Trail Overview
Stump Spring West travels west over fine, loose dirt that can become more difficult when wet. The trail is narrow with some overgrown vegetation, although pinstriping is generally avoidable and occasional pullouts allow vehicles to pass. Ruts and washes reach approximately 12 inches, with a few larger wash crossings reaching 16 inches. The route provides direct views of the mountains ahead and excellent desert scenery. Camping is plentiful, with level sites accommodating anywhere from two to 12 vehicles and offering scenic views of the surrounding desert and mountains.
Difficulty
This trail is rated Level 2 because of its loose surface, narrow terrain, and washes reaching 12–16 inches. The larger washes require careful driving but are not overly difficult and do not require 4WD or AWD under normal dry conditions.
History
The BLM lands south of Pahrump lie along historic travel corridors used by Indigenous peoples for generations and later by Spanish explorers, miners, ranchers, and settlers crossing the Mojave Desert. Portions of the nearby Old Spanish Trail became an important 19th-century trade route connecting settlements in New Mexico with Southern California, leaving the region with a long history of desert travel and exploration.
