Trail Overview
Powerline Wash Road is an easy, scenic spur trail perfect for beginner offroaders, high-clearance two-wheel-drive vehicles, and four-wheel-drive rigs looking for a quiet escape to a secluded cove on Lake Mohave. Branching off from Aztec Wash Road around the nine-mile mark, this 1.3-mile route (2.6 miles out-and-back) provides an alternative route to the water if the main wash gets crowded. The trail winds through a desert landscape beneath high-tension power lines, gently dropping over 230 feet from a maximum elevation of 964 feet down to 646 feet at the lake's edge. With an average gradient of around 3.5 degrees, the path is generally smooth and manageable, though a few steeper pitches up to 23 degrees require some attention.
With a technical rating of 2, the primary surface consists of loose dirt, sand, and gravel, presenting no major obstacles but featuring a few narrow sections where brush might come close to your vehicle. While high-clearance two-wheel-drive vehicles can typically make the trip in dry conditions, four-wheel-drive capability is recommended for extra traction on the soft sandy patches near the shoreline. This route is highly accessible for SxSs, dirt bikes, and standard SUVs, offering an excellent side trip that culminates at a scenic, quiet cove where visitors can relax by the water or fish. Since this wash can be prone to flash flooding, drivers should check the local weather forecast before heading out and avoid the area if rain is in the forecast.
Access Description
Located within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, a National Park Service park entrance fee or pass is required to access the area. Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) must be street-legal in Nevada or properly registered to operate on designated roads. Always check current park regulations and closures before heading out.
