Great Basin SUV Trails: Southern Nevada

Well it's done. There are some great SUV ATV offroad trails in the new map; but, I have to say that it's completion was pretty much through obsessive-compulsive cussedness. It wasn't an excessive amount of fun.

If I'm not riding, then going through others' rides and coding them for all to see — I like; sweating through and correcting errors, clarifying directions and filling in omissions – not so much!

I've spent the past month or so gleaning location information for trails from a book that I've had on the shelf for some time: "Great Basin SUV Trails, Vol 1 Southern Nevada."

I have to say that finding some errors and feeling that I needed to verify every waypoint…and follow every trail made me delve more deeply into the book than I might ordinarily have done. And I found that there are many which I really want to find the where-with-all to take some day.  [For a free Google Earth offroad trail map of this route see: SUV-ATV Trails Near Las Vegas]

Few can foresee whither their road will lead them, till they come to its end.”J. R. R. Tolkien

Most of the rides are punctuated with historical locations and artifacts – and, more than a few lead to: Petroglyphs! And now, with these maps, you have the best of both worlds.

Now, I do have to admit that at least a portion of my interest in taking the rides come from the extra descriptions which I've read from the book, but which one wouldn't obtain from just the maps. However, take the ride "vicariously" from the map first. If it is something that you "could" do then puruse the book at the bookstore. I think you'll be hooked.

Just be sure to take the map coordinates I've given here, with you when you go riding off road.

How you can help: First, I know that there are many readers of this blog who reside in Nevada, near Las Vegas, Boulder, Searchlight, Laughlin, Pahrump and Beatty. Please, help verify these trails. If you already have a GPS track how about sending it in.

Or, how about taking a ride out that way with your GPS unit on. Take some photos if you can and set waypoints at any site worth talking about.

And second, the Mitchell's have two other books out in the series (Great Basin SUV Trails: Vol II and III) and I would appreciate being able to add those to the master map as well. I'm looking for someone who has the book who would be willing to loan it for a few weeks.

Or, if any are feeling particularly altruistic – it is listed on my Amazon "Wish List" for anyone to "donate" a copy. [Use the link at the top] Especially for someone who would like to see the series enhanced and verified for the web.

I've mentioned before that this book will be added to the "glove box" of my rig, along with Native Plants of Southern Nevada, to provide "color" to the rides I take.

Please, let me know if you find any of these useful.

Learn A Little More

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The Great Basin SUV Trails book by Roger and Loris Mitchell is an incredibly informative and useful book for use on the trail.  It is to geology and history what Native Plants Of Southern Nevada by David Rhode is to botany and Native American lore.  Both have the ability to enhance any ATV or SUV ride through the Great Basin and Mojave Desert.

May I ask that if you are planning to purchase either one, I would appreciate it if you would do so through clicking these links. It will not cost you any more for doing so but I will receive a few cents advertising fee, which can help keep the web and blog operating and free. Thanks!