5. Austin to Elko

AUSTIN TO ELKO – 220 miles

Settle in for a long day in the saddle. Section 5 crosses big chunks of Nevada with very few services. It is over 200 miles between fuel in Austin and your next opportunity to gas up in Elko, so be prepared. There is, however, a detour halfway through this section to nearby Eureka for fuel by taking highway 278 south for about 24 miles.

You’ll make good time in the first part of this section as you ride wide open gravel roads across enormous valleys. The climb over Telegraph Peak is an optional advanced section for riders looking for an added challenge. As you get closer to Elko, ride a portion of the original Pony Express Trail and get a good mix of tighter 4×4 roads through unique geography that is much different than you’ve seen so far in Nevada. Elko is a bustling town with plenty of options for lodging, food and fuel.

Bailey Pass 6812'

6,812 ft

Eureka - Food, Gas, Lodging

6,488 ft

Overland Pass 7500'

7,465 ft

Pony Express Trail

6,988 ft

NV5 - Austin to Elko

219.6 mi
6,966 ft
-8,566 ft

NV5 ALT Gas - Eureka

47.6 mi
1,216 ft
-1,213 ft

NV5 ALT Harder - Overland Pass

23.6 mi
1,750 ft
-1,908 ft

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