Jarbidge
Jarbidge is truly a “small” town; a lot of people don’t even know it exists. Then, there’s many who think it’s misspelled missing an “r”. There is a tiny bridge you cross over upon entering the town if you’re coming through the scenic 746 Road Wildlife Viewing route, but there’s no “bridge” in the quaint, old mining town’s name. Jarbidge is known for its isolation and challenging access.
Although it resembles a “ghost town” with its remoteness, it is very much alive with events held throughout the year. In addition to parades, there’s unique events like the JCA Beer Crawl, the JCA Poker Crawl, the Murder Walk, an annual corn feed and the popular annual wine walk. You will also enjoy the well-preserved beauty that surrounds it.
As you wander down main street, there are two local bars that serve food and beverages (they each are open different times of the year) and a specialty boutique store that sells all types of souvenirs, informative books, jewelry and a fantastic selection of sweatshirts, t-shirts and other items. You can visit the post office, jail, trading post and park.
On the outskirts of town, there’s fabulous fishing, camping, hiking and wildlife viewing. You’re just minutes away from Bear Creek Summit at 8500 feet above sea level. The Jarbidge River flows through the area and the town is surrounded by mountainous terrain within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. There are also remnants of the old mining operations and structures.
Jarbidge is a great destination for those seeking a quieter, off-the-grid experience in a picturesque setting. The close-knit community are very friendly and welcome you warmly when you visit and experience the most remote mining town in Nevada!
For a beautiful, scenic route, from Elko, take the Hwy 225 North for 50 miles to the Wildlife Viewing dirt road exit on the right, turn east on ECO 746 Road, for 21 miles to the Charleston Jarbidge Road. Another 28 miles will take you to Jarbidge. A 4-wheel or high-clearance vehicle is a must! Do not take this route during treacherous weather. Obey the single-track rules – downhill vehicles must back up the hill if there is oncoming traffic (approximately 100 miles total). For further details, read the Scenic Jarbidge Route destination.
For the easier, mostly paved route, from Elko take I-80 East to Wells (50 miles), take Hwy 93 North to Jackpot (67 miles), stay on Hwy 93 to 2300 East Road in Idaho – the sign says Rogerson / Jarbidge and go West, take a left on Three Creek Road (40 miles). This trip will take approximately 4 to 5 hours depending on weather and traffic. You may want to consider booking accommodations in Jackpot (approximately 158 miles total).
Make sure to check the weather well in advance; you can visit the website or call:
www.visitjarbidge.org or 775-488-2311 (Red Dog Saloon) or 775-488-2338 (Tsawhawbitts Ranch B & B)
If you’re taking the scenic route, be sure to have a 4-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicle
Know the single-track driving rules – use caution as the road is very narrow in spots at very high altitudes (it’s a long way down to the bottom of the valley)
Be cautious when enjoying the outdoors – in Jarbidge, the altitude is 6200 feet above sea level
Bring plenty of food & water
If you run into a sheep herder along the scenic route, please give them water and some type of snack – this is a rare treat for them and they greatly appreciate it
Watch your speed limit – just 10 miles per hour in town (if you can even go that fast)
Be sure to book reservations plenty in advance at either Elko or Jackpot (depending on which direction and itinerary you have planned)
There are limited services – don’t expect to be using your cell phone easily in the area
Native American Tribes, like the Shoshone and Northern Paiute inhabited the region for centuries.
In 1908, congress established the Humboldt National Forest with a Ranger Station at Mahoney. That same year, Dave Bourne discovered gold and 1500 miners moved in, living mainly in tents. The President excluded Jarbidge from the forest in 1911, allowing for private ownership of the land.
The lively business district, including numerous multi-story buildings and an eatery built of bottles, was leveled by fire in 1919. After the boom, the population of Jarbidge rarely exceeded 200. The mines closed in the 1930s after producing about ten million in gold. The last stagecoach robbery in the United States happened near this site in 1916.
The Jarbidge Wilderness area, designated in 1964, is part of the larger National Wilderness Preservation System and provides protection for the natural environment.
The town gained some attention in the late 20th century due to the “Red Menace War.” In 1999, tensions rose over a dispute regarding a Forest Service road closure. Locals, including miners and ranchers, opposed the closure, leading to a standoff with federal officials. This gained attention as a symbol of disputes over public land use in the American West.
Today, the peaceful town is a special place to visit that you can tout as one of the many towns and cities you have visited on your tour of the Travel Time NV experience.
