Getting Oriented
The byway sits in Clark County, in the corridor between Interstate 15 and Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The Muddy Mountains rise between Las Vegas and Valley of Fire State Park, and the byway crosses the range north to south. The northern access from I-15 is the more common starting point; the southern access on State Route 167 lies along the Northshore Road that follows the Lake Mead shoreline.
Trail Overview
The first eight miles from I-15 follow a graded native-soil road climbing toward the pass summit, with stock vehicles handling the surface in dry conditions. Past the rock quarry near the summit, the byway turns rougher with embedded rocks and washouts. The middle and final stretches require high-clearance and benefit from 4WD, especially after rain. Buffington Pockets, the most-photographed feature, sits roughly halfway through. The route ends at SR-167 near the Northshore Road; from there drivers can return to Las Vegas via Lake Mead or loop through Valley of Fire.
Points of Interest
- Buffington Pockets. Natural sandstone basins that trap rainwater. A historic water source for emigrants, livestock, and wildlife.
- Colorful sandstone formations. Aztec Sandstone outcrops similar to those in Valley of Fire and Red Rock Canyon.
- Abandoned borax mines. Late-1800s mining sites with stone foundations and rusted equipment.
- Dry riverbeds. Evidence of the wetter Pleistocene era, when streams cut through what is now Mojave Desert.
- Bighorn sheep range. A resident desert bighorn population uses the rugged country.
- Wild horses. A herd uses the lower elevations near Buffington Pockets.
Where to Camp
Primitive camping is allowed on most BLM land along the byway, with a 14-day stay limit. There are no developed campgrounds on the route. The closest fee campgrounds are at Valley of Fire State Park to the east and Lake Mead's Echo Bay to the south.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Visit October through April. Summer heat regularly tops 100°F and shade is nonexistent.
- Carry full-day water plus an emergency reserve. There are no water sources on the byway.
- Top off fuel in Moapa Valley or Las Vegas before starting.
- Check forecasts before driving. Flash floods can fill the wash sections during summer storms.
- Stay on the designated route. The Muddy Mountains support sensitive desert tortoise habitat.
- Cell service is unreliable past the I-15 access. Carry an offline map.
- Contact the BLM Southern Nevada District Office at 702-515-5000 for current conditions.
