Overview

The short, 0.5-mile hike out to Quail Spring Guzzler is a pleasant little hike in the big desert, but it is too far out to go just for this hike. Rather, consider it a nice hike when doing for a drive or camping at Gass Peak Camp 2.

This hike is in the Mojave Desert Scrub zone with lots of Joshua trees and a diversity of shrubs. Approach the guzzler slowly watching the hillside for bighorn sheep, mule deer, and other wildlife. Closer in, watch for songbirds coming in to drink.

Link to map.

Watch Out

Other than the standard warnings about hiking in the desert, ...this is a safe hike. Depending on road conditions, the trailhead might be accessible with a 2WD high-clearance vehicle, but inquire locally or use a 4WD vehicle just to be sure. It might be best to stop about 0.15 miles short of the trailhead and walk in.

While hiking, please respect the land and the other people out there, and try to Leave No Trace of your passage. Also, be sure to have what you need of the 10 Essentials. This is a wildlife refuge, so pay extra attention to respecting the land.

Getting to the Trailhead

This short hike is located on the Desert National Wildlife Range, about 2.5 hours north of town.

From town, drive out to Corn Creek Field Station (Table 1, Site 106). From there, turn right onto Mormon Well Road and drive south and then east for 4.35 miles to Gass Peak Road (Site 884). Turn right onto Gass Peak Road (right) and follow it for 8.6 miles to a fork (Site 944) where Quail Spring Road runs to the left. Drive another 1.4 miles to a parking area and trailhead (Site 945) at the end of the road. This road is a bit rough, and it might be better to stop about 1 minute short of the parking area in a wide spot at the top of a steep hill. Either way, park here; this is the trailhead.

The Hike

From the trailhead (Table 2, Waypoint 01), step over the gate and follow the old road to the northeast. The trail follows a well vegetated wash along a hillside for about 0.45 miles to a side canyon. About 40 yards up the side canyon, the guzzler (Wpt. 02) sits on a bench adjacent to a wash. The rain collector funnels water into storage tanks, and from there, water flows out to a drinker.

Watch for birds and mammals coming down for water, but don't linger too long so the animals will be able to come down to drink.