Trail Overview
Indian West travels west through BLM land over fine, loose dirt that can become more difficult when wet. Ruts remain around 2–6 inches deep. Around 0.45 miles, the trail crosses an approximately 18-inch-deep wash that is relatively easy to navigate. The route provides continuous views of the mountain ranges ahead, with abundant camping on both sides of the trail and 360° mountain views. Most sites are large and level, including several group campsites around 0.4 miles that can accommodate approximately 14–20 vehicles.
Difficulty
This trail is rated Level 2 because of its loose surface, 2–6-inch ruts, and 18-inch wash crossing. The obstacles are relatively mild 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.
