State Route 342


Looking down from the Virginia & Truckee Railroad at Gold Hill and Nevada State Route 342 (Comstock Highway). - 07/23/2009
Nevada 342 is the old route of Nevada 341 near Virginia City via Silver City, Gold Canyon, and Gold Hill. Prior the 1976 renumbering, Nevada 342 was designated as Nevada 80. This is the older and shorter route between Silver City and Gold Hill, but due to steep grades (especially at the north end), through traffic is advised to use Nevada 341 (former Nevada 17) over Occidental Grade. Along with Nevada 341, Nevada 342 is part of the Comstock Highway.

Leaving downtown Gold Hill, northbound Nevada 342 crosses the Virginia & Truckee Railroad ahead of a 15% grade.
07/23/09
The Virginia & Truckee Railroad is a popular visitor activity in Gold Hill and Virginia City. Daily trips take tourists from Virginia City downhill on a steam locomotive-driven train to Gold Hill through Tunnel #4. The railroad was first built in 1869 to move mining material from Virginia City and Gold Hill south to Carson City. Plans call for the tourist train to extend all the way to Carson City.
07/23/09
Leaving Gold Canyon, northbound Nevada 342 ascends to Virginia City.
07/23/09
The two-lane highway navigates through several curves as it travels uphill to Gold Hill.
07/23/09
Located at an elevation of 6,200 feet above sea level, Nevada 342 enters Virginia City in the heart of Storey County.
07/23/09
The next intersection along Nevada 342 north is in the Storey County seat is with Nevada 341 south. Through traffic from Nevada 342 south to Nevada 341 south into Virginia City does not need to stop at this intersection.
07/23/09
A final milepost reference marker for Nevada 342 north is posted at the intersection with Nevada 341.
07/23/09

Leaving Nevada 341 in southern Virginia City, a reference marker indicates the mileage on Nevada 342 south to the Storey-Lyon County Line.
07/23/09
A begin Nevada 342 route marker. Nevada 342 is a loop route that avoids Occidental Grade by staying in Gold Canyon between Gold Hill and Silver City.
07/23/09
The approaching 15% downgrade from Virginia City to Gold Hill is a primary reason why trucks are routed onto Nevada 341 rather than Nevada 342 for through traffic.
07/23/09
Southbound Nevada 342 next enters the community of Gold Hill, another historic mining community with a heritage closely linked to Virginia City and the Comstock Lode. Gold Hill is home to the Gold Hill Hotel, Nevada's oldest hotel. The Virginia & Truckee Railroad (a tourist attraction) takes visitors between Virginia City and Gold Hill.
07/23/09
Following the steep downhill grade from Virginia City through Gold Hill on Nevada 342.
07/23/09
Gold Hill precedes Gold Canyon along Nevada 342 south.
07/23/09
Like neighboring Virginia City, Gold Hill saw its heyday during the mining era of the 1860s and 1870s; over 8,000 people once called this town home, although less than 200 lived there as of 2000. The Gold Hill Hotel still entices travelers to visit for the night in this historic community.
07/23/09

Gold Hill and Nevada 342 as seen from the Virginia & Truckee Railroad tour, which connects Virginia City and Gold Hill each day.
07/23/09
Photo Credits:
- Andy Field: 07/23/09
Connect with:
Page Updated Saturday July 14, 2012.