Trail Overview

The trail starts just outside of Las Vegas by one of the last housing communities before BLM land. At first glance, it doesn't look great, but about a mile into the trail, the populated world drops away and the scenery is gorgeous. The first few miles are a fun wash (note, this wash will flood in a flash flood), and then you will head uphill. Most hard passes have a bypass except the last hill just before Cottonwood Pass Trail;there, 4WD is required. The water tanks are a neat spot to stop and take photos, and you may come across horses or burros. This is not a terribly hard trail, but 4WD is required. Stop and enjoy the scenery;the trail only takes around 45 minutes without pausing.

Photos of Wilson Tank Trail

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Difficulty

4WD is required. The last hill looks scary, but it's easy to pass with 4-low.

Technical Rating

Hawaii Girl

Jun 07, 2026

Open

Took Cottonwood Pass off of NV-SR 160 then turned east onto Wilson Tank Trail. Completed at the corner of Gomer and South Haulapai. Not too hot but super windy! Entire run recorded and can be viewed here at: https://youtu.be/Y3rRc-IMXRQ

Ross Weido

Mar 07, 2026

Open

Rocky trail, no issues with decent clearance. One steep hill, 4wd with lockers and we made it up with some wheelspin.

John A

Feb 28, 2026

Open

Pure stock 25 Tacoma OR. Nothing crazy. Bumpy rocks. Chill trip to Goodsprings.

Paul Salyers

Dec 23, 2025

Open

I took this trail from the Hualapai road entry point. Up to Cottonwood Pass trail and out to 160. Pretty easy going (and monotonous) the first 1/3 or so with a lot of gravel and rocks. . Got to some good short steep and rocky pitches after that with more of a sense of wilderness. Fun stuff. Mellowed out for a bit with a few rock and wash crossings. The last pitch to the top tested my stock Tacoma pretty well, as well as my nerves since I was all by myself. I’d call that part a definite 4 rating. Not too steep but definitely some sizable objects, ruts, and at least one ledge to navigate. Great views from the top before heading out on Cottonwood Pass trail. Would do again.

Billy Huddy

Dec 05, 2025

Open

Wife and I took this trail that leads to Cottonwood Pass, then into Goodsprings to the Pioneer Saloon. Relatively easy trail with small “forests” of Joshua Trees. There were a couple steep inclines/declines that made the wife a little nervous, but nothing terrifying. You definitely need a 4x4 vehicle with some clearance. Great time.

jason king

Oct 26, 2025

Open

Reyn Jones

Aug 31, 2025

Open

Easy trail. Had a few steep climbs/descents but nothing too crazy. Last hill before connecting with Cottonwood looked a little daunting, but just go slow and it’s fine.

Nick Jeep

Jun 22, 2025

Open

Simple trail with limited obstacles - a few steep climbs throughout the trail with obstacles on the climb.

Derek Johnson

Apr 23, 2025

Open

De Bo

Dec 01, 2024

Open

Cool trail, if you want to make it more challenging take Blue Diamond Highway and turn onto Eagle Ranch Dr to start off. You’ll go up and down some pretty steep hills with rocks. Had to use 4x4 and lockers at one point for the beginning stretch. Rest of the trail after that is pretty chill.

Brian Cross

Nov 02, 2024

Open

Started trail from Cottonwood Pass which provides great views of Las Vegas in the distance as you head down. Took the beginning slow as I moved down a rocky ledge into the valley where the tanks are. I used low gear and the Bronco’s descent control to avoid using the breaks. Once you’re down in the valley the going gets easier. About 3/4 the way through there were some very steep climbs, but there were also easier bypass routes you could take instead. The end goes through a wide gravel wash where the more traveled routes vary somewhat from the mapped route. Fun trail.

Deanne Phillips

Jul 17, 2024

Open

beautiful 100 degree day. just decided to go off the grid for a few and found this fun trail near where I was driving. great scenery peaceful day.

Tim Hynes

Apr 02, 2024

Open

Took Wilson Tank trail to Cottonwood Pass and continued to Good Springs and the Pioneer Saloon. The climb at the end of Wilson Tank to get to Cottonwood was about 17-19 degrees in pitch.

Taylor Kapphahn

Mar 10, 2024

Open

Good trail with a few easier bypasses on the hills. Was going well in the 2wd 4Runner until the hill at the end we deemed too risky to attempt with no bypass that we could find.

Derek Neill

Feb 04, 2024

Open

First time on this trail, was a lot more fun than expected. Decent hill climb at the end that was actually pretty sketch due to wet slippery clay. Put it in 4L and definitely had to pay attention to sliding in some spots to avoid large rocks along the trail.