Looking to escape the heat of the desert? Head into the mountains to ride this wilderness trail between Las Vegas and Pahrump. Tucked into the southern end of the Spring Mountains Range and the La Madre Mountain Wilderness, the Lovell Canyon Trail comes with higher elevation, lower temps, and all-around scenic views.
The Lovell Canyon Trail is a Forest Service-managed trail with several loop options that can be combined to ride up to roughly 10 miles. The trail is single-track and moderately challenging, with a few rocky sections, narrow sections with drop-offs, or technical obstacles. It is well-marked and moderately maintained.
The riding here is really fun and the terrain is consistently interesting. At 6,000+ feet, the trail weaves through juniper trees, pinyon pine trees, sagebrush, manzanita, and grassy meadows. Prickly pear and other cactus – a nice change of scenery from the more classic terrain of the lower elevation Mojave Desert. The elevation also makes this a great spot for spring, summer, and fall riding.
Because this trail is located in a designated wilderness area, it is only open for hikers and equestrians. It is lightly used by hikers, but generally pretty quiet. The only sign of civilization out here is the glimpse you get from the trail of Torino Ranch, one of the only private land parcels in this wilderness area. This former cattle ranch turned RV park is now a nature sanctuary that hosts children’s camps and other programs.
Keep an eye out for deer, elk, and bighorn sheep, as well as the usual Nevada animals like jackrabbits, lizards, and snakes. There is no water accessible from the trail so be sure to bring your own!
Getting Here
Where to Park: Located about 25 miles east of Pahrump and 40 miles west of Las Vegas on graded, gravel roads. There is a turnaround parking area that could fit a few rigs.
Trail Maps
