Overview

Interstate 15 southbound, as described here, runs south from Highway 170 (Bunkerville Road) to downtown Las Vegas (intersection of I-15 and Hwy 95; the downtown Las Vegas Spaghetti Bowl). The interstate is nothing special, just another interstate highway, but it traverses big desert with grand views and provides access to wild and amazing outdoor recreation.

There are two truck parking areas with dumpsters where Gold Butte campers can stop and throw away trash without having to take it all the way home.

Link to map.

Watch Out

Other than the standard warnings about hiking in the desert, ... this is a safe road, except of course, for drunks and whack-nuts doing stupid things at 80 mph.

While out, please respect the land and the other people out there, and try to Leave No Trace of your passage. Also, this is a remote area, so be sure to bring the 10 Essentials.

The Road

From Highway 170 (Table 1, Site 0684), Interstate 15 runs northwest climbing steeply to the top of Mormon Mesa. Just atop the mesa, there is a truck parking area with two dumpsters where campers from Gold Butte National Monument can stop and drop off their campsite garbage.

Continuing west, the highway crosses Mormon Mesa. At the far west side of the mesa, there is another truck parking area with a second chance to use a dumpster.

Descending steeply off the west side of Mormon Mesa, the interstate heads towards the Muddy River crossing. Shortly before getting to the Muddy, Exit 91 leads to the first gas station since Gold Butte. This is a good place to stop for gas, as well as food and a clean restroom. This exit also provides access to Moapa National Wildlife Refuge.

Continuing, the interstate runs southwest climbing out of the Muddy River Valley and enters the Moapa River Indian Reservation. At Exit 75, drivers can get off the interstate to buy gas, firewood, smokes, drinks, and even do a little gambling at the Moapa Tribal Plaza. Drivers can also continue east from this exit to Valley of Fire State Park and Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Beyond the Tribal Plaza, the interstate continues southwest across the open desert. Climbing over a low pass, the highway drops in to Dry Lake Valley. At the far west end of Dry Lake Valley, Exit 64 to Highway 93 leads to the eastern Nevada cities of Pioche and Ely, as well as a big truck stop with gas and food. This is also the new industrial expansion area for Las Vegas, and drivers will see several gas-fired power plants, manufacturing facilities, and a strip mine for limestone (to produce cement).

Beyond Highway 93, the interstate climbs over Apex Summit and drops into the Las Vegas Valley, this lights of which can be seen from not far past the summit.