Hidden Gem of the Southwest Gold Butte is located between the Grand Canyon Parashant National Monument, Arizona, and Lake Mead National Recreation Area, just south of the City of Mesquite.
Natural Beauty You'll find natural beauty around every bend. Stunning cactii flowers, ancient joshua trees, and interesting rock formations are spread throughout Gold Butte's vast landscape.
Thousands of Years of History Native Americans have been dependent on the Gold Butte area for over 3,000 years. This traditional travel zone is filled with stories of the past through artifacts and ancient writings. Areas of habitation dot the landscape: rock shelters with blackened roofs, middens of charcoal soil littered with broken pottery, and rock tools.
Lots to Explore Our recent hike to Billy Goat Peak separated the real Billy Goats in the crowd! Of the 6 of us only three made the peak this day. Spots of snow covering the north slope made blazing the trail challenging. For those of us that only made it half way an incredible view of the landscape was enjoyed. The 360 degree view included the Virgin Mountains, Lake Mead, the rugged ridges of southern Gold Butte and the Grand Wash Cliffs in AZ.
Fascinating Geology Unique shapes of sandstone leftover from ancient oceans show up as interesting shapes and colors. You may even find a fossil of a sea creature embedded in the stone.
Let’s Protect Her for Generations to Come There's so much history, culture, and biological diversity to enjoy. It's important that we recognize this and do what we can to put protection in place that guarantees everyone can enjoy Gold Butte today and into the future.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who can join the Friends of Gold Butte?
  • What is a National Conservation Area (NCA)?
  • What is the benefit of National Conservation Area designation?
  • How can I help to protect Gold Butte?
  • How do I get to Gold Butte?
  • What do I need to know before I visit Gold Butte?
To find out the answers to these questions, click here.

Video of Gold Butte

About Gold Butte

Gold Butte is located between the Grand Canyon Parashant National Monument, Arizona, and Lake Mead National Recreation Area, just south of the City of Mesquite. It is named for the historic mining town and tent city of 1,000 miners in the early 1900’s. The town of Gold Butte, long abandoned, now attracts visitors interested in early pioneer history, ranching and ghost towns.

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Cultural History

Volunteer Opportunities

Friends of Gold Butte would love to have you join our growing group of volunteers. We can always use help:

  • Organizing group hikes
  • Sharing our efforts at local events
  • Participating in Gold Butte improvement projects
  • Teaching others about the benefits of protecting natural resources
  • Advocating to influential leaders

Email us at:friendsof goldbutte@gmail.com.