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Descent of Bitter Ridge from Parallel Peak
Hiking Around Las Vegas, Gold Butte National Monument
Bitter Ridge
Bitter Ridge
Summit (view W towards the false summit)

Overview

Bitter Ridge is a striking, isolated limestone ridge located on the desert flats west of Whitney Pocket and overlooking the Overton Arm of Lake Mead. From afar and from up close, the ridge is striking, and from the summit, hikers can see peaks in Nevada, Arizona, and Utah, and maybe California. See summit views.

The hike starts from the high point on Black Butte Road and climbs a steep side-ridge onto the crest of Bitter Ridge. From there, the hiking is relatively easy as the route runs southwest following the narrow ridgeline to Parallel Peak. See details of the route.

Hikers can descend over the same route, or they can use a bypass to contour around the base of the false summit. Keep an eye out over the south side of the ridge for vehicles parked at the trailhead -- you'd hate to miss the jump-off point along the top of the ridge.

Bitter Ridge
Departing the summit (view E)
Bitter Ridge
Dropping towards the saddle (note game trails on the contour)
Bitter Ridge
False Summit (view E)
Bitter Ridge
Contouring around the base of the false summit (view NE)
Bitter Ridge
Back on the main ridgeline (view NE)
Bitter Ridge
Descending the ridge (view NE)
Bitter Ridge
Approaching a knob on the ridge (view NE)
Bitter Ridge
Descending the ridge (view NE)
Bitter Ridge
Approaching the jump-off point (view NE)
Bitter Ridge
Beyond the jump-off point (view NE towards Virgin Mts.)
Bitter Ridge
jump-off point (view E)
Bitter Ridge
Starting down the steep, scree-covered side-ridge (view SE)
Bitter Ridge
Descending the steep side-ridge (view SE)
Bitter Ridge
Be sure to stop and smell the flowers during the descent
Bitter Ridge
Descending the steep side-ridge (view SE)
Bitter Ridge
Descending the now not-so-steep side-ridge (view SE)
Bitter Ridge
Descending the now not-so-steep side-ridge (view SE)
Bitter Ridge
Mining claim cairn a bit west of ascent route (view SE)
Bitter Ridge
Passing mining claim cairn with wooden post (view SE)
Bitter Ridge
Returning to the trailhead

Happy Hiking! All distances, elevations, and other facts are approximate.
copyright; Last updated 240325

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