West Steam Shovel OHV Trail

The West Steam Shovel OHV Trail is a challenging, remote 24.5-mile point-to-point route designed for experienced offroaders seeking a rugged backcountry climb through Nevada's Stillwater Range. Starting from the valley floor near the Buena Vista Hills at an elevation of approximately 4,040 feet, this unpaved route features a demanding climb that gains over 3,700 feet of cumulative elevation up to a scenic high mountain pass reaching 7,370 feet. The trail is highly eroded and poorly maintained, requiring capable high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles or rugged SxSs to navigate the rough terrain. Drivers will encounter significant obstacles including deep erosion ruts and large, loose rocks that may need to be cleared by hand to prevent undercarriage damage. At the summit of the pass, the narrow road is blasted directly into the steep mountainside and is composed of sharp, jagged, medium-to-small rocks that pose a high risk of slashing tire sidewalls, making heavy-duty, multi-ply tires essential. From this high-altitude vantage point, which provides sweeping views of the surrounding desert valleys and peaks like Star Peak, the trail descends roughly 2,575 feet down an unmaintained, technical mining road. Due to the remote location, lack of cell service, and harsh rocky surfaces, travelers should pack self-recovery gear, extra water, and a spare tire. This trail is best suited for high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles and SxSs during the dry season, as winter snow or wet weather can make the steep, rocky grades impassable.