Overview

Note: October 2022. The road is in standard condition. Passable in a 2WD-HC pickup. Lots of large rocks.

Leviathan Cave Road runs southwest 1.5 miles from Garden Valley West Road to the Leviathan Cave trailhead at the edge of the Worthington Mountains Wilderness Area.

This 2-track road normally is suitable for 2WD vehicles lower down, but it gets quite bumpy higher up, but 4WD normally is not needed.

Link to Area Map or Roads Map.

Watch Out

Other than the standard warnings about driving in the desert, ... this road is pretty safe, but be sure your vehicle is in good working condition, carry plenty of water (radiator and drinking), and pack a lunch. Always drive carefully as there are occasional hazards such as potholes and washouts.

In 2WD vehicles, drivers probably should stop at the upper campsite area, 0.6 miles out, and certainly should not try to pass the wash at 0.9 miles out without inspecting it first.

While out, please respect the land and the other people out there, and try to Leave No Trace of your passage. This road goes into remote areas, so be sure to bring the 10 Essentials. Cell phones don't work.

Getting to the Road

Leviathan Cave Road is located in the west-central portion of Basin and Range National Monument, about 3 hours (145 miles) north of Las Vegas driving directly, or about 1-1/4 hours (39 miles) northwest of the intersection of Highway 93 and Highway 318.

From Las Vegas, drive north on Interstate-15 for 21 miles to Highway 93. Turn left onto Great Basin Highway (Hwy 93) and top off the gas tank if necessary. Drive north through the towns of Alamo (95 miles from Las Vegas) and Ash Springs (102 miles) to the intersection of Highway 93 and Highway 318 (107 miles out). Gasoline is available in Alamo, Ash Springs, Rachel, and Lund.

Drive north on Highway 318 to Mail Summit Road. Turn left onto Mail Summit Road and drive west 25.5 miles to a 4-way intersection with Garden Valley South Road. Turn left and drive southwest 3.4 miles to at T-intersection with Garden Valley West Road. Turn right and drive north 0.5 miles to Leviathan Cave Road, on the left.

The Road

From Garden Valley West Road, Leviathan Cave Road runs southwest and up the bajada. Initially, the 2-track road is fairly good, and the sagebrush growing on the hump are fairly short.

Running uphill, the road passes Lower Campsite (0.4 miles out) with parking for 2 vehicles on the left. Continuing uphill, the road passes a short side road to the left that serves as Upper Campsite with parking for a few more vehicles.

Beyond Upper Campsite, the road becomes more rocky, but it still is suitable in 2WD-HC vehicles. The road drops into and crosses a wash (0.9 miles out) and climbs rather steeply out the other side.

Climbing somewhat steeply and rounding tight turns hemmed in by trees and shrubs, the road eventually arrives at the Leviathan Cave Trailhead, 1.5 miles out, with parking for a several vehicles and not-the-best-space for tents. The route to Leviathan Cave starts behind signs straight off the end of the road.