gold butte hikers

Hiking Descriptions and Tips Guide

Welcome to the wonderful world of hiking in Gold Butte National Monument! We’re thrilled you’re joining us for an adventure. To ensure you have the best possible experience, it’s important for you to properly interpret our hike descriptions. This will help you choose trails that match your fitness level and experience, and it will ensure that you are properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable outing.

Key Elements of a Hike Description

Here’s a breakdown of the common elements you’ll find in our hike descriptions, and what they mean:

Distance
Distance: This indicates the total length of the hike, measured in miles. A 3-mile hike will require less stamina than a 10-mile hike. Be realistic about your current fitness level but, distance is not a good way to judge whether a trail is good for you (hint: read on).

  • Example: “This is a 5-mile trail” means you’ll hike 2.5 miles to a destination and then 2.5 miles back to the starting point, hike a 5-mile loop, or hike 5 miles to a different trailhead.

Elevation Gain
Elevation Gain: This refers to the total vertical elevation gain throughout the hike. It’s a crucial factor in determining the difficulty of a hike, but descriptions can be misleading. A hike with 100 feet of elevation gain will be less challenging than one with 500 feet. It is important to determine how the elevation gains are distributed. For example, if a hike climbs 500 feet over 5 miles of gradual and consistent incline, the hike might be easy. If however, the hike goes over 4.5 flat miles, then climbs 500 feet in the last half-mile, it might be strenuous. Hike leaders should include this information if it is relevant.

  • Example: “On this 5-mile out-and-back hike, we will climb 1,000 feet over 2.5 miles to the summit; there are some steep parts, but they are short.”

Terrain
This describes the type of ground you’ll be covering. It might include:

    • Well-maintained trails: Even surfaces, clear of obstacles.
    • Rocky trails: Uneven terrain with loose rocks, requiring careful footing.
    • Sandy washes: Soft sand can make hiking more strenuous.
    • Off-trail: No established trail, requiring route-finding and potentially bushwhacking.
    • Rock Scrambling: Climbing over and around boulders, usually with limited heights, but always with some danger of short falls.

Exposure is another terrain feature: Some trails have high, steep drop-offs where people can fall. These are referred to as exposed sections or just exposure. For those uncomfortable with heights, choose trails with minimal exposure.

  • Example: The trail is mostly well-maintained with some rocky scrambling (minimal exposure) near the summit.

Difficulty
Friends of Gold Butte typically rate hikes as Easy, Moderate, or Strenuous. This rating considers distance, elevation change, terrain, exposure, and other relevant factors.

    • Easy: Generally shorter hikes with minimal elevation gain on well-maintained trails. Suitable for beginners.
    • Moderate: Usually longer hikes with some elevation gain or varied terrain. Requires a moderate level of fitness.
    • Strenuous: Usually long distances, considerable elevation gain, and challenging terrain, but could be short and steep with exposure. Requires good physical fitness and hiking experience.

Route Type
Route types refer to the kind of trail:

    • Out-and-back hikes leave from a trailhead and continue to a destination before returning on the same trail to the trailhead.
    • Loop hikes go out by one route and return by another with relatively little or no retracing of the same trail.
    • Cherry Stem hikes go out some distance, make a small loop, and return over the same trail.
    • Shuttle hikes start at one trailhead and end at another. Usually, the trailheads are too far apart to walk between them, so trip leaders arrange to leave a vehicle at the ending trailhead.

Considerations for hiking in Gold Butte National Monument

Weather: The weather in Gold Butte can be extreme. Always check the forecast before heading out. Expect the weather to be variable over the duration of a hike; dress accordingly in layers. Cold winter mornings might yield to warm afternoons. Hot summer mornings might yield to cold afternoon thunderstorms.

    • Be prepared for hot, dry conditions during summer. Bring water, a broad-brimmed hat, and cover your skin or use sunscreen.
    • Be prepared for cold temperatures during winter. Bring an extra jacket, gloves, and a beanie. On long winter hikes when the days are short, bring enough gear to survive an unexpected night out.

Water availability: There is essentially no drinkable water in Gold Butte. Always carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months.

Navigation: Trails in Gold Butte are not marked. Consider bringing a map and compass or a GPS device.

Quick Tips for Hikers

    • Start small: Choose shorter, easier hikes to build your fitness and confidence.
    • Listen to your body: Don’t push yourself too hard. Injuries are more likely when we are tired.
    • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after a hike.
    • Be prepared: Wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and pack essential gear like sunscreen, a hat, and snacks.
    • Hike with a buddy (or on a Friends of Gold Butte organized hike): It’s always safer to hike with someone else.
    • Let someone know your plans: Tell a friend or family member where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
    • Leave no trace: Pack out everything you pack in, and try to stay on established trails to protect the fragile desert environment.

Other guides with more information:

American Hiking Society: Hiking for Beginners: The Essential Guide

Hiking 101 (Four Parts)

Hiking 101: The basics of mileage, Elevation and routes.