Potosi Pass Road

Total Miles 12.7
Technical Rating
4 Moderate
Best Time Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
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Potosi Pass Road trail photo

Trail Overview

The northeast section of Potosi Pass Road is a relatively easy ride through the Spring Mountains with only slight hills and mildly uneven, rocky terrain. Some of the land surrounding the road says "private property and no camping". The southeast section opens up into the flat desert where the road gets much more rocky, and washouts require a high-clearance vehicle. About halfway through, you can either turn south and head toward Goodsprings, or take Potosi Pass Road all the way to Pahrump Road which is so wide and flat, it will take you back to the freeway in minutes. Cell service is off and on.

Photos of Potosi Pass Road

Difficulty

The northwest half is a pretty easy task for any capable truck or SUV, but the southeast half is a slow, long battle through rocky desert terrain with some high clearance zones.

History

The oldest mine in Nevada (Potosi Mine) has a marker along this road. The observatory is also popular with astronomers.

Technical Rating

4

Status Reports

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Cameron meeks
May 24, 2026
Open
Did trail from 160 towards Sandy valley. Great views, first part near BSA camp is graded but pretty severely was boarded, after you get to the sign that says it's not a county maintained road it turns into a more proper trail. I think it's a bit boring doing all the hard part downhill, I would recommend going from pahrump road towards 160 if you want more of a challenge. Great views, did the whole thing in 2wd and I think it's doable in 2wd going the other way too.
christian thomas
Apr 22, 2026
Open
Tim W
Apr 18, 2026
Open
Ended up taking the trail around to the sandy valley rd.due to hwy 160 closed for an accident. First part was wash boarded when you get to the other side the trail was slow going to being rocky. I did the trail in 2wd. Just need higher clearance if your in a small vehicle.
Pen Dayha
Jan 11, 2026
Open
Easy trail. Any high clearance vehicle can complete this trail. Ran the trail east to west, the last 3-4 miles made up of beautiful Joshua Tree area.
Justin L
Jan 04, 2026
Open
Nice clouds overhead and great scenery near the top. If you hook a left going SE about 5 miles before hitting Sandy Valley Road, you can take that route and it’ll shoot you out to Kingston Road and end up at Goodsprings.
Pen Dayha
Aug 06, 2025
Open
New gravel and sand layer laid down within the first 3 miles from east to west travel. Nothing crazy or difficult. Might be rated harder than it should be.
Ian Flores Siaca
Jun 29, 2025
Open
This trail is a 3. Some of the offshoots have specific technical challenges but the main trail is not moderate. There are rocks and with 9.5” inches of clearance we did hit a couple but nothing out of this world.
Wheelin’ Barry
Jun 06, 2025
Open
Easy trail. This is not a 4.
Christian Marine
Oct 27, 2024
Open
Beautiful trail, a little rocky with some large stones for most of the trail, but I wouldn’t call it a 4.
Justin L
Mar 02, 2024
Open
Roland Llapitan
Feb 16, 2024
Open
Kevin Acuff
Nov 23, 2023
Open
D Davis
Oct 21, 2023
Open
Becki D
Apr 09, 2023
Open

Potosi Pass Road Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Potosi Pass Road Map

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