Potosi Pass

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4/5 (11 reviews)
Las Vegas, Nevada (Clark County)
Last Updated: 01/17/2019

Trail Information

Highlights

Potosi camp is a former Lead mining district started by Mormon Missionaries in the mid 1850's. The mines were abandoned by the Mormons in 1857. In 1861, the mines were reopened by California Mining interests and built a camp. During WW2, the area was important source of Zinc. The trail goes around the western side of Potosi mountain. Sights along the trail include desert vegetation, wildlife and cliff walls. The trail ends just outside of Goodsprings, NV home to one of Nevada's oldest saloons; over 90 years and counting. Next door to the saloon is the General store. From their website: Pioneersaloon.info The Pioneer Saloon built in 1913, by prominent businessman George Fayle, will charm and envelope you with its intriguing past. As you cross the threshold from the present to the past, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas Strip you will quickly come to appreciate this historical landmark. Many movies have been filmed here but the genuine stories of the Pioneer Saloon do not live in the lines of a movie script but in the echoes of the past. The famous screen legend, Clark Gable, waited for three days at the bar for word on his wife of less than two years Carole Lombard. She was lost in a plane crash near Mount Potosi. You will be able to read this tragic story on an original newspaper and see a piece of the actual wreckage. At one time the saloon was next to a hotel that not only served as a comfortable rest place for the many prospectors and miners in the west... it also served as a place where street girls would frequent with their clients. The hotel is gone now after a severe fire left only ashes to remember.The many tales from the bar along with bullet holes, the pot bellied stove and the paper clippings are just a few of the things that will keep you immersed in the exciting era of the old Wild West.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4/5 (11)
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2200
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 01/08/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Great beginner trail that you can day trip to if you're visiting Las Vegas or you're a local. I rented a Bronco and took it out for the day. The Northern part of the trail is prettier, but the Southern Part has more spurs in which you can likely find more challenging trails like I did by taking a wrong turn. The Southern Part also has Goodsprings and the Pioneer Saloon which I loved. I made a 2 videos on the trail including a hike to the Potosi Mine which unfortunately is blocked off from entering inside.
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100
Open
Visited: 10/22/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

Did the route today. Can definitely still be done in a 2WD high clearance, but spots in the southern end of the route have maybe seen a bit of wear/washout from this summer's rains. It might be moving to a 2/10. Seemed harder than years past.
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 07/23/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

This is an excellent beginning trail, 2WD is all that's necessary.
Trail Review: Potosi Pass - Joseph Trout
Trail Review: Potosi Pass - Joseph Trout
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Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 01/18/2021
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

One of the first trails I took my Jeep on. Very easy mix of well maintained fire roads and loose rock backroads. Great views of the back side of Potosi as well as wide open desert foothills and valleys. You're high enough for joshua trees and desert grasses as well as desert pines near the start as you work past the back side of upper Potosi. Ran in 4h the whole way without any traction or clearance issues. This is a great trail for beginers to get some dirt on their tires without stress, as well as a nice relaxed day out for the more experienced.
Trail Review: Potosi Pass - Sean Meesenburg
Trail Review: Potosi Pass - Sean Meesenburg
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Open
Rated 3/5
Visited: 09/08/2020

A newly updated entry from 160 is being constructed, and the gravel has been freshly graded up to Waypoint 6. Pleasant but not awe-inspiring scenery. After living in Virginia City for over ten years, I will opine that Goodsprings itself is much overrated.

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