Logandale Trails System provides chance for all types of recreation

The Logandale Trails System provides opportunities for exploring a scenic and historic area using a network of more than 200 miles of trails. Off-highway vehicles, motorcycles, mountain bikes, horses and foot power take visitors into remote regions. The area also appeals to picnickers, campers, rock climbers and those touring for scenic splendor.

Located about 65 miles northeast of Las Vegas, the system covers 45,000 acres of desert, washes and vivid sandstone cliffs west of Logandale and north of Valley of Fire State Park. To reach the Logandale Trails System, drive north from Las Vegas on Interstate 15 to exit 93. Turn right onto Highway 169, the road to Logandale and Overton, pioneer-era communities along the Muddy River. From the freeway exit, drive south 3.3 miles to Liston Road in Logandale. Turn right and follow the street until it crosses the railroad tracks. Head north and west 5.6 miles, at first paralleling the tracks, then turning into the trail area.

A 13-mile loop accesses a multitude of trails of varying degrees of difficulty. The first few miles of the main gravel access road are suitable even for passenger cars driven carefully. It passes a couple of areas with picnic tables, fire circles and restrooms, the only refinements this primitive area includes. Everything else visitors must provide for themselves, including water.

There will be staging areas for all-terrain vehicles and spots where horsemen hauling trailers can park safely off the road to unload their horses. Do not follow the road beyond your vehicle's capability, for the farther it goes, the more primitive it becomes. Finally, you will need a high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle to continue. There are also areas of deep sand and dunes open for pay.

The Logandale Trails System resulted from the cooperation of off-road enthusiasts with several federal and state agencies, keeping protection of natural and historical features in mind. Recognizing the need for recreation enthusiasts to access public lands, agency personnel worked with individuals and organizations to develop a trail system that would satisfy a variety of users, as well as a few commonsense rules that would protect the landscape. Access will remain open as long as trail users behave responsibly.

Visitors must stay on designated trails, not create new scars on the landscape. Off-road vehicles must meet legal standards for use in Nevada. All vehicles must have mufflers and spark arrestors. An adult must accompany riders under age 16. Riders should not double up on ATVs. Be prepared with maps and GPS, extra fuel, a tow rope, a spare tire and the tools to change it. Riders wearing sun block, closed footwear, goggles, long-sleeved shirts and long pants will be more comfortable and safer than those who don't. ATV and motorcycle riders should wear helmets. Slow down when you can't see the trail ahead, since some trails run close to cliffs and drop-offs. Do not explore alone.

Some trails are better suited to certain sports than others. For instance, mountain bikers find the best trails for their sports in the part of the trail system north of the main parking area. Although horses may be used anywhere in the system, riders often prefer designated horse trails in the western part. A restroom to the south of this area has a hitching area for horses. Remember to carry water enough for horse and rider and horse pellets and snacks for trail use.

Certain trails in the northwestern part of the system have exposed rock ledges and boulders to challenge experienced rock crawlers with suitably modified vehicles. Rock climbers look for trails close to rock formations, some with 100-foot cliffs. Of course, only the experienced should try any of these extreme sports.

As with all public lands, visitors should take only photos and leave only footprints. The region is home to many environmentally sensitive plants and animals.

Additionally, the area was home to people of prehistory who left cultural remains such as petroglyphs, small stone ruins and pot shards. These remains are sacred to Native Americans still in the area, and they are historically important to all Americans. Give them the respect they deserve. Observe and don't touch.

Margo Bartlett Pesek's column appears on Sundays.