Adventure along the Gold Butte Back Country Byway in Nevada
Gold Butte Back Country Byway is a scenic road across the desert, located in Clark County, in the US state of Nevada. You'll enjoy some great views of rich desert landscapes.
How long is Gold Butte Back Country Byway in NV?
The road is 99km (62 miles) long. It begins south of Mesquite off NV 170 and travels south to Gold Butte, an old mining town established in the early 1900s where precious metals were mined. The first 24 miles follow a narrow paved road suitable for passenger vehicles. Traveling east of Devil's Throat, the road is a relatively smooth gravel road that is also suitable for passenger cars. The segment heading west from Devil's Throat is a lightly maintained dirt road that requires a high-clearance, two-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle. Because of the nature of the route it is recommended that visitors on the Gold Butte Back Country Byway drive high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles.
Is the Gold Butte Back Country Byway in Nevada worth it?
The drive is definitely worth it, running into Southern Nevada’s most beautiful and rich desert landscapes. Don’t forget your camera! Long stretches of open desert along the west side of the Virgin Mountains leads to Whitney Pocket, an historic and scenic area nestled among outcrops of colorful red and white sandstone. Beyond Whitney Pocket, the road becomes graded dirt and the real wildness starts. Continuing south leads to places such as Gold Butte Townsite, Devil's Throat, the Gold Butte Backcountry Byway, Scanlon Dugway, and a whole lot of grand scenery. Primitive camping and hiking are available along the byway. You'll enjoy some great views and plenty of opportunities to see desert wildlife, ancient petroglyphs, sinkholes and red and white sandstone formations.
Is the Gold Butte Back Country Byway in NV remote?
Tucked away in the southern part of Nevada state, proper preparation is essential to having a safe trip on this road. It travels through some of the most remote landscapes of the state in a vast desolate desert expanse. It’s not a place where you can just pull out your cell phone and call for help. This is a wild and remote area without services of any kind (no restrooms, no water, no gas, no food). Bring what you need to survive. Be prepared and be self-reliant. Packing some camping gear is a good idea too, even if the plan only calls for a day trip. A BLM Ranger patrols the area, but it is a big place out there. Someone will find you eventually if you stay on a main road, but be prepared to survive alone for a day or two. Be sure that your vehicle is reliable, because the towing charges from a remote location can break the bank.
When is the best time to drive the Gold Butte Back Country Byway in NV?
Located near the Arizona border, the road remains open year-round and is the gateway to the wild and rugged Gold Butte Region. The best time to drive the road is March and April, when some dazzling wildflower displays. After the month of May, it can be too hot to visit and it is definitely too hot to visit between June and mid-September.
Pic: Cristopher M
