Description
Gass Peak Road located in the Desert National Wildlife Refuge is a fairly easy trail. It consists mostly of a dirt road with small to medium size gravel. There are portions where the gravel is quite thick. Parts of the road are littered with medium sized rocks. 2WD high clearance vehicle should be able to do this trail, but it is recommended to have 4WD. Especially for thick gravel and wash outs after rain.
Cellphone service was available for some of the trip. We currently use Verizon.
As always, please tread lightly.
Bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Waypoints
1. Trailhead
(0 mi)
Turn west/right off of Mormon Wells road to enter Gass Peak Road. As seen in the pictures, there is a fairly large sign pointing the direction.
2. Scenic Landscape
(0.1 mi)
Just after the trail head, you will begin to see the beautiful desert landscape and big open blue skies. The desert is covered with Joushua trees and distant mountains.
3. Campground
(0.3 mi)
On the left or north side of the trail is a designated camping area. Fairly flat ground. Can fit 5 vehicles and tents in the space. No facilities or amenities available.
4. Scenic Landscape
(5.8 mi)
More of the desert vegetation and rocky formations can be seen from this trail.
5. Scenic Landscape
(7.9 mi)
More views of the desert. We had quite a few sightings of jack rabbits and lizards.
6. Y in Road
(8.4 mi)
At this Y intersection, continue left/southeast to stay on Gass Peak road.
7. Trail to the Mountain
(8.4 mi)
If you turn right/south off of Gass Peak road, you will follow the road to a trail head for hiking to Gass Springs.
8. Gass Peak Hike Trailhead/Service Road
(8.6 mi)
This is the parking area/trail head for those choosing to hike to the Gass Peak. There is a sign that states service road. This is closed to the public.
9. Y Intersection
(9.1 mi)
Stay right/southeast to continue on Gass Peak Road. The left/north turn will take you to Quail Springs Road and is labled with a sign. The road is approximately 3 miles long and ends in the desert.
10. Scenic Landscape
(10.4 mi)
Here is another example of the diverse desert landscape. In the pictures, you will see some interesting rock formations.
11. Scenic Landscape
(11.4 mi)
This is an example of the different types of mountains seen along the trail.
12. Scenic Landscape
(13.1 mi)
Here are some examples of the different views while standing in the same spot. One direction shows mountains and sandy desert, another shows distant mountains and the last is an example of the desert vegetation.
13. Caves
(14.9 mi)
On the left/south side of the trail, you will notice 2 holes in the mountain. Upon closer inspection, 1 is a cave that goes into the earth and the other is a shallow hollowing of the mountain. There is barb wire around the cave but, one could enter if they choose. Enter at your own risk.
14. Scenic Landscape
(14.9 mi)
More examples of the rocky formations seen on the trail.
15. Scenic Landscape
(15.7 mi)
The pictures show the expanse of the open country and civilization far in the distance.
16. Scenic Landscape
(16.4 mi)
As you continue on the trail, Las Vegas will become visible in the distance. The pictures show full zoom, mid zoom and no zoom for perspective.
17. Y in Road
(16.7 mi)
Follow the trail on the left/south to stay on Gass Peak road. It will the more obvious trail. The right turn appears to be an older trail that has been somewhat washed out.
18. End Point/Vegas Valley view
(17.8 mi)
This is the end point/turn around point. From here you can see more of the Vegas valley.