Logandale Trail System appeals to variety of outdoor enthusiasts
The 45,000-acre region of Southern Nevada known as the Logandale Trail System attracts outdoor enthusiasts of many kinds. More than 200 miles of roads and trails explore this scenic and historic area north of Valley of Fire State Park and west of the little town of Logandale, a pioneer-era community in a verdant valley along the Muddy River.
Located about 95 miles from Las Vegas, this remote region of desert, washes, sand dunes and vivid sandstone cliffs is accessible within a little more than an hour’s drive. Follow Interstate 15 north from Las Vegas to exit 93. Turn right on state Route 169 toward Logandale. Drive south about 3 miles to Liston Road in Logandale. Turn right and follow the street across the railroad tracks. Continue on about 5½ miles, at first paralleling the tracks and then veering left into the trail area.
Visitors explore the Logandale Trail System on foot, on horseback, on mountain bikes and using a variety of motorized off-highway and four-wheel-drive vehicles. The area also appeals to picnickers, campers, rock climbers and drivers touring for scenic pleasure. By design, the region remains primitive with few facilities and no services. There is no water, no trash pickup, no fuel, no firewood and sometimes no cellphone service. Bring everything you need and pack out all refuse for proper disposal at home.
Development includes the marking of roads and trails suitable for off-highway vehicle use, cleared areas for trailer parking and vehicle staging, a couple of restrooms, a main picnic area with several tables under shade structures and scattered primitive camping sites with fire rings and tables.
A 13-mile loop route accesses many kinds of trails of varying degrees of difficulty. The first few miles of the main gravel access road are suitable for even passenger vehicles driven carefully, although more rugged vehicles with higher clearance are better used. Do not follow the road beyond your vehicle’s capability, for the farther it extends, the more primitive it becomes. Eventually, you will need high clearance and four-wheel drive to continue. Watch for and stay clear of deep sand and drop-offs in areas with flood damage.
The Logandale Trails System resulted from cooperation of off-road enthusiasts with federal and state agencies, providing recreational access while protecting natural and historical features. The Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation and Nevada State Parks worked with individuals and organizations to develop trails that would satisfy a variety of users.
A few common-sense rules in place protect visitors, the landscape, cultural remnants and plants and animals, including several identified as sensitive or threatened. Access to the area will remain open as long as visitors and trail users behave responsibly.
Some trails are better suited to certain sports than others. Many mountain bikers prefer the trails north of the main parking area. In the northwestern part of the system, experienced rock crawlers with modified vehicles find challenging boulders and rock ledges. Cliffs in the sandstone formations attract seasoned rock climbers. Horses may be used throughout the area, but many riders prefer designated horse trails in the western part of the trail system. A restroom to the south of these trails has a hitching area. Carry water for horse and rider, feed pellets and trail snacks.
Being well-prepared is essential. Carry at least a gallon of water per person, extra for camp use, lots more for dogs and horses and plenty for your vehicles. There is little shade, so wear sunblock and a hat. Carry spare tires for all vehicles, the tools to change a flat and a tire repair kit. GPS may not be as reliable as detailed maps such as trail section maps that can be downloaded from the BLM or Logandale Trail System websites. Stay on marked trails within the existing trail footprint. OHV riders must wear helmets and vehicles must be licensed and meet Nevada requirements.
Margo Bartlett Pesek’s column appears on Sundays.
