Explore Off-Road Trails near Reno
If you’re looking to elevate your EV rental experience beyond pavement, the Reno-Tahoe region offers some excellent off-road options — perfect for getting your ride dirty in a fun, scenic way. At Best EV Rentals we’re all about combining the electric experience with real adventure. Here are top picks and important prep tips.
Know Before You Go
Charge up: Start your trail with a full or near-full charge. Off-road driving uses more energy than highway driving — and terrain, elevation, and low speeds can affect range more than you expect.
Know your vehicle’s modes: If you’re in a vehicle like a Rivian or other EV off-road capable truck, make sure you select the correct drive/terrain mode (e.g., off-road, rock crawl) so the vehicle can adapt.
Clearance & surface awareness: Dirt roads vary — from wide, smooth fire roads to rocky, steep single tracks. Pick a trail suited to your EV’s clearance, underbody protection, and range.
Navigation & service access: Cell service may be spotty. Download offline maps or use an app like OnX Off Road.
Pack the essentials: Water, snacks, first aid kit, tire repair kit (even EVs can hit rough terrain), and allow extra time.
Respect the land: Stay on designated roads, avoid restricted wilderness areas, pack out what you pack in. The region has rich public-lands access thanks to groups like the Bureau of Land Management.
Photo by Emmy Gaddy/ Unsplash
Trails to Try
1. Peavine OHV Road
Just outside Reno, this 13.8-mile out-and-back route offers an accessible off-road experience with wide dirt roads, nice views, and plenty of room to explore. Great for EVs if you stick to the main route, monitor clearance/surface, and keep an eye on the state of the road.
Peavine OHV Road is one of the area’s most accessible off-road routes — a great starting point if you’re new to off-roading or testing an electric truck for the first time. The main trail climbs up the slopes of Peavine Mountain, offering wide dirt roads, scattered rocky sections, and sweeping views of the city and surrounding desert.
You’ll find a mix of easy to moderate terrain, with multiple side spurs to explore if you’re feeling adventurous. Most EVs with good clearance (like a Rivian R1T) will have no problem here. Trails are well-traveled and close enough to town that you’ll still have decent reception. Just be mindful of dust and weather — after rain, some sections can get slippery fast.
2. Hunter Lake Road
More rugged, more scenic: this trail winds up through the Carson Range, with elevation gain and tougher terrain. Recommendation: Use a high-clearance vehicle mode (which many EV off-road trucks support), go slowly, and make sure you have enough range to return.
Hunter Lake Road takes you into the heart of the Carson Range. The route starts at the western edge of Reno and winds steadily upward through pine forest toward Hunter Lake, a small alpine meadow area surrounded by rugged peaks.
Expect steep climbs, loose rocks, and rutted switchbacks — this is where the Rivian’s off-road mode really shines. The payoff is stunning: panoramic views of the Truckee Meadows below and a real sense of backcountry isolation, just minutes from town. You’ll want a full charge before heading up, as the elevation gain can impact range, and there are no chargers at the top.
This trail is best tackled in summer or early fall when snowpack has melted and the dirt roads are open all the way through.
3. North Reno Recreation Area (Includes “Moon Rocks” & Dogskin Mountains)
This 19,000+ acre area managed by the BLM offers rock crawling opportunities, broad dirt roads, and a variety of terrain — from easy routes to more technical lines. Ideal for adventurous EV drivers who want to test the vehicle in more challenging conditions.
Known locally as “Moon Rocks,” this massive open BLM area north of Reno is an off-roader’s playground. Named for its strange, otherworldly rock formations, it offers miles of sandy tracks, open desert terrain, and technical rock sections for those who want to push their EV’s capability a bit further.
You can explore everything from easy fire roads to serious rock-crawl routes. It’s a popular destination for ATVs and overlanders, so weekends can be lively. The area’s size means there’s always space to find your own corner of adventure.
Be sure to air down your tires if you’re heading into deep sand, and always start fully charged — there’s no power for miles once you leave the main highway. This is a great place to test the Rivian’s torque and traction control in a truly wild setting.
Conclusion
Whether you’re after a scenic dirt road with sweeping views or a rugged off-road excursion, the Reno area has something for you — and with the right preparation, your EV can make it a fun adventure. Just make sure you’re charged, ready, and respectful of the terrain.
