Join the Friends of Gold Butte and hike leader Frank Golden as we trek across Black Ridge through a gap among the hills and metamorphic rock outcroppings.
Black Ridge ???? Where is that? If you’ve been to Gold Butte National Monuments (GBNM), you have driven past it, though chances are you never knew its name. Black Ridge is the line of low peaks and hills that extends to the southwest (to the right) just as you are crossing the GBNM boundary sign on Gold Butte Road. Little Virgin Peak stands at the eastern end of the ridge. In other words, as you are driving into the monument, it is on your right hand side.
This hike is rated as moderate for distance and elevation change. The distance is a little over 4 miles (round trip) with an elevation gain of about 600 ft. Most of the hike is in a wash with gravel and small rocks on a gentle incline. But we will also encounter some rocky outcroppings as we climb a 250 ft hill. There is a short steep section but we will employ the switch back technique, thus making it manageable. Along the hike we will see numerous clusters of cactus among metamorphic rock outcroppings. The view from the hill at the southern terminus of the hike is spectacular. It also makes for a great place to have our lunch. As with all hikes with Frank, we will go at a slow pace with numerous breaks for taking pictures and enjoying the journey. During stops, you can expect focused discussions on topics of scientific interest. A funny story or two (some true, others not so much) may also be shared.
A short explanation and demonstration of the app iNaturalist will be given. Participants are encouraged to download this app onto their smart-phone.
Trekking poles will help most hikers with balance. Sturdy boots and long pants/jeans would also help protect against brushing up against a cholla cactus. A wide brim hat and sunglasses will also help keep you comfortable. Please don’t forget fluids and lunch/snacks.
The road to the trailhead is one mile from Gold Butte Road and requires 4 wheel drive/high clearance.
We will meet at the junction of Gold Butte Road and Riverside Road (dirt parking lot) at 9:00 AM and plan to return no later than 3:30 PM.
All of our hikes are free and open to the public. Due to Covid-19 we are currently not coordinating carpooling, but you are welcome to do so.
Be sure to wear sturdy shoes/boots, and bring a wind-proof jacket and a hat. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, water, lunch, and snacks. Please be prepared to practice social distancing. There are no stores or facilities in Gold Butte; be prepared to pee in the bushes.
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; and the assumption of risk statement found at In-person Assumption of Risk