Tucked in the shadow of Virgin Peak, are imposing limestone formations that rival the landmarks of Yosemite National Park. But, they are here in our back yard, at Gold Butte National Monument.

Join Frank Golden and the Friends of Gold Butte for this inaugural hike through a magical canyon leading to an enchanted pinyon-juniper forest that is guarded by two massive limestone outcroppings.

The hike is 5.0 miles (round trip) with elevation change of about 1,100 feet. The slope is very gentle so it is quite manageable. The last quarter mile is a tiny bit steeper but not too scary. Most of the hike will be on gravel (old jeep trail and washes), so a hiking stick or trekking poles may be helpful for balance. Hiking boots with ankle support are strongly recommended. This hike is rated as strenuous due to the distance and elevation. We will hike at a slow/comfortable pace to allow for photography, observing wildlife and some discussions on geology and biology during breaks. Expect the air temperature to be about 10 degrees cooler than Mesquite so a light jacket and gloves will come in handy.

The trail begins at Whitney Coral (on Black Rock Mountain/Virgin Peak Rd. As such, high clearance 4×4 vehicles are required. Please comment if you have 4×4 or need to carpool when signing up.

We will meet at the “Kiosk”, the junction of Gold Butte Road and Riverside Road (dirt parking lot) at 8:00am and expect to return by 4:00pm.
For all hikes, please wear sturdy shoes/boots, breathable clothes, and a hat. It’s a good idea to dress in layers. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, water, lunch, and snacks, PPE and hand sanitizer. We will be practicing social distancing, so please be cognizant of your proximity to others. There are no stores or facilities in Gold Butte; be prepared to pee in the bushes. We practice Leave No Trace ethics so be prepared to carry out everything you bring in.

All of our hikes are free and open to the public. But please be in reasonable shape and health to be able to complete the hike.

If you register for this hike and then aren’t able to go, please remove yourself from the “going” list and let one of the organizers know. This will allow someone on the waitlist to be notified and plan to attend. We understand that things come up last minute, but if you do not notify us and just do not show up, you will be tagged as a “no-show” and that could result in your not being permitted to register for future events. It is suggested that you give 48 hours notice if you’re not able to attend. We know that’s not always possible, especially in the case of illness, but please be courteous and let us know!!

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; and the assumption of risk statement found at In-person Assumption of Risk