Nevada Off-Road Trails

Weiser Valley, located within the Logandale OHV area, is an excellent and easy way to catch a glimpse of the unique landscape that this region of Nevada is known for. The trail travels through a picturesque canyon with unique and colorful rock formations, including a natural arch high up along a rocky ridgeline. Weiser Valley can be used to access Logandale OHV Trails such as The Bowl, Matterhorn, and Hawkins Trails, as well as the remnants of the Silver Queen Gypsum mine. A large group camping area at the trailhead makes for an ideal base camp while you explore the area for days. Connecting this trail with others makes for a long and scenic overland route.

Wooden Pole Powerline Road is a fast and fun trail to visit while escaping the Vegas heat and local traffic. Located near Mount Charleston and the Spring Mountain Recreation areas, the trail allows for great views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, the thicker and greener vegetation, and even a distant view of the Las Vegas strip. This is an excellent trail for those who want an enjoyable drive with mild challenges and fantastic views.

Logan House Loop is on a historic section of land near Lake Tahoe. Purchased in 1863 by Robert and Mary Logan, just before Nevada became the 36th state, the Logans opened the Logan House hotel on the lakeshore below this trail. In Mark Twain's San Francisco Letters of 1865, he describes the hotel as "new, handsomely furnished, and commodious; it stands within fifty feet of the water's edge, and commands a view of all the grand scenery there about; its table is furnished with the best the market affords, and behold they eat trout there every day."

Unfortunately for the Logans, the property fell victim to the tax burden. It was sold in 1866 to Henry M. Yerington, a timber baron and future Virginia and Truckee Railroad superintendent. The land was logged, and the house was left to decay.

The loop trail is accessible via Genoa Peak Road. It consists of rough dirt, loose gravel, rocks, and occasional asphalt. 4WD is unnecessary, but high clearance helps avoid numerous exposed rocks. It's an easy ride for all skill levels and caters to those who enjoy scenic drives through dense vegetation. There are several creeks along the way, but none that require crossing. There is no camping on this trail.

The journey to the remote town of Jarbidge begins either in Murphy Hot Springs, Idaho, via Three Creek Road or from Deeth, Nevada, along the Charleston-Deeth Road, which seamlessly transitions into Charleston Jarbidge Road as it winds through the rugged passes of the Jarbidge Mountains and Wilderness range. The town’s name, originating from the Shoshone language, translates to “monster that lurks in the canyon” or “weird beastly creature,” a tribute to the legend of Shoshone warriors who are said to have trapped this mysterious being in what is now Jarbidge Canyon.

The discovery of gold near Jarbidge in 1909 ignited one of the last great gold rushes of the Old West, swiftly transforming the town into a thriving hub with a population nearing 2,000 by 1911. Jarbidge also earned notoriety as the site of the last stagecoach robbery in 1916. However, the town’s prosperity waned after World War I, when much of its mining infrastructure was dismantled for the war effort. Mining operations ceased entirely in 1932 but were revived in 2013 by re-issuing gold removal permits.

Jarbidge is one of Nevada’s most remote towns, renowned for its extreme isolation, accessible only via the Charleston-Jarbidge Road. This route can be treacherous, and it is often closed from October to July due to heavy snowfall near Bear Creek Pass. Due to the steep grades and occasional washouts, all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. Nestled in a canyon and surrounded by towering mountains, Jarbidge is not only the most isolated town in Nevada but also one of its most visually stunning, with air quality among the purest in the nation. This hidden gem offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty, making it the perfect gateway to exploring the untouched wilderness of northeastern Nevada.

The Jarbidge Wilderness Area, close to the Idaho border, unfolds as a mesmerizing landscape of forested peaks, deep river-carved gorges, and expansive basins. Visitors might come across arbor glyphs—carvings left by Basque sheepherders in the aspen groves that dot the wilderness. Despite its rugged terrain, the area remains accessible to adventurers of all levels. The historic town of Jarbidge serves as an ideal base camp, and the Charleston-Jarbidge Road offers eight free USFS-managed campgrounds along the rushing Jarbidge River and numerous opportunities for dispersed camping. The wilderness provides unparalleled fishing, hunting, and exploration opportunities for those seeking a deeper connection with nature.

Crawdad Cove Road is an off-road trail located east of Las Vegas in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area(LMNRA). The LMNRA, operated by the National Park Service is located in both Nevada and Arizona. It follows the Colorado River corridor. The LMNRA includes Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, both reservoirs created by Hoover and Davis Dams plus their surrounding areas. Lake Mead was formed in 1935, less than a year before Hoover Dam construction was finished. In 1964, Congress approved the expanded area as the first National Recreation Area. This off-road trail makes for a great day trip visit Lake Mead for swimming, boating, kayaking, rafting or other water fun. Large areas available for camping, both tent and trailer. There are multiple side washes and small hills for hiking and exploring. Just be sure to bring your trunks, food, drinks and some shade. The trail is an easy drive with a scenic desert landscape. There are also beautiful views of Lake Mead as you approach the end of the trail. Plenty of wildlife was observed to include rabbits, road runners and multiple types of lizards.

This BLM trail begins in Utah and ends in Nevada at the intersection of the much easier route to Lexington Arch in the Great Basin National Park. This seldom-used trail does not appear on most maps or GPS navigation systems. Google Maps does show it as Route 950, forking off Route 948 off Highway 21.

The first portion of this two-track is rough, lightly traveled, and follows the rim of Hidden Canyon. Be careful and slow. The many twists and turns are close to the rim edge. Once past the canyon rim, the climb begins, and though not steep, it is steady, very rocky, and at times off-camber. High clearance 4x4 is definitely needed here, but the views are worth the effort. The trail is remote, surrounded by Great Basin Park to the west and canyons below to the south and east. Once at the peak, the drop is rocky and steep. First gear and 4x4 low are your friends on the descent.

Camping opportunities on the route are present but minimal with just a couple of pull-offs with fire rings. The Lexington Arch hiking trailhead is close by, as are a few other fun and scenic trails.

This trail provides access to the Telephone Cove Beach area from NV highway 163. It is a wide dirt road that easily will accommodate two-way traffic. One section contains some deep holes. Even though this one section of road is a bit challenging, I have watched regular cars, vans, and vehicles with trailers maneuver through. Camping by the lake is permitted following the guidelines posted.

Callville Wash North is a rugged backcountry route within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area that traverses a scenic, geologically rich landscape, including layered sedimentary rocks, volcanic ash deposits, and cliffs interwoven with gypsum veins. The road offers views of notable formations like the Bowl of Fire, known for its vivid red, orange, and white rock formations. This trail provides hikers with easy access to the Bowl of Fire hiking trail, which travels into the Muddy Mountains Wilderness Area, providing access to impressive bright red rock formations and slots like Eagle Rock, Heart Bowl, Leaning Towers, and the namesake Bowls of Fire.

Located just east of Vegas, in the Sunrise Mountain Special Recreation Management Area, Lava Butte is an 8-mile, point-to-point trail that slowly weaves through the scenic mountain and brightly colored canyon landscape formed by magma 13 million years ago. Despite the name, Lava Butte was not formed from a lava eruption but rather from a blister-like magma chamber that uplifted and became exposed due to erosion. The dark appearance of the butte is from desert varnish, a natural dark patina that forms from weathering and concentration of iron and manganese oxides on the rock's surface. The road surface is generally hard-packed clay with short sections of small rocks ranging in size from golf balls to baseballs. Along the drive, you will encounter several gradual grades that are prone to washouts during and after heavy rain events. Although a high clearance vehicle is recommended, 2WD is sufficient during dry conditions. This trail can be run in either direction and can be run by itself or combined with one of the other nearby roads to create a full loop.

Camping is prohibited along this trail or any road within the Sunrise Mountain Special Recreation Management Area. The closest camping resides east, within Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Large trailheads on each end of the trail provide great areas for trailer parking or airing up/down.

Twelve thousand years ago, Lahaton Lake covered a large portion of the then-wet Nevada basin. In 1905 Lahontan Reservoir was created and named after that huge ancient lake. With 69 miles of willows and cottonwoods scattered along its shoreline, the park is one of the most popular places in Nevada to boat, fish, water ski, and horseback ride. The Lake is open to the public year-round. Lahontan is also a nesting site for bald eagles. Wild horses, bobcats, foxes, and deer share the park with a variety of birds, including migratory waterfowl, pelicans, herons, egrets, and hawks.

The west shore at Lahontan State Recreation Area offers great camping. Open year-round with a nightly fee of $20.00 per vehicle, primitive beach camping is permitted in all areas except for day use and boat ramp areas.   A camping limit of 14 days in a 30-day period is enforced. Leashed pets are welcome.

The trail surface varies with smooth compacted dirt, mud, and sand. The trail is generally level with gradual changes in grade. Stock 4WD SUVs will work during dry weather. Drivers should be careful of the deep arroyo sand. Use caution during wet weather since the sandy arroyos are prone to flash flooding. When wet, portions of the trail are almost impassible. The trail crosses a mixture of public and private land. Please be respectful of the sections of private property.