Nevada Off-Road Trails

Powerline Wash Road is a short, dead-end spur road off Aztec Wash that travels a little over 1 mile down a washboard, rutty, and bumpy trail leading to a remote campsite along the Colorado River. Located near the town of Nelson and within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, this trail is easy and can be navigated by any high-clearance vehicle. Wet conditions could necessitate the need for 4wd. The campsite at the end of the trail lies under the high-voltage powerlines, which might not make for the most restful night's sleep.

Another option along the west side of the rocks is West Rim Alternate. This is a slightly rockier version of West Rim but also provides access to Hidden Canyon. Due to a few rocky patches and a small V notch, 4WD is required. Although it may not be overly difficult or exciting, it is a great alternative to the Logandale Main Loop to get away from the crowds. Camping is not an option directly on this trail, but the nearby Logandale Main Loop has plenty of options.

Wieber Wash East is a sandy and rocky trail that guides users from the small towns of Logandale and Overton uphill toward the Logandale Trails network. An overlook at its west end provides excellent views in all directions, including the Valley of Fire State Park. The rocky uphill climb at the trail's west end requires 4WD and possibly a spotter if you do not have much experience, as a heavy right foot on the loose rock could cause problems. Although camping was not observed directly along this trail, the nearby Logandale Trails network has plenty of options.

Mormon Mesa Road is a maintained road crossing its namesake mesa, just east of Moapa Valley. The trail rises from the valley quickly before leveling out and keeping relatively straight. Once you reach the gate on the east side, the trail will descend again into the Virgin River Valley below. No vehicles should have any issues with this trail. Many camping opportunities lie on top of the mesa but are not very friendly to ground tents due to the rocky nature.

Potosi Spring Road is a short, dead-end spur road leading to the site of the Potosi mine and mining camp, the oldest mine in southern Nevada. Originally located in 1856, when a Paiute Indian showed Mormon miners where they could find heavy rock, the mine had several rises and falls over the next 75 years as it pulled zinc and lead out of the ground. Today, the area has few remains, with mostly concrete foundations and a few collapsed mine shafts. The road up to the mining camp climbs sharply from Potosi Pass Road and is relatively rough and rocky, with grapefruit-sized rocks and several 6''-10'' ledges to contend with. The road is 1.5 vehicles wide and could present passing challenges if meeting oncoming traffic, but there are several wide spots and good line of site along the trail. Just before the building remains, you can find 2-3 small campsites along the ridgeline overlooking Sandy Valley. The road dead-ends at the camp, but to reach the mine site, you will need to hike 0.5 miles southeast along the top of the ridge.

This road is suitable for any high-clearance 4x4 and is not recommended for low-clearance AWD vehicles.

Railroad Frontage Road is the dirt bridge from Moapa Valley to the Logandale Trails network. If you don't want to jump on Moapa Valley Boulevard, this is the trail. This trail is also a neighborhood street passing by houses, so the speed limit is 25. Please be very respectful of the residents in the area, as this trail is often very dusty. 2WD is more than sufficient for this maintained dirt road. No camping is available due to it being within city limits.

BM15 Road to Mud Springs Road connector, located in the Spring Mountains National Recreation area is a short, fun drive due to the rolling of the trail and the surrounding scenic views. This connector allows you to save some time when exploring the trails in the area. The trail offers fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and the valley floor.

This beginner-friendly trail is a great introduction to the Logandale Area's rocky trails. A few moderate rock obstacles appear as the trail winds through the red rock fins, requiring 4WD and high clearance. The track is an excellent trail to test both vehicles and new drivers before taking on the challenge of the harder trails nearby. Camping is not an option directly on this trail, but the nearby Logandale Main Loop has plenty of options.

Pearl Camp is a well-maintained road that surrounds the southwest side of the Pine Forest Range Wilderness Area. It begins at Leonard Creek and ends at Summit Lake Road. It is also one of the main accesses to Knott Creek Reservoir and Onion Valley Reservoir. There are no discernable campsites along this trail.

Warm Up Canyon is an alternate way into the rocky portions of the Logandale Trails network. Although short, this rocky and tight canyon has a few different line options to get you through the one long obstacle. Be sure to get out and walk it if you are new to off-roading, as it can get rather tippy if you are not careful. Camping is available on the south end, where it meets up with Logandale Main Loop.

Spanning 8 miles in the Virgin Valley, the Virgin River Trail is an excellent addition to an overland journey across southern Nevada. Crossing through the Moapa Wildlife Management Area offers opportunities to see plenty of birds and animals that call the Virgin Valley home. Roadrunners often scurry across the trail, but good luck keeping up with them! This trail is relatively easy for any high clearance 4WD vehicle, but it is highly prone to flash flood damage and a swelling river, so always check local conditions before attempting. No campsites are along this trail, as much is within the wildlife management area. Camping options lie along Mormon Mesa Rim, Mormon Mesa Road, and Mormon Mesa.

Trail Q runs parallel to Logandale Main Loop and provides one fun and challenging obstacle at the end. Although most of the trail is sandy, the obstacle is a waterfall over protruding rock. High clearance is mandatory, and a small lift helps protect your underside. Running the trail north to south makes this obstacle uphill and much more challenging due to the light dusting of sand on its surface. Camping is also an option along this spur, although it is right off the trail, so traffic may be a problem on a busy weekend.

Lower Bronco Falls is the southern and slightly easier trail before conquering Bronco Falls. Although still difficult, this trail offers numerous rock obstacles, including a chunky hill to climb. Lightly modified rigs will have a fun time exploring these obstacles with multiple optional lines to choose from. Camping is not an option directly on this trail, but the nearby Logandale Main Loop has plenty of options.

Acting as an alternate entrance, this trail is packed dirt and loose rock with a few inclines and declines. Due to the angle of the hills and the loose rocks, 4WD is advisable. However, there are no obstacles that require any attention. Valley of Fire State Park does not allow camping along this trail.

North Fork Road is a scenic connector that weaves its way through the heart of the Great Basin, linking Highway 225 near Wild Horse Reservoir to Charleston-Jarbidge Road. This well-maintained gravel road offers a smooth journey through a landscape dotted with sprawling ranches, where the region's rugged charm is on full display. As you travel, the Bone Mountains rise majestically to the south, their peaks strikingly contrasting the open, rolling terrain.

Though the road is surrounded by private property, limiting camping opportunities, the drive itself is a rewarding experience. North Fork Road provides a peaceful, picturesque route through the basin, where the land's vastness and the countryside's serenity create a memorable journey.

Fire Mountain Point is a short dead-end spur off Fire Mountain Cove that leads to campsites directly on the banks of the Colorado River. Because you drive Fire Mountain Cove to access this spur, the experience and views remain the same, with nonstop scenic views of Fire Mountain. This spur has three campsites: one 200 yards from the river along the road, one riverside just above the banks, and one beachside campsite. The campsites are suitable for vehicle camping, ground tents, and small offroad trailers. There are no amenities for these campsites, and users must pack out everything they pack in, including human waste. The moderate rating comes from a rutty descent that will articulate your suspension as it drops between the first and second campsites. This rutty hill will be extremely problematic in 2WD and 4WD will be necessary to keep from digging the hole deeper. Any 4WD or AWD with good ground clearance will be acceptable on this trail.

Cougar Point, located within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, offers a remote and rugged experience. The trail leading to Cougar Point is unmaintained, with sections made challenging by washouts and large rocks scattered across the path. Despite the rough terrain, the trail rewards you with wide-open high desert plateaus, offering expansive views of mountain ranges to the west.

While there are no discernible camping spots along the trail, the landscape's vastness and solitude make it a unique journey. Travelers should be prepared to open and close several gates along the way, a reminder of the trail's remote and untamed nature. Cougar Point is for those seeking the solitude of the high desert and the adventure of navigating one of the forest's more challenging routes.

Boxcar Rock is a spur off of Boxcar Cove that climbs to a higher viewpoint versus the cove road that drops directly down to the waterline. Even though this trail puts you high above the shore, shells of small freshwater clams litter the ground as evidence of how Lake Mead has shifted over the decades. Stone fire rings show the area's frequent use by dispersed campers; you'll find these along many of the access roads. The hardest part of Boxcar Rock is a soft sand climb that may require 4WD if ruts form or natural erosion wears at the trail. The view of Lake Mead from the rock cliffs at the end of Boxcar Rock is spectacular, and with a little exploring, there are great swimming spots to be found.

Nestled between the Virgin Peak Ridge and Bunkerville Ridge, Hen Spring is a moderate trail spanning 4.3 miles through Gold Butte National Monument. This trail is mostly packed dirt with a few small rocky sections. Due to the nature of the foothills, there are washouts and off-camber spots. If you are in a full-width truck or SUV, be cautious around these areas, as the dirt is loose on the shoulder. There are no campsites on this trail, but nearby Cabin Canyon has plenty of options.