Potosi Pass

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US
Nevada
Trails
Potosi Pass

Highlights of Potosi Pass

Camping

Desert

Overland

Scenic

Highest Elevation

6239 ft

Shape of Trail

Straight Through

Typically Open

Year Round

Best Direction

N/A

Official Trail Name

45582

Nearest Town

Las Vegas

Nearest Services

Las Vegas

Management Agency

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Bureau of Land Management

District

Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Las Vegas Field Office

Overview

Traveling through the scenic Spring Mountains and into the lowland of the Mojave Desert, Potosi Pass Road is a popular recreation area and a relaxing mountain drive through some of the oldest mining history in Nevada. Located less than an hour from Las Vegas, Potosi is a former lead mining district started by Mormon Missionaries in the mid-1850s. The mines were abandoned by the Mormons in 1857, and in 1861, the mines were once again reopened by California Mining interests. During World War 1, the area was an important source of zinc. Today, the trail rewards you with spectacular mountain views, rich desert vegetation, sheer cliff walls, and panoramic sights.