25 Best Off-Road Trails in Las Vegas- Overland in Las Vegas

Are you looking for an off-road trail while in Las Vegas? Have you ever wanted to go off-roading on one of the many trails featured within this great city but weren’t sure where they are located or what types of vehicles would be best suited for such an endeavour.

There is a list of some great places, with analysis, and information on each one. This way, there is no need to waste time deciding where I should go or what to do when my friends come into town because we have already found these spots.

1-The National Desert Wildlife Refuge Trail:

Enjoy open trails and camping at the National Desert Wildlife Refuge, perfect for off-road enthusiasts seeking adventure and stunning desert landscapes. Explore winding paths through canyons and mountains, making it an ideal getaway for those craving a rugged outdoor experience.

2-The Bitter Springs:

This 40-mile winding route through the Muddy Mountains offers stunning views and connects I-15 to North Road near Lake Mead. Following old mining roads, it leads east toward Las Vegas, with a must-see stop at the vibrant Buffington Pocket sandstone formations.

3-Nelson Goldmine Trail:

This scenic off-road trail in Nelson, Nevada, offers stunning views, rock obstacles, and remnants of abandoned mining equipment. Originally named Eldorado in 1775 by Spanish explorers, the area saw its first major gold strike in 1859, shaping its rich mining history that can still be explored today.

4-Rocky Gap:

Located in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Rocky Gap offers an exciting off-road experience, starting from Scenic Loop Drive and extending to Lovell Canyon Road. While some obstacles can be bypassed, narrow gaps between boulders demand high ground clearance—making it a tough trail for certain vehicles, especially depending on the season. Proper preparation is key to avoiding costly damage.

5-Angel Peak:

Angel Peak Trail offers stunning views and a peaceful escape from city life, with manageable inclines for well-prepared off-roaders. Spanning around 300 miles from New Jersey through Pennsylvania to Maryland, it’s a great choice for those seeking a longer trek across state lines.

6-Lucky Strike OHV:

This 14-mile loop offers a mix of steep hills, dunes, rocky paths, and smooth dirt roads, making it ideal for off-roaders of all skill levels. With stunning desert landscapes and high-ridge views over the valley, it’s a great escape for those seeking adventure without venturing too far from home.

7-Valley of Fire State Park:

Located near Las Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park offers off-roaders spectacular rock formations, ancient petroglyphs, and breathtaking views. High points like Wheeler Peak provide panoramic scenery, making it a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure in Southern Nevada.

8-Mojave Desert:

Spanning California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico, the Mojave Desert offers off-road enthusiasts diverse terrains, from dunes to rocky mountain passes. Named after the Spanish word for “abandoned,” it was historically difficult to cross due to its sparse water sources and limited settlements, making it a fascinating place to explore today.

9-The Devils Peak Trail:

This 5-mile trail in Logan Canyon, Utah, ascends from 8,500 to 11,000 feet, offering a manageable challenge for hikers. Winding through forests with panoramic views of Logan Valley, it ends at cliffs with breathtaking sights of Cache Valley and surrounding peaks, including Mount Timpanogos.

10-Lava Butte:

This rugged Oregon trail offers sharp twists, rocky terrain, and steep cliffs, making it a true test of off-road driving skills. While the breathtaking summit views are worth the climb, caution is essential to navigate its demanding conditions safely.

11-James Brown Trail:

This countryside trail offers a mix of challenge and ease, making it perfect for both experienced and beginner off-roaders. With excellent views and a mostly smooth ride, it features a few steep hills but remains an enjoyable adventure for those seeking an off-road escape.

12-Bowl Trail:

This rugged 4×4 trail offers exciting terrain for off-roaders of all skill levels, featuring a maze of dirt and rock that pushes even experienced drivers to their limits. Conveniently located near Las Vegas, it delivers an adrenaline-filled adventure without requiring a long journey into the wilderness.

13-Odessa Canyon:

This 2-3 hour trail offers breathtaking canyon and river views along with excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. While rewarding, some areas can be slippery, so off-roaders should navigate with caution to fully enjoy this adventurous route.

14-Jeep Cove Trail:

Winding through the Appalachian Mountains, Jeep Cove Road offers steep inclines, hairpin turns, and adrenaline-pumping terrain for experienced off-roaders. With narrow roadways and sharp cliffs, precision driving is essential—making this an ideal adventure for smaller vehicles built for rugged trails.

15-The Rubicon Wash Trail:

Known as “The Cliffs,” Chloride Cliff is a daunting off-road trail that demands expert driving skills. With steep inclines, sharp turns on loose gravel, and a treacherous drop-off, even seasoned off-roaders approach it with caution, making it one of the most feared trails in the region.

16-Montana Wash Trail:

Stretching through Arizona’s desert landscape, this graded dirt road has been used for centuries by Native Americans and pioneers transporting goods. With no hills or major obstacles, it offers a smooth ride for both beginners and experienced off-roaders, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed day of exploration.

17-Phillip Drive:

Wide and well-maintained, Philips Drive offers a relaxed off-road experience with scenic overlooks and engaging twists. While accessible for beginners, taking necessary precautions ensures a safe and enjoyable ride.

18-The Doran Canyon Trail:

If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, the Doran Canyon Trail is the perfect destination. This challenging off-road trail winds through a narrow canyon, providing drivers with plenty of twists and turns. Experienced drivers will love testing their skills on this rugged trail, while newbies can still enjoy the thrilling ride by staying in the car. So if you’re looking for a wild adventure, be sure to check out the Doran Canyon Trail.

19-Maze Trail:

Located in the Colorado Rockies, the Maze Trail challenges drivers with tight turns and steep ascents, demanding precise handling and four-wheel-drive capability. The trail’s difficulty depends on the driver’s skill and vehicle performance, making it an exciting destination for those seeking an off-road test of endurance and control.

20-Aztec Wash Trail:

Off-roaders know that the Aztec wash trail is famous for its rugged terrain and challenging obstacles. But what makes this trail so unique? The following are just some of the aspects of this trail that make it an unforgettable experience: 

1. It has over 50 miles worth of terrain with a lot to see
2. There are plenty of places to stop and take in nature
3. If you’re up for a challenge, you can test your driving skills on some gnarly rock hills
4. There’s excellent wildlife like bats and turtles in case you want to get close

21-Hidden Canyon Trail:

Hidden Canyon Trail is one of the most popular off-road trails in Southern California. It’s a 5-mile loop that takes you through some of the most rugged terrains in San Diego County. The trail has been featured on many TV shows and videos, including Monster Jam.

The trail was created by backcountry explorers looking to create an adventure for themselves–but now it’s famous enough that everyone can enjoy it!

22-Ford’s Bronco Falls Trail:

Off-roaders worldwide are familiar with Ford’s Bronco, but what many don’t know is that it is hidden falls near Aspen, Colorado, that is named after the vehicle. The Bronco Falls can be found just off of Castle Creek Road on the way to Independence Pass, and it’s a spectacular sight. If you’re looking for an adventure, make sure to check out this natural wonder. Be prepared for a steep hike down, though – it’s not for the faint of heart!

23-Shredder Trail:

Shedder Trail is a famous off-road trail that has been around for years. It was initially designed to be accessible by all four seasons, but now the low snowfall makes it more of summer activity. Shredder offers many different types of terrain, including dunes, forested areas, water crossings, and open fields with no cover whatsoever!

The high hill climbs are brutal on any off-roader, but they make for some great views at the top. It’s also worth mentioning that this trail can get very muddy in wet weather due to the number of creeks crossing it. Nevertheless, there’s always something new to see on Shedder Trail, so take your ride today!

24-The Rock Bottom Trail:

Known as one of the most dangerous off-road tracks, Rock Bottom Trail in Maple Canyon, Utah, features steep slopes, deep valleys, and sheer drops without guardrails. With boulder fields, loose rocks, and slippery surfaces, extreme caution and expert driving skills are essential to navigating this treacherous terrain safely.

25-Matterhorn Trail:

Off-roading on the Matterhorn trail is an experience that is both exhilarating and challenging. The rocky terrain, steep hills, and narrow paths make for a unique off-road adventure. Those who are up for the challenge will find themselves rewarded with some of the best views in the area. So if you’re looking for a new and exciting off-road experience, be sure to check out the Matterhorn trail. You won’t regret it!

Best Off Road Trails in Las Vegas for Every Vehicle

Here’s a quick breakdown of the best off road trails in Las Vegas based on your ride:

• Jeep & 4x4s: Rocky Gap, Logandale Trails, Wheeler Pass
• ATVs & UTVs: Nellis Dunes, Nelson Hills, Jean Dry Lake
• Beginner-Friendly: Valley of Fire, Eldorado Canyon
• Advanced: Sandy Valley, Wheeler Wash, Lovell Canyon

Always check local conditions and trail regulations before you head out. Some areas require permits or seasonal access.

ATV Riding Trails Near Me: Las Vegas Edition

If you’re searching for ATV riding trails near me while in Vegas, start with Nellis Dunes and Hidden Valley. Both are close to the city and legal for ATVs. Many Las Vegas off-road rental shops offer guided tours and same-day access to these areas, making it easy for visitors to join in the fun without owning their own vehicle.

Also Read:

6×6 Off-Roading 101- All You Want to Know
25 Extreme Campers Built for Off-Roading