Black Rock Desert Expedition

300+ Mile Backcountry Journey for Expedition-Class Rigs

The Black Rock Desert is vast, rugged, and quiet in a way the modern world rarely allows. Endless playas, volcanic ridges, geothermal features, and abandoned mining towns create one of the most mysterious and breathtaking landscapes in the American West.
For 2026, Fernweh has redesigned this experience into a brand-new, 300+ mile backcountry route crafted specifically for large expedition rigs. You’ll cross open playas, soak in hot springs, explore historic sites, camp on a remote micro-playa, and learn from experts who know this terrain intimately.

This is not your everyday trail ride, it’s a confidence-building, community-driven desert expedition through one of the last untouched wild regions in America.

New 2026 Route Highlights

A deeper, more expansive loop through Nevada’s high desert, including:

• Full crossing of the Black Rock Playa
• Camping on a remote micro-playa
• Desert canyons & wildlife corridors
• Geothermal zones & hidden hot springs
• Historic relics across the Calico & High Rock regions
• High-desert ridges with massive views
• Optional hot spring soaks
• Ecology interpretation throughout the trip

Terrain varies from playa crust to sand, volcanic rock, two-track, and washboard.
Fuel planning will be discussed prior to departure.

Designed for Expedition Vehicles

Driving instruction focuses on:

• Weight & traction management
• Playa driving (hard crust & soft pockets)
• Sand, silt, and washboard strategy
• Tight two-track navigation
• Recovery techniques for heavy rigs
• Tire pressure, heat, & suspension management

All experience levels welcome, everyone leaves with greater confidence.

Returning Experts

Jeff Rosenfeld – Wildwood Open Lands Foundation
Ecological Guide & Desert Naturalist
Jeff returns with deep knowledge of desert ecology, wildlife behavior, hydrology, geology, and Great Basin history. Having run these routes with us last year, he brings context and connection to every stop.

Chef Jesse Houston – Switchback Supper Club
James Beard Semi-Finalist & Adventure Chef
Jesse returns with his off-road culinary experience, crafting unforgettable meals in the desert. A nationally recognized chef, he blends high-end creativity with the rugged, communal power of outdoor dining.

Camping & Meals

• Camping: desert campsites & remote micro-playa
• Breakfast & Dinner: chef-prepared meals
• Lunch: bag lunches / on your own
• Campfires: nightly (conditions permitting)

Evenings become a highlight with beautiful food, starlight, and deep conversation.

Pricing:

• Driver + Vehicle: $950
• Additional Passenger: $450

Journey of Wilderness, History & Discovery

Over four days we’ll travel more than 300 miles through:

• Wildlife corridors
• Rugged mountain passes
• Historic mining sites
• Geothermal features
• Desert canyons and reservoirs
• Some of Nevada’s most remote and beautiful landscapes

A true Fernweh desert expedition, built for expedition vehicles, grounded in community, and designed for deep connection.