Nellis Cove Road

Nellis Cove Road is a scenic, unpaved backcountry route in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, ideal for high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles looking to reach a secluded beach on Lake Mohave. Spanning approximately 2.5 miles, this easy-rated trail descends from an elevation of about 1,290 feet down to 650 feet at the water's edge, offering panoramic desert vistas of the rugged Arizona landscape along the way. While the road is generally straightforward, sections of deep, loose sand and gravel require careful tire placement and adequate traction. The route follows a natural wash, making it highly susceptible to flash flooding during rainy seasons, so drivers should check local weather forecasts and avoid the area during or immediately after rain. As the trail nears the shoreline, the terrain transitions into a wide sandy beach at Nellis Cove, providing an excellent spot for swimming, fishing, and launching non-motorized watercraft. Because this road is within a National Recreation Area, all vehicles must be street-legal, meaning unregistered ATVs, UTVs, and SxSs are strictly prohibited on park roads. Dispersed camping is only permitted in designated areas along approved backcountry roads, and off-road driving is prohibited to protect the delicate desert environment. Visitors should plan to pack out all trash and bring plenty of water, as there are no services or facilities available at the cove.