# Climbing Wheeler Pass with Toyota TRD Pro Trucks *By James Hills — Updated November 2018* So many people visit Las Vegas and never venture outside of the strip ... they don't even know what they are missing. On the other hand, I visit the city several times each year and have wondered what adventures the mountains might have in store. On this trip, I hooked up with my friends at Trail Trek Tour who had some Toyota TRD Pro trucks ready for some adventure. Unlike most of my off road trips that take place at very low altitudes and cruising through sandy, scorching hot, sun-bleached desert, this time we were headed up to a very windy 7,700 feet on a mountain trail with trees and rocks. [Trail Trek Tour](https://trailtrektour.com/)is an organization founded by a friend of mine, Phil from [Gunaxin.com](https://www.gunaxin.com) who is working to create more opportunities to get media excited about off-road driving. This is the second of his campaigns and it was a lot of fun to have a bunch of new and old friends join up for an adventure with some awesome trucks. While there are many social groups you can join to explore trails together, seldom is there an opportunity to check out a bunch of different vehicles and that's what this group offers. We had the chance to drive as well as ride in the TRD Pro [Tacoma](https://www.toyota.com/tacoma/), [Tundra](https://www.toyota.com/tundra/), and my favorite, the [4Runner](https://www.toyota.com/4runner/). The start of Wheeler Pass Road is located about an hour outside of Las Vegas in Cold Creek, NV and the complete trail will drop you off on the other side of the mountain in Pahrump, NV. ### What to Know Before Working with a Nightlife Concierge for Your Vegas Trip Las Vegas nightlife concierges transform chaotic club nights into seamless experiences. Skip lines, secure dedicated space for your crew, and navigate Vegas nightlife like an insider with expert coordination. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/h5FGXcGv1jblfvY6G6PIUw.1048) ### Off-Road Racing and Outdoor Shooting Package Race pro trucks or buggies on a dirt track, then shoot machine guns at a desert range near Las Vegas, with a meal after. Ideal for thrill seekers. Viator (affiliate) [See Current Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/h5FGXcGv1jblfvY6G6PIUw.1066) ### Desert Storm Shooting Experience with Lunch Shoot 8 of the The Biggest and most powerfull Fully Automatic Guns out in the Desert! You will be blowing things UP in this Amazing Location with Mountain Desert backdrop! Viator (affiliate) [See Current Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/h5FGXcGv1jblfvY6G6PIUw.1068) ### The Best Downtown Vegas Suites for Sports Fans and Bachelor Parties ManTripping: Men's Travel and Lifestyle Blog for busy men who love to travel. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/h5FGXcGv1jblfvY6G6PIUw.1049) ### Las Vegas: VIP Pool Crawl with Party Bus, Express Entry & Drinks A Vegas pool crawl with party bus rides, express entry to three dayclubs and drinks, perfect for party lovers. Viator (affiliate) [See Current Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/h5FGXcGv1jblfvY6G6PIUw.1074) ### Outdoor Shooting and Off-Road Racing Combo Race a pro truck, buggy or Razor on a 1-mile dirt track, then hit an outdoor shooting range with tiered gun packages. Ideal for thrill seekers. Viator (affiliate) [See Current Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/h5FGXcGv1jblfvY6G6PIUw.1065) Promoted by FlowAds Due to heavy rains this year, there were some areas that are a bit rougher than they would normally be. Despite that all of the vehicles we drove (stock equipment including tires) handled the obstacles very well. However, the other consequence of the rain was that the brush can be thick in some parts and so pinstripes were prevalent - especially on the wider Tundra TRD Pro.  ## Man Gear Pick of the Month September's Pick Amazon (affiliate) ### Kenyon City Grill Portable Stainless Steel Electric Grill Why we picked it: a grill you can actually carry to the campsite, the tailgate or the cabin without borrowing a truck. Stainless, no propane tank to wrestle, and hot enough to cook for four guys rather than reheat for one. $668.33 [Check The Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/rOshZPxsIKOqoVm_b6bYeg.2144) [August's Pick LiberNovo Maxis Electric Big and Tall Ergonomic Office Chair, Graphite 52cm $1,283.00](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/rOshZPxsIKOqoVm_b6bYeg.2350) [July's Pick Powerful Propane Torch Gun, Adjustable Flame Thrower Gun, Kitchen Torch with Detachable Design, Flamethrower Blow Torch for BBQ, Searing Steak, Welding, Camping Charcoal Lighter(Tank Not Included) $42.99](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/rOshZPxsIKOqoVm_b6bYeg.2397) [June's Pick OYASUMI Funny BBQ Man Hot Dog Holders, 4 PCS Reusable Stainless Steel Sausage Stands, Portable Hot Dog Roasters, Barbecue Grill Accessories for Camping & Party Gifts $7.98](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/rOshZPxsIKOqoVm_b6bYeg.2396) Promoted by FlowAds Having had a chance to drive all three vehicles several times, my preference absolutely leans towards the 4Runner.  While the new Tacoma is a spectacular truck with some great technology, the roof is lower than I'd prefer and I appreciate a little bit of extra room. Even with the various extended cab options on the Tacoma, the 4Runner is where you want to be if you are doing a roadtrip with some buddies. It's got plenty of room for people as well as gear.  On the other hand, the Tundra is big and beefy and drives great on the road but it's just too big to really be effective in off-road situations. The extra width and length causes it to get stuck on obstacles or brush that the other two can avoid. In many ways it's like Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Which one is right for you is ultimately going to depend on your personality and the task at hand.  One feature that is probably under-utilized by most drivers is Crawl Control. However, it's actually quite a cool feature that has made obstacles much easier to pass - both on this trail as well as others. The simple premise here is that while a human can feather the gas just the right way to do small movements or maintain a steady pace going up a hill so as to avoid slipping - a computer can do it better.  Where I've found this very useful is with escaping from obstacles. For instance when you are stuck behind a rock and need to crawl over it, it can be challenging to apply just the right amount of gas to go up and over ... but not put yourself out of position once clear. By applying crawl control it maintains just the right of power and breaking. This is currently available on the Tacoma and 4Runner but not Tundra. It's a good system and also works when going down hill too.  Similar to how it works going up the hill to avoid slipping - it does the same going down the hill.  This also frees the driver up to be more attentive to the surroundings and plan 2 or 3 moves ahead. On this trip to Wheeler Pass, we didn't go all the way. Instead, we stopped for lunch just past the summit. If we had continued on, it would have passed by remnants of an old kiln and some interesting rock formations before dropping us into Pahrump.  Top Picks Flow Voyages ### Book your next cruise with Heather at Flow Voyages Flow Voyages is a travel advisor specializing in cruises and resorts. [Contact Flow Voyages](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/qzbiQERtFReXgk3DB5MgTQ.617) Promoted by FlowAds Details Written by: James Hills Published: 09 November 2018 Last Updated: 09 November 2018 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River? Aug 17, 2026 [Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River?](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/amazon-river-cruise-planning-ship-options.html) [Plan Your Next Vacation Today!](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html) ### Products & Gift Ideas #### Nocs Zero Tube Monocular Review - The 7.2 Ounce Optic That Packs Easily and For EDC Oct 04, 2026 [Nocs Zero Tube Monocular Review - The 7.2 Ounce Optic That Packs Easily and For EDC](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/nocs-zero-tube-monocular-review.html) #### LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk Sep 10, 2026 [LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/libernovo-maxis-big-and-tall-office-chair-review.html) #### FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review Sep 09, 2026 [FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/fresko-4-in-1-immersion-hand-blender-review.html) ### Top Guys Trip Ideas: #### Visiting Daytona Florida, the Original Mancation Feb 16, 2018 [Visiting Daytona Florida, the Original Mancation](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/daytona-the-original-mancation.html) #### New Zealand's Adrenaline Capital: Epic Auckland Adventures for Thrill-Seeking Groups Of Guys Aug 10, 2025 [New Zealand's Adrenaline Capital: Epic Auckland Adventures for Thrill-Seeking Groups Of Guys](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/auckland-guys-trip-ideas-for-adventure-seekers.html) #### Tips For Planning a NYC Guys Weekend Aug 11, 2019 [Tips For Planning a NYC Guys Weekend](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/tips-for-planning-a-nyc-guys-weekend.html) ### Related Articles #### Building a Hunting Cabin? Here's The Decisions You Need to Make Before Selecting The Site [Building a Hunting Cabin? Here's The Decisions You Need to Make Before Selecting The Site](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/building-a-hunting-cabin-what-to-consider.html) #### Hemlock Neversink Adult Summer Camp in the Catskills Just Added a 53-Foot Climbing Tower [Hemlock Neversink Adult Summer Camp in the Catskills Just Added a 53-Foot Climbing Tower](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/hemlock-catskills-adult-summer-camp.html) #### Five Reasons THC Drinks Belong in Your Outdoor Adventure Kit [Five Reasons THC Drinks Belong in Your Outdoor Adventure Kit](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/thc-drinks-outdoor-adventure-kit.html) #### Thinking About Buying An ATV This Fall? Here's What To Ask The Sales Guy [Thinking About Buying An ATV This Fall? Here's What To Ask The Sales Guy](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/questions-to-ask-powersports-dealer-buying-atv.html) #### How to Choose an Outdoor Knife Without Overpaying [How to Choose an Outdoor Knife Without Overpaying](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/choosing-outdoor-knife-without-overpaying.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/search.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/sitemap.html) - [** Polls](https://www.mantripping.com/polls.html) - [Community Login](https://www.mantripping.com/registration/login.html) - [Brand Engagement Newsletter](https://www.mantripping.com/pr-ops-newsletter.html) - [Links](https://www.mantripping.com/links.html) - [Pitch Portal](https://www.mantripping.com/pitch.html) - [Men's Travel Survey](https://www.mantripping.com/the-mantripping-guys-trip-report-spring-2026.html) --- *Source: [Climbing Wheeler Pass with Toyota TRD Pro Trucks](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/climbing-wheeler-pass-with-toyota-trd-pro-trucks.html)* **Tags:** Las Vegas Guys Trip Ideas, Nevada Guys Trip Ideas, Trucks, Off Road Adventure, Outdoor Adventure