Nevada Off-Road Trails

Located entirely within the Humbolt National Forest, Cherry Creek Summit is a narrow mountain road that winds through scenic canyons and rock formations. Most of this dirt trail is surrounded by pine and cedar forests, with small spring-fed creeks flowing throughout. 

The road's east end begins with a one-lane bridge and continues along private property on one side for a short distance. From east to west, the trail ascends into the mountain, becoming more of a shelf road, limiting the ability of oncoming traffic to pass safely. 

Multiple pull-offs along the road have open camping areas, including FR 59411, which has the Cherry Creek primitive campground. There is also a large area at the summit with room for multiple rigs to set up camp.

Inclement weather, like heavy rain or snow, could render this trail impassable.

Hitting Rock Bottom has a different meaning in Logandale. This severe trail follows a narrow rocky wash lined with obstacles. A gatekeeper guards the entrance of the wash. If this obstacle proves to be too much, you may as well turn around now. Heavily modified vehicles are put to the test on this twisty and narrow trail. Camping is not an option. There are many opportunities along the nearby Logandale Main Loop.

Leadville Road is a well-maintained county gravel route that guides you through a tapestry of historic and scenic wonders. Along the way, you can explore the rugged beauty of Razor Canyon, delve into the rich history of the Leadville Mining District, marvel at the ancient Lund Petrified Forest, and wander through the haunting remnants of the ghost town of Vya. Each stop promises a unique glimpse into the past and the region's natural splendor.

Located within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Montana Wash Road is an easy, dead-end gravel trail that follows along a dry wash to Morning Star Cove along the Colorado River. The road surface is generally coarse sand with shallow tire ruts and occasional washboards. Like other trails in the area, you will be rewarded with open desert views, lake views, and views of Fire Mountain along this trail. However, views at the end of this trail are absolutely fantastic along the cove, with several hiking opportunities up and down the river. The trail ends at a very large cove with two great dispersed campsites. If you have friends with a boat, this would be a perfect cove to meet them at. There are no amenities for these campsites and users must pack out everything they pack in, including human waste.

This trail is suitable for any high clearance vehicle and can easily be completed in 2WD.

Fire Mountain Cove Road, located in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, is a 5-mile dead-end road that offers users non-stop scenic views and tremendous dispersed camping as it traverses a ridgeline heading straight at Fire Mountain. The road is not difficult, but it is extremely bumpy due to the long stretches of washboard. The road surface is generally hard-packed dirt with scattered patches of coarse sand and loose gravel. The rolling hills and sweeping turns of this trail keep the drive entertaining, and as you approach the Colorado River, the sides of the trail become lined with posts and cable, delineating the trail and camping area. The first campsite you encounter is a large, flat campsite looking directly at Fire Mountain. This site is great for groups of 5-6 vehicles and suitable for small offroad trailers and ground tents. Continuing towards the river, you will pass two small campsites next to the road before reaching a Y-intersection, where you will continue to the final round-about campsite just above Fire Mountain Cove. These last few campsites are best for vehicle camping and ground tents. There are no amenities for these campsites, and users must pack out everything they pack in, including human waste. This trail is suitable for any high clearance vehicle and can easily be handled in 2WD or with an AWD crossover-type vehicle.

Eagle Wash Road, located within Clark County, is a straight-through gravel connecting road between Aztec Wash and Nelson's Landing. The road makes its way through Eldorado Canyon, traversing a wide desert wash with coarse sand, gravel, and small ruts, before ending along the edge of the Colorado River, where Nelson's Landing marina once stood. On September 14, 1974, a flash flood roared down the canyon after 5 inches of rain fell on the mountains to the west. The flood came in three waves, drowning nine people and carrying 38 vehicles, 23 boats, boat slips, trailers, cabins, a restaurant, and a store into Lake Mojave. The marina was never rebuilt, which is a grave reminder of the severe flash flood risks surrounding this particular wash. Although the cove is a popular hangout spot for water activities, there is no camping along this road or within the cove. Pit toilets and trash receptacles can be found at the intersection with Nelson Road.

Microwave Road in the majestic Toiyabe National Fores offers magnificent landscapes and tranquil seclusion. The trail winds through a captivating terrain adorned with sage, pinyon, and juniper trees. The 9-mile trail is just off Nevada Highway 338, south of Wellington, Nevada. Microwave Road is a well-maintained gravel track wide enough for two vehicles to pass and is fine for passenger cars. The trail ends at a microwave station and tower.

While dispersed camping is permitted in Toiyabe National Forest, no discernible dispersed campsites were apparent along the trail. Ten miles from the Microwave Road trailhead, Desert Creek Campground offers year-round camping. Managed by the Forest Service, this campground caters to both tent and trailer camping, and reservations are unnecessary. Water and restroom facilities are not available at this location.

Cabin Canyon trail winds its way through the foothills of the Virgin Peak Mountains south of Mesquite. This 11-mile rocky trail climbs 3500 feet, guiding users from typical Nevada desert scenery with cactus, joshua trees, and creosote bushed to high elevation mountain scenery with juniper, small pines, and shadscale bushes. The trail begins as an easy, maintained road but quickly enters the narrow canyon littered with rocks. Spring runoff causes small streams to cut across the trail, creating occasional obstacles, including the most challenging part. 4WD is advisable due to the moisture and steeper hills with loose dirt. Dispersed camping is plentiful before entering the canyon, with a few different types of scenery.

Located less than one hour southeast of Las Vegas, West Powerline Wash Road is a narrow, straight-through, bumpy dirt road that is easily one of the most spectacular roads you will find in southern Nevada. It features incredible geologic formations, dense stands of teddy bear cholla cacti, enormous barrel cacti, and gorgeous views of the Eldorado Mountains. This trail does not have any major obstacles, but the road is rough and slow the entire way, with small, brick-sized protruding rocks, teeth-chattering washboards, and shallow ruts and washouts. The eastern half of the trail might be mentally challenging for those not comfortable with shelf roads.

Beginning at Highway 95, the trail travels under the thin shadow of high-voltage powerlines across a washboard road through the Mojave Desert. Around 5 miles, the trail begins gaining elevation and enters an area known as "Knob Hill," where you encounter enormous rock formations appearing like giant piles of potatoes. Several spurs in this amazing wonderland of rocks dart off to epic dispersed camping spots with fantastic views back down into the valley you came from. As the road continues east, it narrows to a single-lane road, 1.5 vehicles wide, with plenty of pullout opportunities as it weaves along the edge of the Ireteba Peaks Wilderness. Twisting and turning, climbing and falling, the road snakes its way through the scenic mountains, offering jaw-dropping views of jagged peaks, the Colorado River, and Lake Mojave. You will cross many washes and cling to the edge of numerous hillsides as the trail drops an incredible 3,000 feet in just under 10 miles. The trail enters the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and comes to an end at a connection with Aztec Wash, just a couple miles west of the Colorado River.

This trail is suitable for any high clearance vehicle and drivers at any skill level. Expect the trail to take 2-4hrs of travel, one direction, and an additional 1-2hrs to return to Highway 95 via Aztec Wash.

Bronco Falls lies next to Shredder Trail but offers a bit more punch. This rocky trail is well suited for modified rigs and experienced drivers wanting a little more challenge. Numerous obstacles lie along its short span. Camping is not an option directly on this trail, but the nearby Logandale Main Loop has plenty of options.

Hidden in the pristinely beautiful Pine Forest Mountains, Knott Creek Reservoir is rightly considered one of the prettiest lakes in Nevada. The Nevada Department of Wildlife manages and stocks the reservoir with cut bow and tiger trout, making it popular with anglers. Camping around the lake is primitive. Due to muddy conditions, road access can be difficult early and late in the season. 4WD is recommended.

Lying near the entrance to Logandale, this challenging rocky trail winds through a small, tight canyon. Several small obstacles challenge lightly modified rigs, providing a short bit of fun, assuming everything goes well. Combine this trail with one of the others in the area for a half or full-day adventure! Camping is not an option directly on this trail, but the nearby Logandale Main Loop has plenty of options.