Old Spanish Trail

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3.5/5 (4 reviews)
Las Vegas, Nevada (Clark County)
Last Updated: 01/05/2020

Trail Information

Highlights

More than 150 years ago, the Old Spanish Trail was the main commerce route between Sante Fe, New Mexico, and Los Angeles. It passed through the Las Vegas valley to take advantage of the natural springs but today there is very little left of the original route. In August 2001 three segments of the trail that ran through southern Nevada were placed on the National Register of Historic Places, marking the trail's historical significance. The northern section that is covered here and not recognized yet, is an excellent way to have an overlanding experience on a truly historic route. The trail travels from north Las Vegas all the way to the Valley of Fire Highway, accessing some remote and primitive camping along the way.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

3.5/5 (4)
Open
Rated 3/5
Visited: 03/19/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

Easy little trail. Did this on a Saturday and didn’t see anyone else. Nothing too exciting but it feels secluded and private. Didn’t have time to hit any other trails in the area but would be worth it if you are visiting Vegas. Stock 4x4 would be totally fine. Some of the washes fairly deep so clearance helps but nothing technical.
Trail Review: Old Spanish Trail  - Todd Sparks
Trail Review: Old Spanish Trail  - Todd Sparks
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3000
Open
Visited: 10/24/2021
Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

Entered the trail from Nellis Dunes. The Jeep JL had no difficulties with the trail and any vehicle should be able to handle the trails -- except maybe a couple places where careful tire placement might be necessary due to some washouts on the trail.
Trail Review: Old Spanish Trail  - Lee
Open
Visited: 07/30/2021

Nice Relaxing trail, if you take it slow there isn't any reason most vehicles wont make it. lots of opportunities to side track if you want to use it as a jump off for other adventures. entrance may be hard to see if you take the asphalt to the beginning of the trail
Trail Review: Old Spanish Trail  - Joseph Trout
Trail Review: Old Spanish Trail  - Joseph Trout
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83750
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 12/28/2019

We were looking for a way to travel from Vegas to Valley of Fire, completely offroad. It turned out to be really easy when this trail is connected with the Nellis Dunes. It was a really easy trail with super wide open scenery. There is nothing out there for a long while, just bumpy two-track. We drove into a couple of the side canyons to look for petroglyphs but didn't find anything. I know they have to be out there so please share if you know the spot. The trail did end at some pretty good camping that super close to Valley of Fire and I-15. Plus it's totally free to camp there.

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