Geology

Carlin Canyon

Elko County, NV

Coordinate verified

Steep Humboldt River canyon west of Carlin where Paleozoic through Tertiary strata are exposed in road and railroad cuts. Historic corridor of the California Trail, first transcontinental railroad, and old US-40; modern I-80 and Union Pacific use the Carlin Tunnel to bypass a tight meander, leaving the scenic old alignment for slower exploration of the canyon walls and river.

Field facts

RegionElko County, NV
Coordinates40.7243, -116.0238
FeatureHumboldt River canyon / structural and stratigraphic exposures
Transport historyCalifornia Trail · CPRR · US-40 · I-80 / UP Carlin Tunnel
AccessOld US-40 canyon road + I-80 viewpoints near Carlin
NearbyCarlin / Palisade / California Trail Interpretive Center (Elko)

Nearby locations

Nearby amenities

Public recreation data — BLM & Recreation.gov (RIDB). Verify current access, fees, and seasonal closures before traveling.

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Plan ahead. Leave no trace. Verify current access before traveling.