Secret Pass: A Desert 4x4 Adventure in Arizona's Black Mountains

Secret Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,070m (3,510ft) above sea level, located in Mohave County, in the US state of Arizona. Tucked away in the rugged Black Mountains, west of Kingman, this unpaved route offers a true Mojave Desert experience through one of the most remote corners of the American Southwest.

Secret Pass

Where is Secret Pass located?

The pass is situated in the northwestern corner of Arizona, between Kingman and Bullhead City. It cuts through the southern end of the Mount Nutt Wilderness, a landscape defined by dramatic volcanic plugs and jagged cliffs. This area is a sanctuary for desert bighorn sheep and offers total isolation from the nearby highways.

How to drive the Secret Pass loop?

One of the best features of this journey is its layout. The route is a loop road that starts and ends at the paved Highway 68. Distance: The loop covers approximately 19.95 km (12.4 miles).

  • Navigation: Starting and finishing on the same highway makes it a perfect half-day excursion for those staying in Kingman or Bullhead City.
  • Surface: The road is entirely unpaved. Expect a mix of hard-packed desert floor, deep sandy washes, and rocky technical spots.

What are the driving conditions like?

Although the trail has "easy" sections, it requires a 4WD vehicle with high clearance to be completed safely.

  • Technical Spots: You should expect several short, steep ramps and rocky "step-ups" where careful line choice is required.
  • Desert Hazards: Flash floods are a constant threat in the desert; never enter the pass if rain is predicted, as the sandy washes can become impassable rivers in minutes.
  • Rattlesnakes and Wildlife: Rattlesnakes are very common in the Black Mountains, so watch your step when exploring the old mines. Cell service is spotty at best—do not rely on it for navigation.

Exploring the History: Gold Mines and Rockhounding

The area is steeped in history, with several abandoned gold mines scattered throughout the hills, leftovers from the regional mining boom. Beyond history, the pass is a favorite for "rockhounds" due to its volcanic geology; it is common to find chalcedony and other interesting minerals in the slopes surrounding the trail.
Pic: Natsumi Hinata

 

 

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