Sperry Wash

Total Miles
28.7

Elevation

714.78 ft

Duration

5 Hours

Technical Rating

3

Easy

Best Time

Fall, Winter, Spring

Trail Overview

Many people drive or ride this trail as a diversion from the sand-only routes at Dumont Dunes. Snowbirds come to Tecopa to enjoy a variety of campgrounds and resorts with mineral hot springs. Rockhounds search for petrified wood, amethyst and opals. Green-sticker vehicles are allowed to Wpt. 04. Stay on marked route only.

Photos of Sperry Wash

Sperry Wash
Sperry Wash

Difficulty

Easy: Trail follows mostly sandy wash bottoms where flash floods are possible. You'll cross the Amargosa River many times, but it is usually dry or very shallow. Route markers are often washed away, and route-finding can be challenging in spots.

History

As you pass through Amargosa Canyon, look for remains of the old Tonopah & Tidewater Railroad that was built in 1905. It continued up Amargosa Canyon and serviced many important mining operations in Death Valley. The town of Sperry serviced the railroad during that time.

Technical Rating

3

Status Reports

Bill Holmberg
Mar 10, 2024
4x4
Open
Rough/Deteriorated
The first part of the trail is easy, mainly unpaved roads. This changes once you reach an old mine where you'll drop down into the wash via a small shelf road. Once in the wash many areas are washed out/ruts due to flooding and required minor route finding and obstacles throughout (moving rocks, filling holes, etc. to pass but nothing major.) Spoke to a local at Dumont Dunes at the end who stated while laughing, "ya, it was a 3 until the last flooding but the trail is different now". Numerous river crossings were required towards the end near Dumont Dunes, with no clear trail which required some route finding also. Did the trail in a full size truck so anything smaller will have an easier time passing some of the narrow passages between boulders. Will be in the "canyon type wash" for several hours so pay attention to the weather before entering, there is no where to retreat if flash flooding occurs.

Access Description

Take Highway 127 north from Baker about 34 miles and turn right on Dumont Dunes Road. Drive east 2.8 miles and turn left before entering Dumont Dunes. Look for ranch-style entry portal.

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