The Buckhorn scenic drive is in northeast California about 50 miles northeast of Susanville. It begins east of Ravendale on Lassen County Road 526. The byway follows Buckhorn Road for 31 miles and ends in Nevada at the junction with NV 447, northeast of Gerlach. Buckhorn Road is a single-lane gravel road that can safely be driven in a two-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicle. The byway travels across some fairly remote country. Other vehicles may not pass through for one or two days; be prepared for any road emergencies. The byway is usually passable from mid-May through mid-November. Snow closes the road in winter; heavy rain can also cause the byway to become impassable.
Buckhorn Back Country Byway travels across the primitive expanses of the Great Basin Plateau through sagebrush-covered hills and stands of aspen, mountain mahogany, and juniper. Small herds of wild horses can occasionally be seen roaming the open range. More commonly seen, however, are pronghorn antelope and mule deer. Coyotes also inhabit the area, but are usually heard rather than seen. Two intermittent dry lakes provide habitat for ducks, geese and other waterfowl during spring.
There are no developed campgrounds along the byway, however, the BLM permits overnight camping nearly anywhere on BLM-administered lands. To the north of the byway is Modoc National Forest where camping facilities may be found.