Category: Trails

Sandy Wash

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Sandy Wash is a short trail which leads from the Mead Davis Power Line road down to the shore of Lake Mojave, Nevada. We opted to drive Empire Wash off the 95 and turn left of Mead Davis Power Line Road and the right down Sandy Wash.  

Sandy Wash offered a nice remote beach to enjoy on Lake Mojave
Sandy Wash offered a nice remote beach to enjoy on Lake Mojave

The small beach at the end of the trail offers a wonderful location, to picnic, camp, or jump into Lake Mojave to cool off with a swim.  The beach is surrounded with Tamarisk bushes and willows to offer some privacy and the true feeling of being in a remove spot.   The rocky beach is located in a small cove, and there is a small arch just at the water line. On the day we did the trail, the air was rather hot, but a monsoon blew in while we swam and enjoyed and very cold beer.

Driving onto the beach at Sandy Wash, Lake Mojave
Driving onto the beach at Sandy Wash, Lake Mojave

The road for the most part is very easy by 4×4 standards and should be passable by most vehicles.  This is true with the exception of the last 100 feet of the trail which contains a water crossing about 30 inches deep and 100 feet long.

Looking back at the water crossing
Looking back at the water crossing

The two approaches to the trail head are from Mead Davis Power line road, or the much more scenic Empire wash.

Sandy Wash Trail Map

Empire Wash

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Empire wash is a short cut from Cal Nev Ari to the Lake Mead Davis Powerline road through a narrow canyon. This offers great access to several of the wash roads which take you down to Lake Mojave by connecting to the southern end of the Lake Mead Power Line road.  A easy and fun trail which leads you to better destinations.

The kids go for a walk while we air down at Empire Wash
The kids go for a walk while we air down at Empire Wash

Just off the pavement, we opted to air down the jeeps to bring some comfort to this long road. We did not need any more traction, we just opted to float across the desert. Empire wash runs through the mountains in the distance.

Empire Wash - You know you are not lost when there is a sign.
Empire Wash – You know you are not lost when there is a sign.

Once you approach the mountains, a nice little sign reminds you that this can be rough county. From the looks of the sign, there is quite a bit of evidence of flooding from the level of sand piled around the base of the sign.

A narrow valley on the Empire Wash Trail near Lake Mojave
A narrow valley on the trail near Lake Mojave

The road and canyon twist and turn through the mountains. This was a lot of fun to drive. Although overcast on our trip, we looked forward to swimming in Lake Mojave at the end of the next trail. On this day, we chose Sandy Wash.

Empire Wash Trail Map

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

Sugarpine Mountain 2N49

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Sugarpine Mountain trail is moderately difficult and starts at the edge of San Bernardino and finishes in the Silverlake State Park.  The trail is designated for street legal vehicles only.

Sugarpine Mountain 2N49m Bear Bear Lake, California
Bear Bear Lake, California

The trail leaves the little community around Silver Lake, skits Cleghorn Mountain and then slowly meanders up to Sugarpine Mountain. The scenic trail passes through a variety of chaparral, tall pine trees, forest vegetation and spring wild flowers. High-clearance 4WD is recommended but any high-clearance vehicle is acceptable. The trail looses about 4300 in elevation over its 16 miles. This trail is typically open year round, however, during the winter months conditions could worsen due to the snow loads.

A Forest Service Adventure Passes are required if you plan on stopping along the way. As of September 2016, forest visitors parked in standard amenity recreation fee sites in the four southern California national forests must display a valid recreation pass. This includes sites on the Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres and San Bernardino National Forests. Such is the once great state of California.

Trail Summary

Trail NameSugarpine Mountain 2N49
LocationBig Bear, San Bernardino, California
Distance16 Miles
Elevation Gain4300 Feet
DifficultyModerate

Sugarpine Mountain Trailmap

Cleghorn Ridge 2N47

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Cleghorn located outside of Big Bear, CA
Cleghorn located outside of Big Bear, CA

Cleghorn Ridge is a 4×4 trail which leads from the I-15 at the Cleghorn exit to Silverlake State Recreation Area.  The trail features lots of switch backs and may be rutted and/or steep in places.  There is essentially two trails side by side the majority of the trail, and  many bypasses along the trail to get around the more difficult places if you 4×4 is not up to the rough stuff.

The overall length of this reasonably easy trail is about 15 miles. The trail offers some good view of Silerwood Lake at its eastern end.

This trail is a popular route from Green Sticker Vehicles and can get crowded depending upon the time of day and time of year.

A Forest Service Adventure Passes are required if you plan on stopping along the way. As of September 2016, forest visitors parked in standard amenity recreation fee sites in the four southern California national forests must display a valid recreation pass. This includes sites on the Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres and San Bernardino National Forests. Such is the once great state of California.

Trail Summary

NameCleghorn Ridge, 2N47
LocationSilver Lake, San Bernardino Mountains
Length15 Miles
DifficultyEasy
Difficult Alternate Routes

Cleghorn Ridge Trailmap