Trail Overview
Little Devil Peak is a scenic 12.2-mile trail west of Jean, Nevada, perfect for intermediate offroaders looking to explore historic desert mining terrain and tackle a challenging rocky wash. Starting near Jean just off Interstate 15 and State Route 161, the route begins as an easy dirt and gravel road that winds westward through the desert landscape and a series of scenic small canyons. The route climbs from an elevation of 2,889 feet to a peak of 4,583 feet, gaining 1,875 feet of elevation as it heads toward the rugged Spring Mountains. For the first eighty percent of the journey, the track is stock-friendly and suitable for most high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles, SxSs, and dirt bikes looking for a relaxed cruise through historic mining country.
The gentle desert drive changes dramatically during the final mile, where the trail turns north and begins a steep, technical ascent into a rugged wash filled with large boulders, ledges, and waterfalls. While a stock high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle might manage to scrape through with careful tire placement, a lifted vehicle with skid plates and larger tires is highly recommended to prevent undercarriage damage on the rocky steps. Exploring this route offers a fascinating glimpse into the area's rich history, as the trail is part of a larger historical network of roads originally carved out decades ago by miners accessing local claims. After navigating the challenging final wash, drivers are rewarded with impressive views of Little Devil Peak and the surrounding desert valley before retracing their steps back to the trailhead.
