Join James & Jenny Conwell and the Friends of Gold Butte as we hike Whitney Wash, an interesting hike into a broad amphitheater that hides striking red sandstone cliffs over-topped by towering limestone slopes and peaks. This hike is moderately strenuous due to the distance and the hiking surface. The hike is about 4 miles round trip with a 400 foot total elevation gain. We will follow an old jeep trail for a short distance before dropping onto Whitney Wash. The hiking surface in the wash is typical with sections of sand, gravel, and larger rocks. Along the way we will look for fossils and wildlife. We’ll take numerous breaks for focused discussions on various topics, and stop for lunch on a polished sandstone dry fall/cascade at the base of the canyon with grand views all around. We will simple retrace our path for the return trip back to the trailhead. We expect to be back at the kiosk no later than 4 PM. A contour map of our path can be found below in the photos section.

A preview of the hike can be seen here (note: I use a different trailhead): https://www.relive.cc/view/v36APjkErZO

We’ll meet at 9:00 AM at the kiosk in the parking area at the junction of Gold Butte Road and Highway 170 and caravan to the trailhead. The start of this hike is near Whitney Pocket. All vehicles should be able to get to the trailhead on the pot-hole riddled Gold Butte Road, but note that there are several short sections of packed sand/gravel. We are currently not organizing carpooling but you are welcome to make your own arrangements to do so. It is understood that if you arrive at the Meetup with someone who does not reside in your household that you are comfortable with any risk of contracting Covid-19 or any other illness and are doing so of your own volition.

Wear sturdy boots. Some sections of the wash has larger rocks that you will walk on. Long pants are suggested to protect your legs. Trekking poles may help some with balance. Please dress for the weather in layers. Remember your hat, sun screen, lunch/snacks and fluids.

We are pleased to offer all of our events to the public at no charge. Please, if you register for this hike and are unable to attend, take yourself off the “going” list and/or let one of the organizers know in sufficient time to let waitlisted people participate. We understand that last-minute things happen, but if possible be courteous and give at least 48 hours notice. If you register and then do not let us know that you won’t be attending but just fail to show up, you will be tagged as a “no-show” and this may result in your not being permitted to register for future events that have a participant limit. Please be courteous!

Gold Butte National Monument is primitive and has no services of any kind. Event participants must bring and carry their own water, food, sunscreen, basic first-aid items, any medications (e.g., EpiPen or asthma inhalers, etc.) a participant may need, and any other supplies they may want or need while participating in the event. Participants must wear appropriate footwear for the event (for example, for trash-clean-up events, sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots would be appropriate). Participants are strongly encouraged to wear broad-brimmed hats and dress in weather-appropriate clothing when participating outdoors. Participants are reminded to be plant and animal aware at all times. Finally, if the event necessitates, participants are strongly encouraged to provide their medical information (pre-existing conditions, medications, etc.) and their Emergency Contact information (name and phone number) on a card or piece of paper in a sealed envelope with their name on the outside. The volunteer organizer will collect and hold the envelopes during the event and return them, unopened, at the conclusion of the event if they are not needed. Please also review the statement found at this link, which all participants must sign before going on this hike. In-person Assumption of Risk