Opal Canyon OHV Trail

Overview: Red Rock Canyon State Park contains over 30 miles of 4WD back roads traversing the scenic desert terrain. A good map is needed and the visitor center gives out free rough maps showing the trails, dirt roads, 4WD roads, and serious 4WD roads.

The Opal Canyon Trail is considered to be a dirt road, e.g. one of the best roads out here. It was challenging in a Subaru, but accesses beautiful terrain to areas where opals were once found.

Tips: The best of these roads were rough and nearly impassable by an abused AWD Subaru. We DO NOT recommend traveling these roads without 4WD or AWD, and high clearance is necessary on almost all roads. Dirt bikes or ATVs are probably the best way to travel out on these roads. EXPECT ROUGH CONDITIONS!

CHECK WITH RANGERS ABOUT TRAIL CONDITIONS! The dry, sandy washes can turn wet and muddy in a flash, leaving you stranded or worse.

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A MAP and can retrace your path in case you encounter an impassable section of road. The visitor center has maps for free and for sale: if you plan on doing any serious driving, buy the good map. Carry water, especially during the hot summer months.

It is illegal to drive off-road or off OHV trail.