Description
The trail starts just outside of Cold Creek and crosses the Spring Mountains and ends in Pahrump. The trail consists of dirt roads, small to large boulders, some mild sandy areas, some wooded areas and a maintained dirt road. 4WD is highly recommended due to the boulders. The weather may cause washes or ruts on the trail.
There are many small roads/trails that intersect the trail, only the larger ones are covered. Stay on the main trail to follow Wheeler Pass Road.
Cellphone service was not available for most of the trip. We currently use Verizon.
As always, please tread lightly.
Bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Waypoints
1. Trailhead
Approximately 13 miles after turning off of US 95, the main road will bend to the left. The bend in the road to the left follows Cold Creek Road. Turn on the smaller road to the right/west. After the turn, there is an air down area/parking lot.
2. Parking/air down area (0.1 mi)
This parking lot is a great area to air down and do any further preparations before hitting the trail.
3. Y intersection (0.8 mi)
Turn right/west to continue on the trail.
4. Y intersection (0.9 mi)
Turn left/west trail to continue following the trail.
5. Campground (2.9 mi)
On the right of the trail, there is a camping area. There are a rock fire ring already built. There are no amenities or facilities. Please follow the fire hazard warnings. There are signs that have the dates that fires are allowed.
6. Willow Creek scenery (3.1 mi)
Here, the trail passes Willow Creek and Willow Creek campground. The pictures show some of the mountains seen from the trail.
7. Y intersection (3.9 mi)
Follow the trail to the right/north to follow the main trail. Drivers can choose to go left/west for a small hill climb.
8. Camp site (4 mi)
On the right is another area for camping. Again, no facilities or amenities. There is a rock fire ring present. This is a larger area than the previous site. There are some nice views of the scenic landscape.
9. Merge of trails (4.1 mi)
At this point, the trails merge from the previous Y intersection. Here you can see the slope of the hill, described briefly in waypoint 7.
10. Y intersection (4.9 mi)
Follow the trail to the left/south to stay on Wheeler Pass road. The trail to the right is Needle road and will merge with Wheeler pass in a short distance.
11. Y intersection (5.1 mi)
Follow the trail to the right/southwest to continue on Wheeler Pass road. The left/south trail is Wilderness road that ends at the base of the mountain.
12. Trails Merge (5.2 mi)
Here, Wheeler Pass Road and Needle road merge together. Stay to the right on the main trail to continue on Wheeler Pass road. Those wanting a challenge may choose to follow the trail to the left.
13. Rock Garden Trail (5.3 mi)
Here are some pictures of the rock garden trail. It is highly suggested, that the driver walk the trail to determine if it is passable based on current conditions, vehicle, gear and weather. This is only for modified vehicles.
14. Trails Intersect (5.9 mi)
At this point, the rock garden trail and Wheeler road intersect. If you chose to follow the rock garden trail, it does continue on the other side of the main trail and eventually merges with Wheeler Pass trail.
15. Y Intersection (7.2 mi)
Stay to the right/southwest trail to continue on Wheeler Pass road. If looking for more of a challenge/fun, take the trail to the left/southeast. It is a rockier path than Wheeler Pass road.
16. Rock Garden trail (7.2 mi)
Here are some pictures rock garden trail. Driver should walk the trail to determine if it is passable. This rock garden trail is much less challenging than the previous one. This trail has been driven by stock Jeep Wranglers in the past.
17. Wheeler Pass (7.6 mi)
At this point of the trail, you will come to Wheeler Pass. There is a large open semi flat area to park and enjoy the views. This is a good place to stop and have a snack or meal. It can be windy. The second picture is taken of the trail that you have come from and the third picture is the trail ahead.
18. Y Intersection (8.5 mi)
Follow the trail to the right/southwest to follow Wheeler Pass road. This is the tougher of the 2 trails. Going left/southeast will follow W Willow Peak road that becomes Trough Spring road and eventually merges with Wheeler Pass road.
19. Intersection (10.8 mi)
Turn left/south to follow Wheeler Pass road. This will take you through Wheeler Well campgrounds.
20. Wheeler Well Campground (11 mi)
This is Wheeler Well campgrounds. Plenty of room for at least 10-15 vehicles and tents. No facilities or amenities.
21. Y Intersection (11.4 mi)
Follow the trail to the right/southwest. Both trails run parallel and intersect each other for the next few miles.
22. Charcoal Kilns (12.6 mi)
To the right/west of the trail are the Charcoal kilns. See highlights above for information on the kilns. There is a fence around the kilns to protect the remnants. This is what they look like currently. To see what they look like in the past, click on the link:
Charcoal Kilns
23. Desert Landscape (14.1 mi)
Here is some examples of the different landscapes seen from the trail.
24. Views of Pahrump (19.5 mi)
These three pictures are a panoramic view of Pahrump in the distance.
25. Endpoint (28 mi)
This is the end point of the trail. At this point, driver can choose to turn around and follow the trail back to the starting point or continue into Pahrump. There is a winery with a nice restaurant, tours and a shop. From Pahrump, follow Nevada 160 east to Las Vegas.
