The Proving Ground

Just 15 miles north of the neon glow of the Las Vegas Strip, the pavement ends and the real Mojave begins. Nellis Dunes (officially the Nellis Dunes OHV Recreation Area) is a chaotic, beautiful, and unrestricted playground that has served the local off-road community for decades.

Unlike the highly regulated parks of California, Nellis retains a spirit of the Wild West. There are no gate fees. There are no marked trails. It is simply you, your machine, and thousands of acres of diverse terrain ranging from soft, rolling silica to razor-sharp limestone ridges. It is a place where engines roar in harmony with the fighter jets taking off from the nearby Air Force Base.

Elevation: 1,900 ft
Size: 10,000+ Acres
Surface: Sand / Clay / Shale
// Field Report

Terrain Profile

The park is geographically split into distinct zones. Knowing where to unload your trailer defines your day.

The Southeast Dunes

This is the most popular area, accessible immediately from the main entrance. The terrain here consists of soft, rolling sand dunes. While they lack the towering height of Glamis, they offer endless flow.

  • Best For: ATVs, Sand Rails, Paddle Tires
  • Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
  • Tech: High RPM, Momentum

The Northern Ridges

Travel north, and the geology shifts violently. The sand gives way to hard-pack dirt, loose gravel, and sharp shale. This is technical climbing territory, featuring steep ascents and narrow single-track along ridge lines.

  • Best For: Dirt Bikes, UTVs, Crawlers
  • Difficulty: Intermediate to Expert
  • Tech: Suspension, Torque, Skid Plates
Critical Intelligence

The Hazards

01. No Camping / Day Use Only

Unlike many other BLM lands in Nevada, camping is strictly prohibited at Nellis Dunes. The standard "14-day dispersed camping" rule does not apply here. This is a Day Use Only area. While night riding is often tolerated, setting up camp or overnighting is against regulations.

02. Zero Facilities

You are entirely on your own. There are no restrooms, no water sources, and no trash services. You must pack out everything you pack in. Plan your hydration and sanitation needs before you arrive.

03. The Heat

This is the Mojave. In summer, ground temperatures can exceed 130°F. Heat exhaustion is the number one cause of emergency calls here. Bring at least 1 gallon of water per person.

Target Location

The Approach

Finding Nellis Dunes is straightforward, but don't rely solely on GPS pin drops, which often lead to locked gates. Follow these visual landmarks for the primary staging area.

Pilot's Log

  1. 01. Head North on I-15 from Las Vegas.
  2. 02. Pass the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on your left.
  3. 03. Look for Exit 58 (Apex / Nellis AFB).
  4. 04. At the off-ramp stop sign, turn RIGHT.
  5. 05. Immediately turn LEFT into the dirt clearing.

Coordinates

36° 17' 15.7" N

114° 58' 09.7" W

Grid Reference: Apex Valley