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 legal 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 Traill too.

Photos of Backway to Desert Bar

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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

Alex Cost

Jan 10, 2026

Open

I have heard so much about this trail and the Desert Bar. After over a year, we finally made the time to make it out here. The northern-most road (by the river island state park) is the more technical, just be aware. Fortunately, they have a nice staging/parking area. The first mile was pretty easy compared to the rest of the trail. It does get rougher and more technical as you progress the trail. Make sure you have a spotter and travel in pairs would be my recommendation. There are very steep areas, with shelf roads and given the amount of rain recently created 4 areas that travel was off camber, and we had to build up the areas that were washed out, so the tires had something to grip and level out the vehicles. I've done level 5, this was not a level 5 in its given condition. We did the trail with a 2010 Tundra and 1999 4Runner with lockers. Took about 8 hours to get to the entrance of the Desert Bar, unfortunately it was already closed. We will come back again, but take the other entrance.

Tomas M

Nov 10, 2025

Open

Andrew Fawley

Oct 25, 2025

Open

First part of the trail had extremely washed out hills, only for extreme jeeps and sxs, not for the faint of heart

Shane J

Oct 18, 2025

Open

Andrew Oliver

Mar 11, 2025

Open

Hart Gleason

Apr 13, 2024

Open

You will definitely want a high clearance 4x4. Fun trip!

Chuck Rodriguez

Mar 17, 2024

Open

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

Open