Wheeler Pass - Level 3
Wheeler Pass crosses the Spring Mountains west of Las Vegas, linking the Pahrump Valley side with the high country near the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. The route climbs from desert basin through pinyon and juniper toward the crest, with wide views across the Mojave.
The pass is a historic crossing of the range and sees fewer vehicles than the paved roads on the mountain's east side. Expect a remote feel and little traffic outside of weekends.
Trail Summary
- LocationPahrump, Nevada
- Distance27.3 miles
- DifficultyLevel 3
- Elevation2,736 ft to 7,676 ft with a 4,940 ft change
- Travel Time3 hours 8 minutes
Difficulty
Best suited for a high clearance 4x4
This trail is rated Level 3 (Moderate), best suited to a high clearance 4x4. Expect a stock 4WD vehicle with good ground clearance and off-road tires to manage it. The surface is typically uneven and rutted, with loose rock and sandy washes. Obstacles such as ledges, short steep grades or washouts should stay under about 12 inches, and careful tire placement may be needed in places. Water crossings, if any, should be less than a foot deep, and mud holes are possible after rain. The road is generally one vehicle wide with places to pass. The driver's log did not call out any specific obstacles.
Terrain
The route runs through Mojave Desert basin and range country, starting on low alluvial fans and sandy washes and climbing into rocky canyons and higher slopes with pinyon and juniper. The surface is mostly dirt and gravel with sections of loose rock.
Highlights
The elevation range is large for a single day drive, so the vegetation and temperatures change noticeably between the desert floor and the crest. Bring plenty of water and check weather before heading out, since conditions on the upper part can differ greatly from the valley. The route is on BLM land.
Trail GPS File
Map
The interactive map needs JavaScript. Every waypoint is also listed below.