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Bitter Springs
From Dirtopia, The Off-Road Encyclopedia
 Photo: Overview of Trail | |
| Trail Information | |
| Other Names: | Buffington Pockets |
|---|---|
| Part of: | Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada |
| Trail Length: | 25 miles |
| Trail Time: | 4 hours |
| Terrain: | Hills, Desert |
| Off-Road Use: | Licensed vehicles only |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Geography | |
| County: | Clark County, NV |
| Nearest Cities: | Las Vegas, NV |
| Map Links: | Google Map |
| Satellite Map: | |
| Special Map: | |
| GPS Start: | 36°30'1.49"N, 114°45'34.59"W |
| GPS End: | 36°18'15.16"N, 114°29'23.48"W |
| Google Earth: | [Bitter Springs KML] |
| Climate: | |
| Elevation: | 2000ft to 3600ft |
Bitter Springs is a wonderland of geology. It sits between the Valley of Fire State Park and Lake Mead National Recreation Area. You will need a High Clearance and/or 4WD vehicle to make this run.
The 28-mile long byway begins two miles east of I-15 at the Valley of Fire State Park exit. The route runs along the foothills of the Muddy Mountains, through several dry washes, past abandoned mining operations and terminates on North Shore Drive in Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Verdant desert streams, evidence of borax mining operations and geologic formations rare for this region of Nevada delight byway travelers. A high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle with narrow wheel base is recommended.
Directions
Start at the Moapa Fireworks store at I-15 and State Route 169,take State Route 169 to the south east ,the first left turn is to The Valley of Fire,otherwise continue on straight.There is fuel and food and help if needed after you exit the trail.Where State Route 169 T's off on Northshore Rd by Lake Mead,you turn left and go for roughly 2 miles,and there is a road to Echo Bay on the right hand side of the road.Follow it it all the way down and you will see food and fuel to your right.If you dont go down to the Marina,the main road leads to Logandale maybe 25-30 min drive further.If you turn right and head back SW it takes you back to Las Vegas by way of one of the Lake Mead entrances.Any 2wd or 4 wd SUV can pass the road all the way through,but do be careful of sand in the washes that can get you stuck,and washed out parts of the road.The road is also very rocky,so SUV's with street tires may not want to go,if you do,be vary careful of the sharp rocks and the puncture hazards.It is very remote,and very beautiful to drive.
Please be courteous on the trail,and pack out your trash and a little bit more.
Photo Gallery and Shouts
If you've done this trail, post a picture of your favorite spot and leave a comment!
 BF2 Junky loves his FJ Cruiser! |
