Humboldt County: Desert, Mountains and History
Accommodation in Humboldt County
Humboldt County combines vast desert landscapes, rugged mountains, remote bodies of water and a multifaceted regional history. Those looking for more than a single outing during their trip will find a range of options here: the immense Black Rock Desert Wilderness, mountain excursions at King Lear Peak, historic sites in Paradise Valley, museums covering the region’s cultural history, and fishing or camping opportunities along rivers and reservoirs. When choosing your vacation rental or vacation home, it is therefore worthwhile to first determine your preferred travel style.
Desert Areas and Mountain Landscapes
The Black Rock Desert Wilderness lies in western Humboldt County. It covers 314,835 acres and is a large desert playa considered a remnant of prehistoric Lake Lahontan. The main access is via BLM and county roads along the eastern and northern boundaries. This information is crucial for planning your day if the desert landscape is to be the focus of your trip.
The South Jackson Mountains Wilderness and the eastern and western Black Rock Range Herd Management Areas are also located in the western part of the county. The Herd Management Areas are home to, among other species, mule deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, brook trout, quail, chukar and sage-grouse. In the South Jackson Mountains Wilderness, a hike through rugged canyons leads to the 8,923-foot King Lear Peak, where scrambling and technical climbing opportunities are available. Those who prefer larger expanses of landscape can also consider the Santa Rosa Ranger District, which covers more than 280,000 acres in Humboldt County.
Lakes, Rivers and Nature-Oriented Days
The Blue Lakes are located at an elevation of 8,300 feet in a state Wilderness Study Area. A 1/4-mile trail leads to the alpine lakes, which normally freeze over in winter. The Dufurrena Ponds are located in the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge in Humboldt County. Chimney Reservoir has a concrete boat launch ramp, developed campsites and toilets nearby. These different amenities make it easier to decide between a day trip to a body of water and an overnight stay outdoors.
Camping along Martin Creek and the lower Humboldt River is simple and undeveloped. Approximately 12 miles of the upper section of Martin Creek are considered suitable for fishing. The Humboldt River is home to, among other species, white crappie, wipers, channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, brown bullhead, sunfish and yellow perch. The Water Canyon Recreation Area has fire rings, grills, trails, shelters and information boards. For a varied day in the backcountry, the Sonoma Mountains also offer deeply incised V-shaped canyons, spring-fed streams and opportunities for nature-oriented camping.
History, Museums and Regional Traditions
Paradise Valley was traversed in November 1828 by Peter Skene Ogden of the Hudson's Bay Company; settlers arrived in the valley in 1863. From 1878 to 1920, Paradise Valley was a supply center for mining, and ranching later shaped the community. Micca House is listed as a historic property in Nevada. For additional orientation in the area, you can also mark Winnemucca and Paradise Valley on your itinerary.
The Humboldt Museum presents exhibitions on the region’s Western, Basque, Chinese and Indigenous cultural history. Exhibits include a complete woolly mammoth skeleton and fossils of an ichthyosaur species discovered in the nearby Black Rock Desert. The museum grounds include the former Saint Mary's Episcopal Church from 1907, the Greinstein Building constructed in the 1880s and the Richardson–Saunders House from 1899. The Buckaroo Hall of Fame & Heritage Museum displays memorabilia and photographs related to more than 70 Hall of Fame members. The Tri-County Fair & Stampede continues a tradition dating back to 1885.
The Right Base for Your Trip
Humboldt County rewards a choice of accommodation that matches your planned experiences. For desert, mountains and remote bodies of water, you should factor the relevant access points and the character of your desired outings into your planning. If museums, historic buildings, regional traditions and Basque cuisine are the focus, the cultural offerings provide the common thread of your trip. The Martin Hotel opened in 1898 to serve Basque sheepherders and is a Basque dining establishment.
There are also several opportunities for special discoveries: hundreds of miles of back roads are suitable for driving, and Bonanza Opal Mines invites visitors to search for opals in the mine’s tailings piles. A vacation rental or vacation home in Humboldt County can thus be selected according to the desired balance of active days, nature experiences and culture, without limiting the trip to just one attraction.
For the broader travel overview: Nevada.
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