Why Tierod Canyon Might Be Nevada’s Wildest Road?
Tierod Canyon is an off-road trail located in Clark County, in the U.S. state of Nevada. The canyon cuts through the rugged terrain of the Mojave Desert and is known for its steep, rocky walls and dry wash bottom. The trail that runs through it is popular among off-road enthusiasts due to its challenging surface, rock ledges, and lack of bypasses. The route is suitable only for high-clearance, modified 4x4 vehicles.
Where is Tierod Canyon?
The road is located just south of Las Vegas, in the southern part of Nevada.
Why is it called Tierod Canyon?
Part of the Basin and Range Province, the road is named because legend says that it is notorious for breaking tie rods. As a memorial, a tie rod stands alongside the trail.
How challenging is Tierod Canyon?
The road is totally unpaved. There are some rocky and steep parts that do not have bypasses. The road is not easy, though. A 4x4 vehicle with high clearance is required. No stock vehicles. A long-wheelbase vehicle might have a tough time in some sections. There are several rock ledges and sharp rocks that line the trail, and not all obstacles have bypasses. Good ground clearance is a must, so a lightly modified SUV with larger tires is recommended.
How long is Tierod Canyon?
Starting at Sloan, it's 8.04 km (5.0 miles) long. You can run it in either direction, but traveling south to north will be more difficult.
When is the best time to drive Tierod Canyon?
The drive gets a lot of visitors on weekends and holidays, so it's better to avoid those times. The trail travels from the flat desert area south of the city over a mountain pass, at 1,080 m (3,543 ft) above sea level, and eventually down through a pretty challenging canyon. Due to its location in the desert, it’s best to avoid summer time due to high temperatures.
Pic: Climber's Assistant