The Wee Thump Scenic Drive provides a very scenic and interesting driving tour thru a portion of the Mojave Desert lying South of the greater Las Vegas Valley. Along this route are wide open spaces, mountain ranges in every direction, a few quaint towns, historic sites and the majestic Joshua Tree.

The Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia) is a plant species, which is tree-like in habit, belonging to the genus Yucca. These trees are the "signature" species of plants within the Mojave Desert. Research has shown that there are two kinds of Joshua Tree, the Eastern and Western Joshua Tree (subspecies). Along the Wee Thump Scenic Drive and "immediately" adjacent to the Vegas Valley, the Eastern Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia jaegeriana) is found. These "trees" display a shorter stature, branch closer to the ground and have shorter leaves compared to their "Western" counterparts. The Eastern Joshua Tree is generally found between 2,000 and 4,500 feet in elevation, but can reach up to 6,900 feet in elevation in the Spring Mountains (West of the Vegas Valley). The Eastern subspecies typically reaches a height of 15 feet+- and have been known to live around 300 years. Within the Wee Thump area many of the Joshua Trees reach 30 feet+ in height and are thought to be up to 900 years old, a "true" old-growth forest in the desert. Additionally, the Wee Thump area has the "highest concentration" of Joshua Trees (that are easily accessible) in the Vegas area. An interesting fact: the Joshua Tree's "common name" came from Mormon settlers who likened the tree to the biblical prophet Joshua with his arms uplifted towards the sky in prayer.

In addition to the trees (and other desert plants) along the Wee Thump Scenic Drive there are interesting things to see. Ranging from rustic casinos (Primm & Searchlight), desert art work (Seven Magic Mountains), the townsite of Nipton, a "haunted" pet cemetery and a Historic Corral and Windmill. The Corral and Windmill lie just East of the Wee Thump Wilderness Area (partially described below) between Nipton and Searchlight and are easily accessed via car (weather dependent) or by foot. This historic site provides an interesting glimpse into the areas ranching history. Today, all grazing allotments have been closed down, but artifacts including an old broken down windmill, circular (cement) water tank, water pipes, a (cement) watering trough and the corral including a cattle loading chute remain. Of interest: a majority of the corral fencing is old railroad ties, a material used throughout the region after small mining district railroads went bankrupt (or moved on); typically taking the rails and leaving the wooden railroad cross ties behind.

The Wee Thump Scenic Drive has a few options dependent upon ones interest / allotted time available. Therefore, this drive is divided into two sections summarized as follows. (1) Vegas to Wee Thump area Joshua Trees, Historic Corral & Windmill (return). Along this section a "quick" visit to Seven Magic Mountains, a desert art "sculpture" is available to visit. Additionally, the highway interchanges at Jean and Primm NV provide services for weary travelers "and their kids" (see Information / Tips below). Just North of the turnoff to Nipton Rd (in California) a large solar facility (West of I-15 - on your Right) is visible (especially on sunny days). The small "townsite" of Nipton, CA provides a quick stop to stretch your legs, learn a little local history and see some old buildings / abandoned cars. Continuing East from Nipton, CA the route crosses back into Nevada and in short order arrives at the Wee Thump area where the Joshua Trees are quite amazing and the Historic Corral and Windmill is located. (2) Instead of returning to Vegas from the Wee Thump area, continue East to the town of Searchlight, NV. The "historic" mining town of Searchlight (see Information / Tips below) has a mixture of old buildings and mining sites (keep an eye out for them). Searchlight is "famous" as the birthplace of Harry Reid (U.S. Senator) who's name is honored at the Harry Reid International Airport (Las Vegas). Continuing North towards Vegas from Searchlight are majestic mountain ranges, wide open country and a few surprises. A few miles North of Searchlight, section's of the highway commemorate military branches and the conflicts they were associated with: a "very moving" section of highway especially for veterans (and your author). Approaching the Boulder City area, a large dry lake-bed and numerous solar farms are visible along the highway. Also, within this area is a "haunted" pet cemetery just East of (to your Right - not visible from) the highway. Finally, when entering the Vegas Valley (on I-11) views of the "Strip", downtown Vegas and the valley itself are amazing, especially at night.

The Wee Thump areas Joshua Trees and Historic Corral / Windmill are the main focus of this web-page. The name Wee Thump, or "ancient ones" in the Paiute language, tells the story of these Joshua Trees. Growing just half an inch per year (on average), these trees are some of the oldest and largest Joshua Trees on the planet. With wide open spaces, beautiful desert scenery, magnificent Joshua Trees and some "unusual sites" along the way (with a little history mixed in): the Wee Thump Scenic Drive has much to offer, being well worth the effort to visit.

  
...historic windmill and corral
  

Information / Tips:
Bring plenty of water / snacks, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and comfortable shoes (closed toe shoes advised). Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as the desert tortoise, bighorn sheep, coyote, lizards, birds and of course snakes. DON'T forget your camera.
..........
•  Wee Thump Scenic Drive amenities:
      restroom facilities (Primm & Searchlight only)
      gasoline/diesel (Primm & Searchlight only)
      food/drinks (Primm & Searchlight only)
•  Primm, NV amenities:
      full services/casinos/food/drinks
•  Nipton, CA amenities:
      No restroom facilities
      No food/drink available
      historic buildings/info. kiosk/old cars
•  Searchlight, NV amenities:
      full services/casinos/food/drinks
      historic buildings/old mines/old vehicles
      Note: watch speed limits in this town
..........
nearby: El Dorado Valley Pet Cemetery
nearby: Goodsprings RR Loop Trail
nearby: Seven Magic Mountains
Notes:
(1) The Goodsprings RR Loop Trail is noted above "only" because of its "relative location" to the Wee Thump Scenic Drive: due to the distance and time element to visit this location it is recommended as a "standalone adventure" for another day. (2) The Seven Magic Mountains link (as noted above) is a "viable option" along the Wee Thump Scenic Drive, interested parties need to alter their route (not described on this web-page) to visit this site. Access to the Seven Magic Mountains site is via the Sloan, NV interchange (Exit 25) on Southbound I-15; paralleling I-15 on S. Las Vegas Blvd and returning to the Wee Thump Scenic Drive itinerary in Jean, NV (Exit 12 Southbound I-15). (3) The El Dorado Valley Pet Cemetery link (as noted above) is another "viable option" (not described on this web-page) along the Wee Thump Scenic Drive, the cemetery is located just off (East of) US-95 approx. 2.8 miles+- South of the US-95 & I-11 interchange near Boulder City. (4) Of particular note: for the "parking area" of the El Dorado Valley Pet Cemetery (see web-page) pay particular attention to the "WARNING" section (red text) when approaching this area (speed limit 75mph) - once parked keep an eye on your kids and pets. (5) Utilizing the Seven Magic Mountains and / or the El Dorado Valley Pet Cemetery option(s) while traveling the Wee Thump Scenic Loop in a counter-clockwise direction (as described on this web-page) will not significantly affect the total mileage, however expect to spend approx. 30 to 45 minutes (minimum) at each location, adjust your itinerary accordingly.

Warning:
This adventure involves travel to a relatively remote area, please refer to the section on desert travel for safety information. Avoid the area during extreme heat. Make sure you have a full tank of gas and a fully pressurized spare tire. Remember you are responsible for your own safety.

Driving Directions:
From the I-15 (Las Vegas Fwy) interchange with W. Flamingo Rd. proceed South on I-15 into California (state border lies just South of Primm, NV) traveling a total distance of 48 miles+- to Exit #286 (exit for Searchlight, NV). Take Exit #286 to the top of interchange (0.2 miles+-), turn Left (Easterly) onto Nipton Rd. and travel 10.3 miles+- to the townsite of Nipton, CA. Note: upon crossing the RR tracks a dirt parking area (to your right) provides parking to take in some of Nipton's historic buildings, vintage cars and interesting history. Back on Nipton Rd. continue Easterly thru the small town, traveling an additional 2.7 miles+- to the Nevada / California state line. Note: upon re-entering Nevada the road transitions (Nipton Rd. ends) into NV-164 (Joshua Tree Hwy). From the state line continue Easterly on the Joshua Tree Hwy (NV-164) which in short order climbs into an ever increasing Joshua Tree forest, traveling a total distance of 10.4 miles+- to an unmarked "intersection" with Wee Thump E. Rd. (on your Left - gravel) and WP1. Note: the previous 5 miles+- prior to reaching WP1, the land North (to the Left) of the Joshua Tree Hwy is within the 6050 acre+- Wee Thump Joshua Tree Wilderness Area. This relatively small "triangular shaped" wilderness area protects a forest of dense, majestic old-growth Joshua Trees. For those who may of missed the turnoff to Wee Thump E. Rd. (WP1) continue to a point 11.6 miles+- Easterly of the Nevada / California border and a marked turnoff to the Walking Box Ranch (on your Right) and from this point backtrack 1.2 miles+- to the Wee Thump E. Rd. (now on your Right). From WP1: Eastbound on the Joshua Tree Hwy (NV-164) turn Left (Northerly) onto the unmarked gravel Wee Thump E. Rd, crossover a cattle guard and in short order arrive at the Historic Wee Thump Corral and Windmill (not visible from the Joshua Tree Hwy), being 0.2 miles+- distant of WP1. Return by reversing route. Approx. 71.8 miles from central Vegas Strip to the Corral / Windmill site (as described above).
..........
Note: a gravel parking area (just North of the Joshua Tree Hwy @ WP1) is available for individuals unsure of or unwilling to drive the Wee Thump E. Rd due to wet weather or ground clearance concerns (use your own judgment). Utilizing the parking area affords a short / easy walk (0.2 miles+-) to the Historic Corral & Windmill site.
..........
Note: an "Alternate Return Option" to Las Vegas is available. From WP1 continue Easterly on the Joshua Tree Hwy (NV-164) traveling 8.2 miles+- to the intersection of the Joshua Tree Hwy & US-95 in Searchlight, NV. Turn Left (North) onto US-95 traveling 34.7 miles+- to the interchange of US-95 and I-11. Exit US-95 utilizing the on-ramp to I-11 North (Henderson / Las Vegas) proceeding 0.3 miles+- and merge onto I-11 (North). Continue on I-11 (North) for 8.8 miles+- to the interchange of I-11 (North) & I-215 (West) at Exit #23. Take the Exit #23 off-ramp, eventually "flying over" I-11 and in 0.7 miles+- merge onto I-215 (West). Continue on I-215 (West) for 10.5 miles+- to the interchange of I-15 (North) at Exit #12A. Take the Exit #12A off-ramp to I-15 (North) traveling 3.8 miles+- to the interchange of I-15 (North) and W. Flamingo Rd. Approx. 67.2 miles from WP1 @ Wee Thump E. Rd to the central Vegas Strip via this return option route.
..........
Driving Summary (as described above):
Vegas ↔ Corral / Windmill (return): 143.6 miles+-
Vegas → Vegas (alt. return option): 139.0 miles+-
..........
WP1:    N35.50680  W115.05654

WP2:    N35.50999  W115.05541

..........
Note:
See desert travel for GPS Waypoint info
All distances and waypoints are approximate


...detail map ↑    ...driving directions map ↓