Santa Rosa-Paradise Peak Wilderness

The remote Santa Rosa Mountains north of Winnemucca are 280,000 acres of largely undiscovered area divided into two topographic zones. The northern portion is characterized by high plateau basins, while the southern end, which encompasses the 31,000-acre wilderness, has steep geologic features.

Elevation: 4,520′ to 9,701′

Getting There: 42 miles north of Winnemucca on U.S. 95, then turn right on State Route 290

The U.S. Forest Service offers the following designated trails:

Summit Trail

Distance: Full trail length is 23 miles one way.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Getting There: 22 miles north of Winnemucca on U.S. 95, turn right on State Route 290 and continue 17 miles to the signed Singas Creek Rd. Turn right and drive 5 miles on the dirt road to the trailhead. High clearance vehicle required.

Falls Canyon Trail

Distance: 2 miles round trip; Cow Trail begins after the main trail ends.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Getting There:38 miles north of Winnemucca on U.S. 95 at the Horse Canyon Forest Service sign. The trailhead is 100 yards northeast inside the Forest Service boundary fence.

Horse Canyon Trail

Distance: 5 miles round trip

Difficulty: Intermediate

Getting There: 38 miles north of Winnemucca on U.S. 95 at the Horse Canyon Forest Service sign. Trailhead is 150 yards inside the Forest Service boundary fence.  

Skiing, Boarding, Snowshoeing

Skiers will find superb cross-country and downhill skiing as well as absolute solitude in the Santa Rosa Range north of Winnemucca. Just north of Paradise Valley, State Route 290 becomes a dirt road that leads to 7,867-foot Hinkey Summit. At the end of the road is the accessible 9,732-foot Granite Peak. On the U.S. 95 side, downhill skiers can hike the 9,701-foot Santa Rosa Peak.

Getting There: From Reno take I-80 east to Winnemucca exit 176. Follow to State Route 95 north to State Route 290 to Paradise Valley; 215 miles.