The opening leg of this stage loops through Grantsville Canyon, climbing to Grantsville Summit at 7664 feet. While the "main" branch of the American Discovery Trail next moves through the Alta Toquima and Arc Dome Wildernesses, the relay will follow the bike alternate north along Forest Service Road 18 through Patsy Canyon and the Yomba Shoshone reservation. In the midst of a small settlement, turn right on Indian Rd 2, past a tribal police station.
This soon becomes a forest service road, leading through Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest on a sustained, 3000-foot climb to the Toiyabe Range ridge, ultimately topping 10,000 feet at the highest point. The subsequent descent includes a few sharp turns, passing the Murphy Mine along the way through Ophir Canyon. Eventually, the route emerges upon NV 376 between Millett and Round Mountain.
Support: A support vehicle will be accessible at Patsy Canyon (9.5 miles) and Indian Road 2 turn-off (17.1 miles). Water will be available to top off bottles, along with all necessary participant gear. Be prepared to cover the last 21 miles without any further water/food access.