Austin Bike Trails

AUSTIN, NEV. IS A HIDDEN TREASURE FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING ENTHUSIASTS - Only a three-hour drive from Reno, Nev. boasts one of the West's best Mountain Biking Areas, Austin, Nev. located in the Pony Express territory. Austin is built along the steep walls of Pony Canyon, and Highway 50 climbs over the Austin summit at an elevation of more than 7,000 feet above sea level. Nearby mountains soar to 11,941 feet.

BACK COUNTRY MOTORCYCLING OPPORTUNITIES IN RURAL NEVADA - Backcountry Discovery Routes is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization whose mission is to establish and preserve off-highway routes for dual-sport and adventure motorcycle travel. Through education, advocacy, and promotion of responsible motorcycle travel, BDR seeks to preserve backcountry motorcycling opportunities for generations to come.

BDR works with land managers, state tourism departments, and rural communities to keep backcountry roads accessible to motorcyclists. Through the careful investment of funds and volunteer resources, BDR is able to create new routes and provide free GPS tracks, photos, videos, and planning tips for each route. The organization also works to educate the motorcycle community about responsible travel on public lands.

Backcountry Discovery Routes' goal is to create a new Backcountry Discovery Route each year for the Adventure Community. For each BDR route, a full-length documentary DVD, a Butler motorcycle map, and free GPS tracks are produced. BDR works with motorcycle dealers across the US to organize BDR movie premieres and training seminars.

Adventure Motorcycling encompasses more than just riding. It's about passion, adventure, travel, risk-taking, personal triumph, camaraderie, and becoming one with nature and the world. Since 2010, Backcountry Discovery Routes has inspired thousands of people -- seasoned adventure riders and those new to the sport -- to take advantage of the riding opportunities available in the United States.

VARIETY OF RIDE CHOICES - Numerous rides are available for all level riders. They include trails like the Castle Loop, an easy 4.5-mile trail with a 400-foot elevation gain. The Crest Cut-off challenges the more advanced rider with a 5,000-foot elevation gain totaling 24 miles. Other rides include the Cahill Canyon Run, Bob Scott Slide, Gold Venture Loop, and the Pony Canyon Down Hill Trail, all offering different mileage and elevation gains. The Pony Express Trail is an 11-mile trip for all level riders.

Campgrounds close to Austin

BOB SCOTT -When you are driving along Highway 50 The Loneliest Road in America this is a great stop to rest your weary head.

This campground isn't free - it's actually $10 per night. But it has water, trash collection, and pit toilets. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. It also has splendid views of the area and gorgeous starry skies. Some sites are pull-through and a few sites are mostly level, but many aren't. BSC is First Come First Served. The sites are large and while there is a lot of shade in the park, most of the sites are open for those who need solar power. The town of Austin is a few miles down the road if you need to gas up or grab an ice cream in the warm summer temperatures.

Open May through October, camping, picnicking, restrooms, trailer sites, and water. Located 6 miles east of Austin on US50.

BIG CREEK - 12 miles from Austin in the Reese River Valley. Open May through October, camping, picnicking, restrooms, trailer sites, and fishing. North of the wilderness on FS#002, 17 miles west of SR 376 and 12 miles south of US 50.

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