A remote drive to Sheep Pass
Sheep Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.536m (5,039ft) above the sea level located in Clark County, in the U.S. state of Nevada. The road to the summit is called Alamo Road.
Due its unique location and the climb in elevation over thousands of feet, and passing through remote areas, it is important when driving in these conditions to be prepared. This trail was developed by pioneers as travel routes at the turn of the 20th century. Alamo Road runs along the west side of the Sheep Range and comes out on HWY 93 just south of Alamo. A high clearance vehicle is recommended when adventuring out here, though a 2WD can get you around to most places on the road. Just use common sense when off-roading.
Located north of Las Vegas, this route is extremely remote - there's no phone signal, it's very likely that no one goes out past the pass for days at a time, and it could be as much as a 50 mile hike back to Corn Creek if something bad were to happen. It runs out into wild and remote country. There are no services (no fuel) or developments of any kind. Cell phones work along the south end of the road, but don't count on calling from farther out. Bring water and food, a spare tire, a shovel, tools, a tow rope, bailing wire, and anything else needed to survive a night or two stuck in the desert. Close in, the road is graded occasionally, but out past Hidden Forest Road the road has rocky spots and washouts that tend to sneak up in a way that could break an axle. The speed limit is 25 mph, and sticking to the speed limit will help prevent broken axles on unseen rills across the road. Motorists wishing to drive on Alamo Road stand a very good chance of getting stuck at Desert Dry Lake. The dirt on the road has turned to powder, which is also referred to as “poof dirt.” The conditions are very hazardous.
“Given the extreme heat and the slim chances of being found quickly, anyone whose vehicle gets stuck in that area is putting their life at risk,” said Christy Smith, Project Leader for the Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex. “We cannot overstate the hazards drivers will encounter along this route.”
Pic: Caranzo/McConnell