Tag: Clark County

Clark County, Nevada, encompasses the vibrant heart of Las Vegas, one of the world’s most renowned entertainment and resort destinations. Stretching beyond the glitz of the Las Vegas Strip, the area boasts diverse landscapes that range from the Mojave Desert’s arid expanses to the towering peaks of the Spring Mountains. Its county seat, Las Vegas, pulsates with a dynamic nightlife, iconic casinos, and a multitude of entertainment options. Beyond the urban sprawl, the county offers natural wonders like Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, showcasing stunning geological formations and outdoor recreational opportunities. Clark County blends the allure of a bustling metropolis with the tranquility of its desert surroundings, making it a unique and multifaceted destination in the American Southwest.

Nellis Cove

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Nellis Cove Road short east trail from Lake Mead Powerline Road to Nellis Cove on the shore of Lake Mohave, Nevada. The route is fairly flat and easy, a suitable for almost any vehicles. However, you may wish to have some tires which are good in the sand. For those interested, overnight camping is allowed up to 15 days.

Lake Mojave is a wonderful destination to visit during the summer months. The waters of the Lake are cool in temperature and offers a great chance to swim, relax and cool down from the scorching sun of the Mojave. I can speak first hand, that a cold beer in the shade while soaking your feet in the cool water is a wonderful thing.

The beaches of Lake Mohave vary in size depending on the water output of the Hoover and Davis Dams. They beach is built up from sand and decomposing rocks, so beach shoes would be recommended. Nellis Cove camping is large enough to allow 4 – 5 campsites. This is a dry camp site in a desert, so although there is a lake, please be sure to bring plenty of water.

Campground Summary

NameNellis Coe
LocationLake Mohave, Clark County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude35.403584, -114.659445
Elevation655 feet
Sites4 – 5
AmenitiesVault Toilets

Nellis Cove Trail Map

References

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

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