Backway to Desert Bar

Total Miles
9.8

Elevation

322.71 ft

Duration

3 Hours

Technical Rating

5

Moderate

Best Time

Fall, Winter, Spring

Trail Overview

Although you can get to the Desert Bar on Cienega Springs Road, why would you want to when there is a really fun back way to get there? Its considerably difficult and off the beaten path. West of HS245 is leagal for ATVs and UTVs to take side roads, but to the east is closed wilderness. If you take this route, be sure to check out the Gray Eagle Mine Trial too.

Photos of Backway to Desert Bar

Backway to Desert Bar
Backway to Desert Bar
Backway to Desert Bar

Difficulty

Moderate: Steep and rocky in places with a few tippy spots. Fresh ruts and washouts possible. Aggressive stock SUVs with high ground clearance can do it with an experienced driver.

History

The Nellie E. Saloon is built on an old mining claim by the same name. The saloon is the dream of a local resident known simply as 'Ken.' He started the business in 1983 and has been expanding it ever since. The bar is open weekends and holidays only, Labor Day weekend through Memorial Day weekend, from noon till sunset. It's closed in the hot summer. Learn more at www.thedesertbar.com.

Technical Rating

5

Status Reports

Hart Gleason
Apr 13, 2024
4x4
Open
You will definitely want a high clearance 4x4. Fun trip!
Chuck Rodriguez
Mar 17, 2024
SxS
Open
Normal
Easy ride and the mapping is good. There are several trails that branch off but you just need to follow the map and keep the direction the same. Plenty portions of the trail is only wide enough for one side by side. So plan on either backing down or yielding to on coming traffic. This can make it dangerous if not paying attention.
Joe Gernes
Mar 08, 2023
4x4
Open

Access Description

Take Highway 95 south from Lake Havasu City or north from Parker to gas station and market on south side of road between mile markers 155 and 156. Head south along the right side of the fenced-in RV storage area west of the market. Continue 0.3 miles to kiosk at start of HS245. Cienega Springs Road is on the east side of Highway 95 between mile markers 149 and 150.

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