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.