Backway to Cold Creek Road

Cold Creek Road cuts through the backside of the Spring Mountains west of Las Vegas, climbing from the Mojave Desert floor through Joshua tree country into pinyon-juniper highlands. The route passes the remnants of Old Nevada mining camps and crosses several technical rock ledges that’ll test your line choice, especially the infamous Devil’s Elbow section at mile marker 12 where the trail drops sharply around a blind hairpin with loose granite shelves.

This is solid intermediate 4×4 territory requiring good ground clearance and skid plates. Spring and fall offer the best conditions, though summer mornings are doable if you start early. No permits needed, but fuel up in Vegas and pack extra water. The reward is sweeping desert vistas, historic mining ruins, and excellent dispersed camping spots among the Joshua trees. It’s the kind of backcountry run that reminds you why Nevada earned its reputation as the lonesome state.