BLM Back Country Byways

US Map of BLM Byways






Unless otherwise stated, BLM Back Country Byways can accommodate normal touring cars. (Road Type I)

Sort by State Byway Index

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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  • American Basin Along Alpine LoopAlpine Loop (Colorado)

    This route winds its way to an elevation of 12,800 feet, crossing Engineer and Cinnamon Passes. The rugged scenery includes river meadows, alpine tundra, ghost towns, ore mills, abundant summer wildflowers and impressive fall colors.

    Portions of this byway may require a 4-wheel drive vehicle. (Road Type III)

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  • Vanishing into the DistanceBarrel Springs Back Country Byway (Nevada, California)

    This route in the northern corners of California and Nevada travels through rugged terrain perfect for wildlife viewing. Historical buildings and evidence of emigrant life remain along the route, testifying of early settlers' trials on the frontier.

    Portions of this byway may require a high-clearance type vehicle. (Road Type II)

  • Indian Chipping Area Near the Big Sheep Creek Back Country BywayBig Sheep Creek Back Country Byway (Montana)

    Big Sheep Creek Byway is located near Dell, 24 miles north of the Montana-Idaho state line. The road is mostly two-lane gravel with a few side roads that lead to the foot of the Rocky Mountains and provide many opportunities for solitude and exploration.

  • Welcome to Big Sky Back Country BywayBig Sky Back Country Byway (Montana)

    Crossing a variety of different landscapes across vast Montana wilderness, Big Sky Back Country Byway follows much of the Regina-Yellowstone Trail, once used as the principal route from Canada to the famed National Park.

  • Muddy Mountains on Bitter Springs Back Country BywayBitter Springs Back Country Byway (Nevada)

    Bitter Springs Back Country Byway offers more than a drive with many rock formations, like the Muddy Mountains and colorful sandstone for sightseeing.

    Portions of this byway may require a high-clearance type vehicle. (Road Type II)

  • Black Hills SignBlack Hills Back Country Byway (Arizona)

    Black Hills Back Country Byway is the perfect place for experienced mountain bikers and four-wheel-drive enthusiasts to test their skills. For some quiet time, take a hike along the numerous nature trails and end up at a natural hot springs.

    Portions of this byway may require a 4-wheel drive vehicle. (Road Type III)

  • Desert Scenery Along Bradshaw TrailBradshaw Trail (California)

    This BLM Back Country Byway follows historic desert trails steeped in western lore and showcasing spectacular scenery.

    Portions of this byway may require a 4-wheel drive vehicle. (Road Type III)

  • Buckhorn Back Country Byway (Nevada, California)

    Famous for wild animals, including horses and burros, the unique Ponderosa Pine Dunes, and wet season waterfowl, Buckhorn Backcountry Byway is the perfect way to enjoy nature up close.

    Portions of this byway may require a high-clearance type vehicle. (Road Type II)

  • View to Water Pocket Fold and Henry MountainsBull Creek Pass National Back Country Byway (Utah)

    Bull Creek Pass National Back Country Byway travels through the Henry Mountains, surrounded by tall walls of granite.

    Portions of this byway may require a 4-wheel drive vehicle. (Road Type III)

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  • Reflecting Waters Along the California TrailCalifornia Trail Back Country Byway (Nevada)

    The California Trail Back Country Byway parallels a portion of the California National Historic Trail, which saw over 250,000 immigrants make their way from Independence, Missouri to California over 150 years ago.

  • Chain of Craters Back Country BywayChain of Craters Back Country Byway (New Mexico)

    Chain of Craters Back Country Byway follows New Mexico County Road 42, showcasing the Chain of Craters and providing access to the Continental Divide Trail and to other attractions.

    Portions of this byway may require a high-clearance type vehicle. (Road Type II)

  • Chimney Peak Back Country BywayChimney Peak Back Country Byway (California)

    Chimney Peak Back Country Byway is a rugged trek through some of California's best desert landscapes, passing over 50,000 acres of designated wilderness.

    Portions of this byway may require a high-clearance type vehicle. (Road Type II)

  • Dune Buggy on the Christmas Valley Sand DunesChristmas Valley Back Country Byway (Oregon)

    Christmas Valley provides the best of nature. The 93-mile loop runs through breathtaking high desert landscapes, by Fossil Lake, and up to Lost Forest where you can learn about the prehistoric creatures that once lived there.

    Portions of this byway may require a high-clearance type vehicle. (Road Type I, II)

  • Cow Creek Tour Route at Betty CreekCow Creek Tour Route (Oregon)

    A refreshing break from the steady highway pace, this 45-mile detour wanders alongside Cow Creek as it dips through the coastal mountain range of Oregon. Along the route are quaint farms and ranches, and stately forests.

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  • Fort Churchill to Wellington Back Country Byway (Nevada)

    The Back Country Byway spans 67 miles beginning in Fort Churchill and ending in Wellington. Fort Churchill was built in order to protect the Pony Express riders and settlers against the Indians in the area.

    Portions of this byway may require a high-clearance type vehicle. (Road Type II)

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  • Land of TreesGalice to Hellgate Back Country Byway (Oregon)

    Travel through a deep river canyon and steep mountain slopes. Enjoy a day of white water rafting, fishing or a guided tour along the Rogue River when you visit the Galice to Hellgate National Back Country Byway.

  • Sand Park CemeteryGarnet Back Country Byway (Montana)

    The Garnet Back Country byway lies in the midst of the mountainous wilderness punctuated by the Garnet ghost town. Picnic, cross-country ski, snowshoe, horseback ride, hike, snowmobile, camp, and stop by the ghost town visitor center to take advantage of all this scenic byway has to offer.

    Portions of this route are narrow trails, suitable only for bikes, snowmobiles, ATVs or similar vehicles. (Road Type IV)

  • Aspens on the Gold Belt TourGold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway (Colorado) one of America's Byways

    The Gold Belt Tour follows historic railroad and stagecoach routes leading to North America's greatest gold camp, three world-class fossil sites, and numerous historic sites. The Shelf and Phantom Canyon Roads cut along unpaved routes through winding canyons. Five byway communities allow a glimpse into this area's rich heritage.

    Portions of this byway may require a 4-wheel drive vehicle. (Road Type III)

  • Gold Butte Back Country BywayGold Butte Back Country Byway (Nevada)

    The Gold Butte Back Country Byway travels across 62 miles of Nevada desert. The town of Gold Butte stands as an old mining town established in the early 1900s where precious metals such as gold, copper, zinc, and lead were mined.

    Portions of this byway may require a high-clearance type vehicle. (Road Type II)

  • Rogue River RanchGrave Creek to Marial Back Country Byway (Oregon)

    Explore the rugged mountains and canyons north of the Rogue River in the southwestern part of Oregon as you climb from the Rogue River's narrow gorge over the ragged ridges of the Siskiyou Mountains and down to the settlement of Marial.

  • View from Kiosk ThreeGuadalupe Back Country Byway (New Mexico)

    This backway follows NM-137 in southern New Mexico. It begins at the NM-137/US-285 junction near Brantley Dam State Park and proceeds southwest to Sitting Bull Falls in the Lincoln National Forest.

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  • Harquahala Mountain Back Country SignHarquahala Mountain Back Country Byway (Arizona)

    The Harquahala Mountain Byway runs through the 22,880-acre Harquahala Mountains Wilderness and contains an interesting observatory on top of Arizona's highest mountain.

    Portions of this byway may require a 4-wheel drive vehicle. (Road Type III)

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  • Ghost Town Ruins on the Lake Valley Scenic BywayLake Valley Back Country Byway (New Mexico)

    This backway is nestled between the Mimbres and Caballo Mountains and the Cookes Range in southwestern New Mexico. Drive NM 152 and 27 between Las Cruces and Truth or Consequences, near a string of lakes and reservoirs.

  • Warner WetlandsLakeview to Steens Mountain Back Country Byway (Oregon)

    The Lakeview to Steens Mountain Back Country Byway provides an excellent opportunity to take in scenic forested lands, wetlands, and a wide range of recreational activities.

    Portions of this byway may require a high-clearance type vehicle. (Road Type I, II)

  • Slump Gulch on the Idaho Lewis and Clark TrailLewis and Clark Back Country Byway (Idaho)

    Explore two National Trails, visit the homeland of Sacajawea and the Lemhi Shoshone, enjoy beautiful scenic vistas and observe the abundant wildlife. You can see how nature and humans have shaped the landscape, from wildfires and critical habitats.

  • New Mexico / Colorado Border on Los Camino AntiguosLos Caminos Antiguos (Colorado)

    'The Ancient Roads' lead you to key historical areas in the San Luis Valley--a high, enormous sun-baked flat between the Sangres and the San Juan foothills.

  • Lovelock Cave Back Country Byway (Nevada)

    Lovelock Cave has yielded 2,000-year-old artifacts. Among the findings to marvel at are the famous Lovelock Cave duck decoys, baskets and textiles now held in museums across the United States.

  • Prineville ReservoirLower Crooked River Back Country Byway (Oregon)

    Cross into the hilly sections of Oregon's high sagebrush desert, follow a striking river canyon and catch glimpses of the blue-green waters of the Lower Crooked River.

  • Rafting on the Lower Deschutes RiverLower Deschutes River Back Country Byway (Oregon)

    The Lower Deschutes River Byway follows the Deschutes through the multi-colored walls of a canyon made of Columbia River basalt. Fish or raft the waters of this nationally recognized river.

  • Mystic Lunar CraterLunar Crater Back Country Byway (Nevada)

    The Lunar Crater Back Country Byway is 24 miles long. It has been a National Natural Landmark since its designation in 1973.

    Portions of this byway may require a high-clearance type vehicle. (Road Type II)

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  • Missouri Breaks LandscapeMissouri Breaks Back Country Byway (Montana)

    The Missouri Breaks National Back Country Byway runs through central Montana, encompassing an area of varied geography and historical importance.

    Portions of this byway may require a high-clearance type vehicle. (Road Type II)

  • Mt. Wilson Back Country Byway (Nevada)

    Mount Wilson Back Country Byway extends over 66 miles of the Wilson Range. The gravel road winds through volcanic caldera now overgrown with piñons and junipers.

    Portions of this byway may require a high-clearance type vehicle. (Road Type II)

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  • Nestucca RiverNestucca River Back Country Byway (Oregon)

    Explore the wooded canyon of the Nestucca River Byway. The forest is a temperate rainforest and provides habitat for many different species. The canyon walls are made up of seafloor sandstones and basalts, which tell the story of when this whole area was

  • Rainbow Arching over Nine Mile Canyon RoadNine Mile Canyon Backway (Utah)

    Nine Mile Canyon is known as a major representative area of the prehistoric Fremont Culture. The canyon houses a myriad of rock panels along the main road and in side canyons.

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  • Oatman BurrosOld Route 66 - Oatman Road (Arizona)

    This desert route passes through Oatman, Arizona, whose ghost town appearance brings back the Old West. Free-roaming burros, staged gunfights, and gorgeous desert views come together to recreate a truly Western atmosphere.

  • Shoofly Oolite on the Owyhee Uplands Back Country BywayOwyhee Uplands Back Country Byway (Idaho)

    From expanses of sagebrush and wildflowers, to sheer, red-walled river canyons, the Owyhee Uplands represent what many people believe the real West is all about.

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  • Parker Dam RoadParker Dam Road (California)

    Following the Colorado River, Parker Dam Road showcases scenery, history, and recreation in one of the West's most impressive places.

  • Horse in Field on Pony Express TrailPony Express Trail National Back Country Byway (Utah)

    The Pony Express Trail National Back Country Byway takes travelers back in time to experience the Pony Express. Sites along the way tell of the historic trail's operation from 1860 to 1861; it also details stagecoach travel.

    Portions of this byway may require a high-clearance type vehicle. (Road Type II)

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  • Quartzville RiverQuartzville Road Back Country Byway (Oregon)

    Meander beside the blue-green depths of the Green Peter Reservoir and the Quartzville Creek National Wild and Scenic River as you discover a pathway of old-growth forests, highlighted with rocky outcroppings.

  • Hiking Arroyo del TajoQuebradas Back Country Byway (New Mexico)

    Quebradas Back Country Byway follows County Road A-129 to US-380, passing through two wildlife refuges.

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  • Saline Valley DunesSaline Valley Road Back Country Byway (California)

    From US-190 north to Death Valley Road near Big Pines, Saline Valley Road takes you to a little-known corner of the Death Valley ecosystem.

    Portions of this byway may require a high-clearance type vehicle. (Road Type II)

  • A Stretch of the Seminoe to Alcova Scenic BackwaySeminoe to Alcova Scenic Backway (Wyoming)

    The backway is in a remote area, but provides amazing landscape transformations while traversing the Seminoe Mountains, the Pedro Mountains, and Fremont Canyon.

    Portions of this byway may require a high-clearance type vehicle. (Road Type I, II)

  • Silver Island Mountain BikersSilver Island Mountain National Back Country Byway (Utah)

    Located 120 miles west of Salt Lake City, Silver Island Mountain National Back Country Byway follows a 54-mile loop in northwest Utah.

    Portions of this byway may require a high-clearance type vehicle. (Road Type II)

  • Homestead at Grafton, UTSmithsonian Butte National Back Country Byway (Utah)

    Take in the stunning desert landscape of Southern Utah when you drive the Smithsonian Butte Back Country Byway. All nine miles between Big Plain Junction and Rockville, UT, just south of Zion National Park's southern entrance, offer gorgeous views of the surrounding geographic wonders including the byway's namesake and Zion Canyon, not to mention the historical Grafton ghost town.

  • Brownlee Reservoir on the Snake RiverSnake River-Mormon Basin Back Country Byway (Oregon)

    The Snake River/Mormon Basin Back Country Byway provides you with amazing sights. The route is full of towering river canyons, aspen lined meadows, flowered basins, and timbered mountains teeming with wildlife.

    Portions of this byway may require a high-clearance type vehicle. (Road Type I, II)

  • The Byway Near the Big Horn MountainsSouth Big Horn/Red Wall Scenic Backway (Wyoming)

    The South Big Horn/Red Wall Back Country Byway is a 100-mile mostly gravel road that traverses the antelope-dotted prairies northwest of Casper travels up into the Big Horn Mountains, and drops back onto the prairie.

    Portions of this byway may require a high-clearance type vehicle. (Road Type II)

  • South Fork-Alsea River Back Country BywaySouth Fork-Alsea River Back Country Byway (Oregon)

    The South Fork-Alsea River Back Country Byway parallels the river, which is always in sight. The byway provides ample turn-outs for viewing the timbered landscape and local wildlife.

  • South Fork John Day River Back Country BywaySouth Fork John Day River Back Country Byway (Oregon)

    Drive along the South Fork John Day River and enjoy the majestic old growth local trees. This byway is a prime place to view a variety of wildlife.

  • Big Indian Gorge and Rooster CombSteens Mountain Back Country Byway (Oregon)

    The Steens Mountain Back Country Byway climbs over 9,733-foot-high Steens Mountain, the highest peak in southeastern Oregon.

    Portions of this byway may require a high-clearance type vehicle. (Road Type I, II)

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  • View of the Great Salt Lake from the Transcontinental Railroad BywayTranscontinental Railroad Back Country Byway (Utah)

    Although one might look at Utah’s northwestern region and see nothing but vast, isolated desert, a sharp observer would see a historical playground distinguished by the Transcontinental Backcountry Byway.

    Portions of this byway may require a high-clearance type vehicle. (Road Type II)

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  • Sunlight over Carson National ForestWild Rivers Back Country Scenic Byway (New Mexico)

    The Wild Rivers Back Country Scenic Byway follows the Rio Grande Gorge in the north-central area of New Mexico, near the village of Questa.

Back Country Byway Road Types [back to top]

Type I:

Roads that can accommodate normal touring cars. These roads are paved or have an all weather surface and have grades that are negotiable by a normal touring car. These roads are usually narrow, slow speed, secondary roads.

Type II:

Roads which require high-clearance type vehicles. These roads are usually not paved but may have some type of surfacing. Grades, curves and road surfaces are such that they can be negotiated with a two wheel drive high clearance vehicle without undue difficulty.

Type III:

Roads which require 4-wheel drive vehicles or other specialized vehicles such as dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles ATV’s), etc. These roads are usually not surfaced. However, the roads are maintained for safety and resource protection purposes. They have grades, tread surfaces and other characteristics that will require specialized vehicles to negotiate.

Type IV:

Trails that are managed to accommodate dirt bike, mountain bike, snowmobile or ATV use. They are usually single track trails.

Tips for Visiting Back Country Byways [back to top]

Remember—Safety First.

Be prepared. Check weather and road conditions before departing. Carry appropriate equipment for back country conditions and always be prepared for weather changes and emergencies.

Visit www.blm.gov for information about how the Bureau of Land Management administers public lands.

Please take care of yourself and the environment

  • Check weather and road conditions ahead of time
  • Bring area-specific maps and route descriptions
  • Carry plenty of water
  • Bring adequate fuel
  • Carry a spare tire, jack, tools, shovel, blanket, etc.
  • Remember that signing and fencing are for your safety
  • Tread Lightly on the land

For travel tips visit treadlightly.org

* The National Landscape Conservation System continues to grow as special areas are designated. Visit BLM's website periodically for updated information: www.blm.gov.