Kohta Circus Ride

Kohta Circus Ride offers a scenic and accessible desert journey through the dramatic sandstone landscapes of Gold Butte National Monument, making it an ideal adventure for stock four-wheel-drive vehicles, SxSs, and dirt bikes looking to explore historic rock art and rugged vistas. Spanning approximately 13.7 miles, this single-lane dirt trail winds through a geologically rich terrain shaped by wind and rain, climbing to a maximum elevation of 3,710 feet and dropping down to a minimum of 2,227 feet. Along the route, drivers are treated to sweeping views of the Virgin Mountains, the historic Key West Mine, and the stunning Lake Mead Overlook. With a technical rating of 3, the trail presents relatively mild challenges, making it perfect for novice and experienced offroaders alike who want to immerse themselves in Nevada's remote backcountry. The trail requires high clearance but remains manageable for most standard four-wheel-drive vehicles under dry conditions, offering a cumulative elevation gain of 626 feet and a loss of 1,966 feet. Upon reaching the end of the offroad route, a rewarding one-mile walk leads visitors directly to the intricate petroglyphs at Kohta Circus. To extend the journey, offroaders can plan a larger 35-mile itinerary from nearby access points, incorporating iconic stops such as Falling Man Rock and the 21 Goats petroglyph site. Situated roughly 50 miles north of Las Vegas and 30 miles south of Mesquite, this trail is best traveled during the cooler months of fall, winter, and spring to avoid the intense desert heat.