On March 18, 2019, Massacre Rim WSA became just the 7th certified Dark Sky Sanctuary in the world! This Wilderness Study Area is publicly-owned land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to maintain its wilderness qualities. Massacre Rim is part of the traditional lands of the Northern Paiute, who have connected with dark skies here for countless generations.
Located in far northern Washoe County near the borders with California and Oregon, Massacre Rim is so remote that it has “exceptional quality of starry nights” and a nocturnal environment that is protected for its natural values, criteria necessary to meet the International Dark-Sky Association’s strict standards for a Dark Sky Sanctuary.
Because so much of our world is flooded with artificial light, most of us have no idea what we can actually see if we’re in a place as dark as Massacre Rim. So it’s hard to describe. Stunningly beautiful. Definitely awe-inspiring. So many stars on a moonless night that they actually cast a shadow. You really have to see it for yourselves. Here’s how to get there, stay a bit, and explore one of the darkest skies on the planet.
Click here to learn more about Nevada's world-class dark skies!
Getting to the Massacre Rim WSA Dark Sky Sanctuary
CAUTION: All the unpaved roads in the Massacre Rim area may be impassible and prone to washouts during rain events. Roads are not maintained in the winter and are dangerous and impassable in snow conditions.
The Massacre Rim Area is accessible by car or truck, but the final approach from any direction to the perimeter of the Sanctuary will be on a maintained gravel roads. These roads may be impassible when wet or during the winter. View our custom map for more detail. The Sanctuary itself is a landscape administered to protect wilderness values. Vehicle travel inside the Sanctuary is limited to a few designated, very rough routes that require a high-clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle. The entire Sanctuary is accessible for hiking, backpacking, and horsebackriding.
The Sanctuary is about 230 road miles north of Reno, NV; about 170 road miles west of Winnemucca, NV; and about 200 road miles east of Redding, CA.
Please keep in mind that, although the Dark Sky Sanctuary is the core of the dark sky region, the entire region, from Cedarville CA to Gerlach NV and into southern Oregon offers outstanding opportunities for viewing the phenomenal dark skies of northern Washoe county (see below for where to stay and eat in the area).
Consult your best road map (or Google Map Here), then click on our custom map to plan the home stretch to Massacre Rim.
Camping and Star Viewing Around the Dark Sky Sanctuary
As mentioned above, the Massacre Rim Dark Sky Sanctuary is managed as a Wilderness Study Area to protect natural resources, wildlife, ecosystems, and the the dark skyies of the area. The best way to camp and experience and connect with the night sky within the Sanctuary is by backpacking or horse packing. Within the immediate area surrounding the Sanctuary, the phenomenal darkness and outstanding star view of this area can be enjoyed from established, primityive campgrounds, within Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge and at Massacre Ranch and Stevens Camp just south of the Massacre Rim Dark Sky Sanctuary. Dispersed Camping is also availble on the BLM Managed public lands along State Route 34 and 8A adjacent to the Sanctuary.
Road conditions vary considerably depending on weather conditions. Know this! Even though this country is considered “high desert,” significant snowfall can occur fall through spring. Roads can be impassable due to snow, mud, and washouts.
Be prepared! Back country camping requires special planning, equipment and supplies. Here is a checklist to help guide you, but please know that travel of this nature is at your own risk. See a list of campgrounds below.
General Safety Information
- Bring what you need to survive. Self-sufficiency is as important today as it was for the Native Americans, emigrants and early pioneers.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you will be back.
- Pack all necessary water (one gallon of water per day), food and supplies. Surface water is unreliable and must be treated.
- Pack extra supplies in case you get stranded. Use good judgement if you do get stranded. It’s often best to stay at your vehicle.
- Be prepared for changing conditions. Daytime temps can reach over 100 degrees in the summer. Year-round temperatures can fluctuate more than 50 degrees in a single day. Even in summer nights can dip into the 30’s and 40’s. Dust storms are not uncommon in dry months.
- High clearance vehicles with off-road tires (at least 6-ply) are recommended, as is a second spare if you plan to travel on remote roads.
- There is very limited cell service in northern Washoe County.
- DO NOT drive on playas and lake beds when it is wet. Know what to look for, as it can often be wet just under the surface. If you get stuck, you may be there for a long time.
Other things to know
- Rattlesnakes, scorpions, mountain lions and coyotes are in the area. Be wildlife aware.
- Respect private property. Leave gates as you find them.
- Protect Archaeological sites. Sites are protected on federal land by public law. Removing or vandalizing artifacts is not only illegal, it limits their scientific value and the experience of future visitors
- Leave No Trace – Pack it in. Pack it out. Leave the area cleaner than you found it.
Where to Stay and Eat
Accommodations
Sunrise Motel
62271 CA-299, Cedarville
530-279-2161
Surprise Valley Hot Springs
67254 CA-299, Cedarville
530-279-2040
JK Metzker House B and B
520 Main St., Cedarville
530-279-2650
Cockrell's High Desert Lodging
811 County Road 31, Cedarville
530-279-2209
Fort Bidwell Hotel & Restaurant
55015 Main Street, Fort Bidwell
530-708-1070
Bruno's Country Club & Motel
445 Main Street
Gerlach, NV
775-557-2220
Old Yella Dog Ranch
www.oldyelladogranch.com
Vya, NV
775-557-5023
*best to contact by email
Rockin' TD Ranch
www.rockintdranch.com"
Vya, NV
*best to contact by email
Campgrounds
Stough Reservoir
Modoc National Forest (near Cedarville, CA)
Emerson
Modoc National Forest (near Eagleville, CA)
Fee Reservoir
BLM (east of Fort Bidwell)
Massacre Ranch
BLM (a couple miles south of the Massacre Rim WSA)
Stevens Camp
BLM (about 20 minutes south of the Massacre Rim WSA)
For more information, current closures & fire restrictions, and best safety practices for mitigating COVID-19 while traveling please contact:
Bureau of Land Management
602 Cressler St.
Cedarville, CA 96104
530-279-6101
Modoc National Forest
225 W. 8th St.
Alturas, CA 96101
530-233-8708
Food
Country Hearth
551 Main St., Cedarville
530-279-2280
*Diner food, fresh-baked bread and pastries
The Station
501 Main Street, Cedarville
Wed-Thur-Fri 10am-3pm
Sat 9am to 2pm
530-279-6677
*Lunch & Espresso
Whalen's Public House
540 Main St., Cedarville
847-721-2591
* Pizza & beer & wine
Woody's
415 Main St., Cedarville
530-279-2221
* BBQ & Diner
Newell's Fort Bidwell BBQ & Cafe
55015 Main Street, Fort Bidwell
530-708-1070
* BBQ & diner
Bruno's Country Club & Motel
445 Main Steet
Gerlach, NV
775-557-2220
Groceries and Supplies
Page's Market
488 Main St.
Cedarville, CA
Corner Store (hardware)
600 Main St.
Cedarville, CA
Floating Island Books (local history & geography)
Main St.
Cedarville, CA