Wheeler Pass
Vehicle Requirements:
4WD (lockers during winter)
2.5” lift good to have, not necessary
Recovery gear
Comms (the phone signal is very spotty)
Off road tires (all terrains or mud terrains)
Elevation Gain: 2877 feet
Length: Trail is approximately 13.2 miles to Pahrump
GPS: This trail is listed on GAIA GPS and ONX
Trail Experience: Beginner to Novice
DW Trail Rating: 2
Forms: Download the release form here. All drivers and passengers must provide a completed form the day of the event to be allowed on the run. Download it now and fill it out before you come out!
Detailed Trail Description: This scenic trail starts at Cold Creek and crosses over to Pahrump. It can be done in a stock vehicle with a mild lift depending on the time of year. There is quite a bit of snow and ice that accumulates during the winter months. The trail from the Cold Creek side passes through a residential area so please keep the speed and dust down and pay attention to the signs. The air down area is to the right after the Fire Station marked by wooden crisscross fences. There is a large parking lot next to a pond which leads into the trailhead. This trail can get busy with ATVs and Side by Sides so pay attention when going around blind corners.
Again, depending on the weather conditions, the climb to the overlook from Cold Creek can vary. Water runs down the trail so there can be heavy rutted conditions and, as mentioned, snow and ice. The overlook is at around 7000ft elevation so it can get very cold and windy at the top. Going down the Pahrump side the trail is not subject to weather, so it is fairly mild. The trail itself runs by the dispersed campsite which is a great place to stop for lunch under the trees. If you continue to Pahrump, you will pass the Charcoal kilns which also is marked but fenced in due to damage by vandals. This portion of the trail headed into Pahrump can get very dusty so be prepared for that.
ALWAYS get an updated weather report especially snow conditions. The trail is above 4000ft so snow can be heavy and the trail can be impassable. Recovery can be difficult because the trail itself is narrow. As with all runs, we recommend going with someone who is familiar with the trail.
Desert Wranglers run Wheelers pass.
A video by: Old Man Jeepin’ posted to Desert Wranglers Youtube Channel!
