html
Dark Sky's Created in 2024 and ridden in October 2024. A roughly 2 week (+/-) route through remote Nevada backroads. This route is well adorned with historic stage routes, stage station remains, unannounced old charcoal kilns, as well as prehistoric rock art. Abandoned ranches just beg your mind to conjure the stories of what life here was like. Inspired by and building on the "Comstock Epic Route" by Trevor Oxborrow, "Dark Sky's" attempts to put together interesting points of interest with water resupply at reasonable mileages. Don't be fooled though. Pay attention to your stocks and take into account that many areas of this route are on very slow sandy tracks and/or hike-a-bike. Plan accordingly. Water purification system is a must. Plus tired bikes rule out here and with the amount of soft surfaces we encountered I wouldn't want anything less. The route was initially ridden in October 2024 by Doug Artman and Kurstin Graham of Bikepacking Northern Nevada with the exception of the outermost loop - Gandy. I completed that section in May 2025 - Gandy
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