Fort Churchill to Wellington Backcountry Byway

The byway begins at Fort Churchill, 35 miles east of Carson City. Fort Churchill was established in 1860 to protect the Pony Express mail line. In 1957, the fort became part of the Nevada State Park System. Leaving the fort, head west on State Route 2B and U.S. 50 for 21 miles along the tree-lined Carson River to Dayton. The road follows the route of the Pony Express National Historic Trail. Turn south at Dayton and travel 29 miles through the rugged Pine Nut Mountains, climbing steeply above Eldorado Canyon, passing through the Como Mining District, then dropping down to Wellington on State Route 208. Roads can be rough and muddy. High clearance four-wheel drive is recommended on the Dayton to Wellington section. Minimal signage; carry a good map.