Bitter Springs Trail is about 45 miles northeast of Las Vegas in southeast Nevada. It can be accessed from I-15 by taking Exit 75 and then traveling east. The byway is 28 miles long and follows Bitter Springs Road, which is a single-lane dirt road that requires a two-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicle. The byway usually remains open year-round.
Bitter Springs Trail travels through the foothills of the Muddy Mountains, past abandoned mining operations, and brightly colored sandstone hills. One of the more interesting sites encountered along the route is the Bitter Ridge, a sweeping arc that cuts for eight miles across a rolling valley. Side roads invite the byway traveler to explore the many canyons, but unless you’re in a four-wheel drive vehicle, it is not recommended that you attempt to take these side roads.
Remnants of the American Borax mining operation can be seen along the byway. Several mine buildings still stand, along with 30-foot deep cisterns that were once used to hold water, mine tunnels, and adits (horizontal passages). Evidence of early human inhabitants is also found along the byway; on many of the canyon walls are pictographs and petroglyphs.
There are no developed recreational facilities directly along the byway, however, camping areas are not too far away. Valley of Fire State Park offers 50 campsites with shaded picnic tables, drinking water, restrooms, and shower facilities. Near the byway’s eastern terminus is Echo Bay Campground in Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The campground has over 150 sites with picnic tables and grills. There is also a dump station, restrooms, drinking water, a marina, and a lodge.