Overview

Highway 170 Eastbound runs between Interstate 15 (Exit 112) and Mesquite, first crossing the Virgin River and passing Gold Butte Road, then running up the south side of the river through Bunkerville and into Mesquite. This highway provides access to the wild and rugged Gold Butte region. Highway 170 is a paved and well-maintained state highway.

When driving in the other direction, see Highway 170 Westbound - Mesquite to Gold Butte Road or Highway 170 Westbound - Gold Butte Road to Interstate 15.

Link to map.

Watch Out

Other than the standard warnings about being in the desert, ... this is a fairly safe highway without unusual hazards. 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 Interstate 15 (Exit 112; Site 0684), Highway 170 winds down 3.5 miles of sparsely vegetated desert hillsides towards the Virgin River.

The small historical settlement of Riverside is passed as the road runs onto the bridge over the Virgin River (Site 0685). Just across the bridge Highway 170 passes a paved road to the right (Site 0686) that leads down along the south side of the Virgin River -- this is Gold Butte Road and the start of a wild adventure into the Gold Butte region.

Continuing, Highway 170 climbs a hill steeply and bends left to run up along the south side of the Virgin River. The road eventually passes through the small town of Bunkerville and recrosses the Virgin River to enter Mesquite from the south side, ending at Mesquite Blvd (Site 1639) in the old part of town.