Trail Overview

This is an 8.5-mile alternate route on the East side of the Bitter Springs Scenic Byway in White Basin and Bitter Spring Valley. It is a shortcut that begins and ends back on the Bitter Springs Scenic Byway. This is about 2.5 miles shorter than the official Bitter Springs Scenic Byway route. Most of this route is in a wash that can get fairly soft in places, making it a challenge on a motorcycle. It does not have any major obstacles and should be fairly easy in a 4-wheeled vehicle.

Photos of Bitter Springs Alternate

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Difficulty

Soft sand sections are a challenge on a motorcycle.

Technical Rating

Joseph Perez

Mar 29, 2026

Open

There are two ways to get to Bitter Springs Alternate: from Lake Mead Northshore Road in the east, or from Bitter Springs via the Moapa Travel Center (Exit 75 off I-15) in the west. We came from the west, which meant going through the main Bitter Springs trail with lots of rock gardens. Even though some of those sections have bypasses, they still have plenty of football-sized rocks that get your rig articulating. That said, high clearance and airing down are a must—unlike coming from the east side. The Bitter Springs Alternate trail itself is easy and calm, aside from a couple of ledges steep enough to require a slow approach. Other than that, it’s a very pleasant drive with great sightseeing.

Kelly Johns

Dec 09, 2025

Open