Portland Mine Traverse

The Portland Mine Traverse is an ideal desert trek for beginners, families, and scenic tourers looking to explore the rugged beauty of the Black Mountain range with minimal technical difficulty. Spanning approximately 22.4 miles from the Lake Mead View Trail down toward Katherine's Landing, this point-to-point route offers an accessible adventure through dramatic desert terrain with elevations ranging from 856 feet near the lake to over 3,940 feet in the mountains. Stock four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles, as well as SxSs, can easily navigate the primarily dirt and gravel surface, which features mild elevation changes and gradual slopes. Along the way, drivers will be treated to sweeping vistas of Lake Mohave, stunning geological formations, and desert washes, with the route officially crossing into the scenic Lake Mead National Recreation Area around the 8.6-mile mark. As the trail descends through the rugged canyons, the route passes near the historic and currently idle Portland Mine, providing a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich mining history. Because this is a remote desert environment with summer temperatures easily exceeding 100 degrees, the best seasons to complete this traverse are from late fall through early spring. Drivers should ensure vehicles are fully fueled and carry plenty of extra water, as services are non-existent until reaching the recreational hub at Katherine’s Landing. To access the trailhead, offroaders can take Cottonwood Road off US Highway 93 and connect to the Lake Mead View Trail near Lost Cabin Spring, choosing either the shorter eastern route or the highly scenic western alternative.