STORM Trail / Dynamite Trail

The STORM (Saving Toads thru Off-road racing, Ranching and Mining) Trail and Dynamite Trail are two trails lying within the Spicer Ranch Trails-OV Trail system. There are some distinct differences between each trail, though both were contstructed as mountain biking trails and remain open to hikers as well.

Oasis Valley is a desert oasis made up of dozens of cold- and hot-water springs in the Nevada desert just a few miles north of the town of Beatty. These springs make up a large portion of the early flow of the Amargosa River, a unique river in itself in that it travels both above and below ground on its meandering path before eventually ending up in the Death Valley basin. In an area of private ranches along the springs and creeks, the Spicer Ranch Trail system makes up one of the best ways for those wanting to walk along parts of the upper Amargosa River.

Constructed primarily as a network of mountain bike trails by the owner of Spicer Ranch, this series of trails runs throughout private ranch property before opening up to the larger Transvaal Trail System on BLM land behind the ranch. A mountain biking enthusiast himself, the owner of Spicer Ranch has created an amazing example of public access trails running through his ranch property, and he has worked to make the trails in this area a destination for mountain biking and cyclo-cross events as well as hosting other civic entertainment and camping events on his property.

The STORM Trail heads from the parking area through the ranch meadows. As a working ranch there are cattle wandering the property, as well as wildlife roaming the desert beyond, so visitors should be aware and be considerate. At about a half mile in, the Spicer Ranch Trail heads east from the trail. At 0.75 miles, the STORM Trail crosses a gate, where the Dynamite Trail begins.

The STORM Trail is designated easy, and it generally heads over flat dirt and skirts a grassy meadow. 

The Dynamite Trail is a difficult 2-mile loop that climbs about 1,650 feet up technical trail as it winds up and around a stout mountain with views from the top looking out in all directions over the Oasis Valley. The end of the loop will bring you back to the end of the STORM Trail.

Parking is in a dirt lot on ranch property. A small info kiosk has trail maps and a donation box to help with upkeep up the trails. There is also an outhouse. This is unshaded desert that gets hot, so be prepared.

For additional information, visit Trails-OV.org