Friends of Gold Butte
At the kiosk
Junction of Highway 170 & Gold Butte Rd.
Mesquite, NV, US
Do you want to explore Gold Butte, but want to go with someone who knows the area? Join Mitch Fry for a driving tour of the Gold Butte scenic byway. We will make short stops at points of interest, hiking and camping locations, and historical sites. No hiking on this trip, but a great introduction to Gold Butte National Monument. We will see the locations of: the bajada area, Whitney Pocket, petroglyph complex, Little Finland, Mud Wash & Mud Wash Petroglyphs & Red Sand Dunes, Mud Wash narrows & Red Bluff Springs, guzzlers, Lime Canyon Wilderness, Gold Butte townsite, and Devil’s Throat.
Route preview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z51trFm5OL0
We will drive the entire Gold Butte byway loop, which is graded about once a year. There are sandy parts, rocky stretches, and a few washes. High clearance AWD or 4WD vehicles with all-terrain tires are required. A Subaru or AWD SUV can certainly do this trip with good tires (a flat can leave you stranded). No rock crawling, or scary shelf roads on this trip. The route is about 100 miles, mostly 25mph or less; with stops, this will be an all day drive.
To keep our impact on the land minimal, only 5 vehicles plus the group leader will be allowed. When you sign up, tell us how many people will be in your vehicle (no real restrictions here, but everyone must have a seat belt 🙂 Prepare your vehicle: full tank of gas, extra water for the vehicle, a spare tire and jack. Prepare as if you were driving the desert alone; while we will travel as a group, you cannot expect to rely on others if you have any problems.
FoGB activities in the monument are free and open to the public. Wear sturdy shoes; comfortable, breathable clothes; and a hat. Remember water, lunch, and sunscreen. If you register and are unable to attend, please give at least 48 hours notice. We often have a waitlist and it is courteous to allow those waiting to attend if you cannot. Tell the leader if you need to leave prior to the end of the tour, or if you wish to stay later on your own.
By registering for this event, I agree that:
My participation in Friends of Gold Butte (FoGB) activities is voluntary. I will abide by the rules of FoGB. FoGB activities involve risks, and may result in injury, illness, death, and damage to or loss of property, including but not limited to: hazards of traveling in remote areas without medical services or care, forces of nature, inherent dangers involved in participation in sports, wilderness travel, and social activities, and negligent actions of other persons or agencies. I understand that all activities are considered exploratory, with the possibility of unexpected conditions and route variations. FoGB does not provide a professional guide service. In order to participate, I accept the risk and uncertainty involved as being an integral part of the activity. I assume full responsibility for any and all risks of injury, illness, death, or damage to or loss of my property.
I, my heirs, personal or legal representatives hereby do release and hold harmless from all liability, and promise not to bring any suit or claim against FoGB, its activity organizers, directors, agents or representatives for any injury, illness, death or damage and loss of property resulting from my participation in any FoGB activity even if they negligently caused the injury or damage. If it becomes necessary for FoGB, or someone on their behalf, to incur attorney fees and costs to enforce this agreement, I agree to pay the FoGB reasonable costs and fees thereby expended, or for which liability is incurred.
I understand that FoGB strongly recommends that I maintain insurance sufficient to cover any injury, illness or property damage I may incur while participating in FoGB activities. In the event of injury, illness or death related to any FoGB activity I, or my estate, will bear the full cost of my evacuation or recovery, and any related medical care that I may need. I acknowledge that FoGB carries a limited accident insurance for participants in FoGB activities and the total medical expenses exceeding policy limits are my responsibility.
It is my responsibility to evaluate the difficulties of any FoGB activity I participate in, and decide if I am prepared by having the experience, skill, knowledge, equipment, and the physical and emotional stamina to participate safely. I understand the health and physical-condition requirements of this activity. I will explain any medical conditions or physical limitations to the activity leader.
FoGB may use photographs, video, and testimonials from me taken during this activity with or without my name for any lawful purpose. I have read and understand this entire document. It affects my legal rights, and I agree to be bound by its terms. I am at least 18 years old. I will respect the guidelines for visiting cultural/historic sites and practice Leave No Trace ethics when visiting Gold Butte.