Scanlon Road in Nevada is a treacherous drive for any freighter
Scanlon Ferry Road is a dangerous and challenging route located in Clark County, in the U.S. state of Nevada. It’s one of the most grueling and remote trails in the country—very narrow and cliff-exposed.
Where is Scanlon Road?
The road is located in the Gold Butte Region, south of Mesquite, in the southern part of Nevada. There are many historic sites and scenic vistas along the trail.
How long is Scanlon Road?
The road is completely unpaved. It’s 32.18 km (20 miles) long, running from the historic old town of Gold Butte to the Scanlon Ferry Colorado River Crossing (now the edge of Lake Mead). Stock tires should be okay if you drive carefully, but tires with better sidewall protection are highly recommended.
How challenging is Scanlon Road?
The road is also known as Scanlon Ferry Road and Scanlon Bay Road. The last part of the drive, known as Scanlon Dugway, is narrow, rocky, and best for hiking—but still passable by Jeep. It’s extremely narrow and cliff-exposed. The steepest part of the dugway drops 1,040 feet in just 1.3 miles, resulting in an average grade of 15%, making it very steep. Northern portions of the road are passable in a 2WD high-clearance vehicle, but farther south, a 4WD is required due to washed-out sections and sandy terrain.
Is Scanlon Road remote?
This trail passes through one of the most isolated areas in southern Nevada, so you must be well-prepared. There are no services of any kind—no restrooms, no water, no gas, no food. Bring everything you need to survive. Be self-reliant and cautious. Beware of rattlesnakes among the rocks and shaded areas along the route.
Pic: Carl Woodruff