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The most complete guide to Southern Nevada's mining history.
Thanks again to everyone who spent their day with us. Always great to see regular faces and meet new people. Hopefully, we'll get to see you all again very soon.
This route along Bitter Springs Trail began at the north Moapa/Valley of Fire side and ended along the north shore of Lake Mead. Taking this route also bypasses the fee stations. Now that the park fees have been raised to $25 per vehicle, our group saved several hundred dollars in fees. We do enjoy the lake, but if you're cheap like me, $25 is a steep price to pay.
Something you might want to consider is the America the Beautiful parks pass. Locally, the pass allows entry into:
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
It does not cover Valley of Fire or any other State Parks.
https://www.recreation.gov/pass/atb
I do have to apologize for misrepresenting the trail conditions. It's been a while since we last visited the area and at that time, there was still an active mining operation using the trail. When there's an active mine, they are responsible for upkeep of the trail. At that time, a slow moving vehicle could have made its way through the trail. Since then, the mine has closed. No trail maintenance and the exceptional amount of rain we've had has greatly deteriorated the trail conditions. 4 wheel drive is still not needed, but a high clearance vehicle is now a requirement.
We completed the trail at the shores of Lake Mead. Despite an unusually rainy season, the lake levels continue to drop. Not long ago, boats were able to launch on either side of the approach trail east of Government Wash. A couple years ago, the levels were so low, we were able to swim out to Sand Island. Now, the levels are so low, we were able to drive out to Sand Island and park beyond the island marker light.
April 6, 2019
Bitter Springs Trail
Clark County, Nevada