Bitter Springs
Vehicle Requirements:
4WD
Recovery gear
Comms (the phone signal is very spotty)
Off road tires (all terrains or mud terrains)
Elevation Gain: 1,797 feet
Length: 26.2 miles
GPS: This trail is listed on ONX
Trail Experience: Beginner to Novice
DW Trail Rating: 2
Forms: Download the release form here. All drivers and passengers must provide a completed form the day of the event to be allowed on the run. Download it now and fill it out before you come out!
Detailed Trail Description: Bitter Springs Backcountry Byway is primarily an easy dirt road. There are optional washes with obstacles for those who want to begin exploring what their Jeep is capable of or just want more of a challenge. Even a stock Rubicon with 33” tires will scrape on some of these obstacles but will have no problem going over them. As noted, all these obstacles are optional. There are several scenic areas including CCC (Eagle) Dam that make good stopping points. A small hike over the dam will take you to petroglyphs. The landscape is multicolored sandstone formations known as the Buffington Pockets. You will cross tracks from the Old Spanish trail created by the Spanish around 1776. This area has attracted people throughout time due to the springs and water holes. There are plenty of extraordinary views and vistas to be seen along the byway. Wildlife in the area includes wild horses and bighorn sheep. You can either exit the trail at North Shore Rd (HWY 167) or continue the trail which will take you to Echo Bay. Continuing into Lake Mead will require you to have either an Annual National Park Pass or Lake Mead Pass.
Please note these trails are subject to change and this was written\updated the last time the trail was run. Just a small amount of rain can significantly change a trail and make it more difficult and potentially even impassable. Many trails are not frequently maintained.
External Links:
https://www.trailsoffroad.com/trails/1070-bitter-springs-back-country-byway
https://www.lasvegasjeeptrails.com/jeep-trails/Lake-Mead-Area/Bitter-Springs-Trail/
