BLM Nevada
Bitter Springs Back Country Byway is a 28-mile route through the Muddy Mountains in southern Nevada, about 40 miles east of Las Vegas. The byway leaves Interstate 15 south of Logandale, climbs through colorful sandstone formations and the Buffington Pockets natural basins, then descends to State Route 167 near Lake Mead. The route takes about two hours of driving without stops.
The first eight miles run as graded gravel suitable for stock vehicles. Past the rock quarry near the pass summit, the surface turns rough and BLM recommends high-clearance with 4WD. The byway passes abandoned borax mines, dried river beds, and habitat for desert bighorn sheep and wild horses.
Trailhead: 36.51600, -114.59100
- Technical Difficulty
- moderate
- Length
- 28 miles
- Direction
- Point to point
- Vehicle
- High-clearance vehicle. 4WD recommended for the rough section past the rock quarry.
- Nearest town
- Moapa Valley, Nevada
- Terrain
- Graded improved road for the first 8 miles, then rough native soil through the Muddy Mountains
- Cell coverage
- Spotty near I-15; minimal in the Muddy Mountains
- Best months
- Oct, Nov, Dec, Feb, Mar, Apr
- Management
- Bureau of Land Management
- Trailhead
- 36.51600, -114.59100
Resources
Directions
From Las Vegas, drive 40 miles north on Interstate 15 to Exit 75 (Crystal/Logandale area). The byway access is on the south side of I-15. Follow the byway south for 28 miles through the Muddy Mountains; the route ends at State Route 167 (Northshore Road) along Lake Mead. Drivers can return to Las Vegas via SR-167 west to US-93 / I-15.
Approximate trailhead coordinates (north access at I-15): 36.516° N, -114.591° W.
Photos · 2
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.
Hazards
- Summer heat. Temperatures over 100°F May through September. Shade is limited and water nonexistent.
- Flash floods. Summer monsoon storms fill wash sections quickly. Check forecasts before driving.
- Rough surface past the quarry. High-clearance is required; deep ruts and embedded rocks slow progress.
- Open mine shafts. Stay on the road and out of any mine workings.
- Limited cell coverage. Service drops out within a few miles of I-15.
- Desert tortoise habitat. Stay on the designated route; cryptobiotic soil and tortoise burrows damage easily.