Backway to Cold Creek Road
Spring Mountains backcountry with ghost town ruins
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.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 28 mi / 45.1 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 6800 ft |
| Best season | October-May |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler handle this trail?
Yes, but you'll want skid plates and decent tires. The rocky sections will test your undercarriage, especially near the ghost town ruins.
Is this trail accessible in summer?
Not recommended June through September due to extreme desert heat. Stick to October through May for safer conditions.
Do I need any permits to run Backway to Cold Creek Road?
No permits required since it's BLM land. Just follow Leave No Trace principles and stay on designated routes.
What's the toughest part of this 28-mile route?
The rocky climbs near mile 15 where you gain most of the 3,200 feet elevation. Take your time and spot your lines through the boulder fields.
Can I camp along the trail overnight?
Yes, dispersed camping is allowed on BLM land. Best spots are in the flatter sections before the technical climbs, but cell service is spotty for emergencies.