Mt Moriah

Mt. Moriah Wilderness

Intro: The lesser known cousin of Great Basin National Park, this wilderness area, managed by the US Forest Service, is just as spectacular as the park but with less trails and zero facilities. A great place to do some backpacking and horseback riding if you're looking for something that's a little bit more rugged and remote than the National Park. The only trails that are well maintained go to the "table" an impressive expanse of high elevation flatness complete with wind tattered bristlecones and awesome views.

Advisories: As mentioned above, this is a remote area with little facilities and signing. A high clearance or 4wd vehicle is recommended for access to all of the trailheads in this area. Water is limited in this area so carry plenty. Always be prepared. If camping in this area please use existing campsites and fire rings, there are plenty of these on the table, we don't need anymore. Practice Leave No Trace, pack it in-pack it out, etc...so this area remains pristine. The Ely Forest Service office has more information about this area.

Big Canyon Difficulty: More difficult Length: 2 miles from Trailhead to the Table Notes: Shortest access to the table but the longest drive, 4wd recommended. Hendrys Creek Difficulty: More Difficult Length: 10 miles from Trailhead to the Table Notes: Easier drive in than Big Canyon, High clearance recommended. Hampton Creek Difficult: More Difficult Length: 7 miles from Trailhead to the Table Notes:

Getting There: Mt. Moriah Wilderness is located approximately 60 miles east of Ely, Nevada north off of Hwy 50/6. The Big Canyon Trailhead is located on the west side of the mountain range. Hendrys and Hampton Creeks are located on the east side. Directions for Big Canyon: Directions for getting to Big Canyon are a little challenging due to little signing and an abundance of dirt roads. Generally, if you follow the road that seems the most traveled you'll be on the right track. With that said,you'll want to head east out of Ely on Hwy 50/6 towards Great Basin National Park. As the Hwy starts heading East and up you'll see a well maintained dirt road with a cattleguard on your left that heads north up spring valley. After 11.75 miles you'll see a sign for FS road #469 on your right, take this road. Stay on the main road through a series of switch- backs as you climb the mountain. As you crest a ridge and finally get views into the Snake Range after 5.8 miles, you'll want to take the road on your right. Continue following the main road. You'll know you're heading the right way when you come across a FS cabin after 3.5 miles. Go another 1.8 miles on the main road until the road ends and you see a kiosk with a trail taking off behind it. This is the Big Canyon trail. Directions for Hendrys Creek: Head east out of Ely on Hwy 50/6 towards Great Basin National Park. Go over Sacramento Pass and head towards Utah. Before the junction for state route 487 that takes you to Baker and Great Basin National Park you'll see a major dirt road coming in on your left. Take this road heading north for 10.8 miles then take a left on a dirt road heading west. There should be a sign here for FS access or Hendrys Creek. Follow this 3.5 miles until the road ends and you see a good place to park. The trail follows the drainage and should be fairly obvious. Directions for Hampton Creek: Follow the same directions for Hendrys Creek. Go another 4.2 miles on the main road past the turnoff to Hendrys then take a left on a dirt road heading west. There should be a sign here for FS access or Hampton Creek. Follow this for 4.5 miles and find a good place to park. The trail follows the drainage and should be fairly obvious.