Hubby just bought a new 4WD car and wanted to go off roading, and the drive through Christmas Tree Pass came recommended as an easy one for beginners. I'd agree with that assessment. I would say anyone with a 4WD vehicle could easily handle the well-manicured dirt roads.
The drive took us about 45 minutes with LOTS of stops to take photos, walk around, and enjoy the desert landscapes. It was very peaceful and quiet, and we only passed one other vehicle the entire time we were driving!
It's free, clean, and fun, and you can't ask for more than that! The landscape is (obviously) dry desert, with pretty rocks and flora and fauna. We saw plenty of lizards, birds, chipmunk looking things, and a couple of snakes, so be alert and respect the wildlife! Don't pick anything and don't harrass anything.
We drove in early July, when the temperatures were over 110. We brought plenty of water "just in case," and there are several areas where you can wander off on foot (but again, watch for snakes)! I was impressed with how clean it was along the Pass, I did not see one piece of trash anywhere!
The roads are graded but the sand gets a bit deep in a few places, where we slid a little while driving. It was fun because the road is very wide with plenty of room.
At one end of the Pass, there's an area with well preserved petroglyphs. It does require a bit of a hike which isn't that far distance-wise, but it's in deep sand that's difficult to walk through (especially when the temps are high). I made it maybe a third of the way and turned back. I'll try again in the fall or winter. There's a hole-in-the-ground toilet facility by the petroglyphs if you need it.
I am not outdoorsy in the least, but I had a really fun time riding along on this drive. If you're traveling between Las Vegas and Laughlin, it's a fun little "cut through" to get through the desert. Highly recommended. read more