Toiyabe Crest

Experienced hikers with an adventurous spirit will get a thrill out of hiking the Toiyabe Crest Trail just north of Austin, Nevada. This 72-mile trail will take up to 38 hours to complete in one go, and most hikers finish it within about a week and stop to camp each night. If you'd like to bring your dog along for the journey, you're welcome to do so! Just make sure you keep them on their leash during the hike and always clean up after them.

The trail runs through the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and the Arc Dome Wilderness area. The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is the largest national forest in the lower 48 states, and it makes up more than 6.3 million acres of land. Similarly, the Arc Dome Wilderness is Nevada's largest natural area at 115,000 acres. This protected area includes 30 miles of the Toiyabe Mountain Range.

Most hikers begin their trek from the Kingston Campground and trailhead. The majority of the trail was built in the 1930s, but once the path got the distinction of being a National Recreation Trail in 1968, the trail has been very well-maintained and has proper signage along the way.

During your hike, you'll encounter a variety of scenery, landscapes, and weather. Some areas of the trail run along alpine streams, while others are in densely wooded areas, mountainous areas, and desert areas. Pack for different kinds of weather, and bring long pants to protect your legs from heavy brush along the way.

Pack plenty of water for your journey, and be sure to stock up whenever you reach a water station. Some stretches of the trail go for eight or ten miles without water, so you won't want to be left without something for you and Sparky to drink.

Be on the lookout for all sorts of wildlife on the trail. It isn't unheard of to see deer, antelope, cougars, coyotes, eagles, vultures, and rabbits along the way.

If you and your pooch are up for an adventure and a challenge, consider hiking the beautiful Toiyabe Crest National Recreation Trail together!