Rocky Gap/Potato Ridge Road

4.6/5 (24 reviews)
Las Vegas, Nevada (Clark County)
Last Updated: 12/24/2022

Trail Information

Highlights

Altitude
Desert
Iconic
Rock
Sand
Scenic
Snow Wheeling
Rocky Gap (also known as Potato Ridge), a favorite of local off-roaders, is located in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area that starts just off of Scenic Loop Drive and continues to Lovell Canyon Road. This can be a challenging off-road trail depending on the season and the vehicle driven. There are bypasses for all of the obstacles except for one particularly rocky wash, which gives the trail its name. There is beautiful scenery to be seen during the drive. Evergreens, canyon and rocky landscapes are just some of the views.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Rocky Gap (Potato Ridge) Road is located in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area starts as a dirt road and gains in altitude from either direction. There are multiple optional washes with rock gardens to explore and have fun in. A majority of the road is comprised of dirt and gravel with scattered small to medium rocks. There are multiple intersecting washes filled with rock gardens to be explored. Near the middle of the trail, there is a rock garden that cannot be bypassed. The trail continues to change with the seasons and the traffic. Cellphone service was not available for most of the trip. We currently use Verizon. As always, please tread lightly. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen in the summer.

Trail Reviews

4.6/5 (24)
200
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 01/17/2023

Trail is way way way harder with 6” of snow on the ground. IF YOU GO DURING THE WINTER have people with you!!! I went by myself and a friend and we slid off a 10ft embankment and nearly flipped the Jeep. I’m running 37” AT3s and the traction was great at 15PSI.. it looked like the trail was washed out under the snow which caused us to slide off. Luckily there’s an area that’s sorta flat and I drove out through there. The ledge was too steep so we needed to use recovery boards in order to get out The rocky garden was insanely difficult with the snow.. at one point there was no tire tracks at all and fresh powder snow..Luckily there’s an area that’s sorta flat and I drove out through there. The ledge was too steep so we needed to use recovery boards in order to get out.
Open
Visited: 01/04/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Took a Group of 3 Yesterday, JT on 40s, JL on 35s and a 100% Stock JL, We did the Wash until the V Notch then exited onto the Fire Road,
Official Crew
16050
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 12/24/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

We didn't expect a lot from Rocky Gap, we were simply aiming to complete it while on a road trip. Thankfully, we were mistaken. The beginning wasn't too rough, though several washouts in the first few miles were made even more sketchy by the small amount of snow present. One washout was snowy enough that we drifted through until regaining traction. The rock garden in the middle was a bit more than was expected based on the pics and video. With our shorter wheelbase (103 inches) we were able to avoid most of the rocks. The one optional line we took in to rock garden took a few tries, but our lockers weren't needed. After the rock garden, we continued to climb, and were rewarded with plenty of beautiful views. We completed the trail in approximately 2 hours. Overall, the trail was just challenging enough to be interesting, and had enough views to make the challenges worth it. This trail is definitely worth the journey, and one we'd be happy to do again.
Open
Visited: 11/16/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Apparently this is a Jeep Badge of Honor Trail which I didn't know at the time I ran it. I am not a local and just thought is was a fun scenic trail. The rock garden was the most challenging but not too bad. I ran it alone and I really didn't need any spotter but I have 37 inch tires so I imagine that is why.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 10/13/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

We ran the trail east to west coming in off the scenic drive. Keep in mind you do have to pay to get on that road and it is a one way road. The Jeep is a 2018 with stock suspension and 34's. The mandatory rock garden was a challenge for me. I don't off road much, pretty much only when we come out west for vacation. Having someone to spot for me was key. There were places where both the "easy" way and the hard way looked about the same.

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