At just over 6,000 acres, Wee Thump Joshua Tree Wilderness is one of the smallest wilderness areas in Nevada. But within its close boundary lines is a very special landscape. Wee Thump is home to some of the oldest and largest Joshua trees in the world. The name Wee Thump means “ancient ones” in the native Paiute language, which is appropriate, because some of the trees within this protected grove are more than 900 years old! Equestrians who visit will enjoy a peaceful ride among an old growth forest in the heart of the Mojave Desert.
Wee Thump is located on a desolate stretch of road between Nipton and Searchlight in Clark County. There is one official trail, a 3 mile (one way) historic wagon road that cuts across the southern end of the wilderness area. The trail is flat and the footing is soft, making for an easy stroll through the forest stand. There are also numerous sandy washes that are easy to ride or you can just ride cross-country and weave your way through the trees.
The density and size of the trees is pretty spectacular. Joshua trees grow incredibly slow – as little as 1/2 inch per year. Here you can find trees over 30 feet tall! Others have grown out instead of up, and are thick with dozens of arms. While the Joshua trees steal the show, there are also lots of other interesting plants in the understory, including cholla cactus, yucca, barrel cactus, and creosote. In the spring, Wee Thump is dotted with color from wildflowers!
Keep an eye open for wildlife. Wee Thump is home to desert tortoise and the occasional bighorn sheep or coyote. Birdwatchers might catch a glimpse of a Gilded Flicker, which is only found in Nevada here.
There’s a quiet and stillness in Wee Thump that makes for a really relaxing ride. There is nothing technical or complicated; it’s just a nice area to soak up the desert. In addition to the trail and washes inside the wilderness area, there is a dirt road around the boundary which gives access to lots of other spur trails to explore outside Wee Thump. There is no water in this area so come prepared. Wee Thump is best to ride in the winter, spring, and fall. Summer temps are very high. There are no restrooms or trash collection here so pack it in and pack it out.
Getting Here
Where to Park: Just after turning off the highway onto Wee Thump Road, you will cross a cattle guard and then come to an old ranch windmill and cattle pens. There is a large dirt turnout area here with room for several rigs.
