Tag: Las Vegas

Burro Wash

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My one week old, Black Jeep on our first 4x4 trail to Burro Wash
My one week old, Black Jeep on our first 4×4 trail to Burro Wash

This scenic backcountry adventure takes you down Burro Wash into the depths of Black Canyon below Hoover Dam by the only route possible on the Nevada side of the Colorado River. The route offers a jeeper access to the Colorado River below the damn in the Lake Mead National Recreational area.

There is one steep section.
There is one steep section.

This is a legitimate and open 4×4 trail that will take you down some rocky descents, sandy washes and over a few minor but fun rock obstacles right before reaching the river. This trail should not be taken lightly but for the most part is stock friendly for 4 wheel drive vehicles equipped with low range gears and all-terrain tires. This is an out-and-back trail meaning you will head back the same way you came in. Down by the river would be an excellent spot to stop and have lunch so bring your lawn chairs and a camera and have some fun!

The low water left us a muddy beach.
The low water left us a muddy beach.

Burro Wash was the first 4×4 trail that I ran with the Black Jeep. My wife and I purchased it just a few weeks before and it seemed natural to exercise the 4×4 a bit. The 28 inch street tires left much to be desired and the lower ground clearance made this reasonable easy trail more challenging for a rookie driver.

Trail Summary

NameBurro Wash Trail
LocationLake Mead National Recreation Area, Clark County, Neada
Latitude, Longitude
Length12 miles
Elevation Gain– 1200 Feet
DifficultyEasy

Burro Wash Trail Map

Alamo Road

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Alamo Road and parts beyond
Alamo Road and parts beyond. Photo by James L Rathbun

The Alamo Road is the central route north through the Desert National Wildlife Refuge north of Las Vegas.  The Route leaves from Corn Creek and winds north over Sheep Pass and into the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge.  There are many spur trails to explore and several primitive campsites to spend the night.

This road travels just along the eastern boundary of the Nevada Test & Training Range.  Entry into this area is prohibited, so do not travel west from this trail. There are several other shorter trails which leaves Alamo trail toward the east to several side canyons.

The trail is very remote and covers a good distance. The last time we did this trail, cell service died rather quickly outside of Corn Creek. So, be prepared and pack appropriately. I have a CB and a 2M ham radio in the jeep for just such an occasion.

Alamo Road offers access to the following Las Vegas 4×4 Trails:

  • Joe May Road
  • Cow Creek Road
  • Hidden Forest Road
  • White Rock Road
  • Dead Horse Road
  • Sheep Pass
  • Cabin Spring Road

The Mormon Well Road also starts from Corn Creek.

Alamo Road Trail Map

Pine Nut Road

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The turn off to Pine Nut Road off the Mormon Wells Road near Las Vegas, Nevada
The turn off to Pine Nut Road off the Mormon Wells Road near Las Vegas, Nevada

Pine Nut Road is a 6-mile long, bumpy dirt road on the east side of the Sheep Range that runs north from the Mormon Well Road to a traditional primitive camping area. This camping area offers several campsites with one which overlooks the valley below and would be a nice place to cool down on a hot summer trail ride.

Pine Nut is just inside the Pinyon-Juniper Woodland zone, which means the campsites are shaded by Single-leaf Pinyon and Utah Juniper.

The road usually requires only a high-clearance vehicle, but it can get troublesome crossing the first large wash; call the refuge headquarters for current conditions.

A nice place to camp at the end of the trail.

The primitive campsite offers no services and although the area is under Junpiter Trees, firewood should be brought to the site for campfires. There are a few fire pits outlined with rock and offer nice small clearing to keep the fire hazard down. The campsites are separated from each other with Jupiter trees.

A flowering cactus blooms in the spring
A flowering Mojave Mound Cactus blooms in the spring, found on Pine Nut Road

Mormon Wells Road

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Entering Peek-a-boo Canyon on the Mormon Wells Road.
Entering Peek-a-boo Canyon on the Mormon Wells Road.

The Mormon Well Road is a long, rough, dirt road that runs across the Desert National Wildlife Range from Corn Creek to Highway 93. The road runs across the desert and over the mountains through some spectacular country, including towering limestone cliffs; broad, flat valleys; and narrow, winding canyons. The road runs through several desert vegetation life zones, starting in the very dry (stunted) Mojave Desert Scrub Zone and climbing to the Yellow Pine (Ponderosa Pine) Zone.

The sign post points the way to the Mormon Well Road and parts beyond.
The sign post points the way to the Mormon Well Road and parts beyond.

There are primitive campsites at the top of the Pine Nut Road. This location offers a wonder view of the valley, and there are three distinct large camping spots and perhaps one smaller site which is probably only used as an overflow.

A Beavertail cactus about to go into a full bloom.
A Beavertail cactus about to go into a full bloom.

The variety of life zones provides many different habitats for birds and other wildlife.

The Wildlife Refuge used to maintain their roads, but in recent years, funding for maintenance has been directed towards other things (for example, building an unnecessary and expensive new visitor center). As a result, all roads on the DNWR are deteriorating, and during the summer of 2010, the north end of the Mormon Well Road suffered flooding. From the campground north, the road is quite rough, but passable in a 4WD vehicle.

Watching the sunset while we air up after a long day on the trail.
Watching the sunset while we air up after a long day on the trail.

Mormon Wells Road Trail Map

Lucy Grey Goldmine

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The Lucy Grey Goldmine trail is a short 4×4 trip out of Primm, Nevada up to an old mine site.  The route is fairly accessible and almost any SUV or 4×4, but the route finding can be tricky is you are not careful.  A slight mistake in navigation and you will be in some rough country.  To find the trail head, exit and head past the outlet stores and the Lotto Store. The trail head is the dirt road where the paved road turns left.

Lucy Grey gold mine - An old truck marks the trail up to the mine. Built rigs might be able to make it, but I choose to hike. Photo by James L Rathbun
Lucy Grey gold mine – An old truck marks the trail up to the mine. Built rigs might be able to make it, but I choose to hike. Photo by James L Rathbun

The trail heads straight out into the desert. When you reach the railroad tracks, turn right and follow the road next to tracks until you reach a railroad signal station. There is a pass through under the train track and a nice little sign which reads Lucy Grey to let you know you are on your way.

From the railroad signal station the trail heads up an alluvial fan into the hills. Once you reach the gully and head into the hills, the trail becomes hard to follow, so pay attention to GPS coordinates, or your map. The trek is mostly easy with one or two small sections that will require you to pay a little more attention. The most difficult part of this trail is the route finding up to the mine and town site.

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