Join Frank Golden and the Friends of Gold Butte as we explore Valatier Wash and Paradise Valley, a hidden world that is rarely visited. This is a moderate hike. It is 4 miles in length and has an elevation change of 250 feet. We will first hike up a gentle wash lined with sand-gravel beds with some larger rocks to step over. Passing through the gap carved out by Valatier Wash, we witness the power of erosion by wind, water and time on the limestone cliffs. We depart Valatier Wash though a small pour over to emerge into Paradise Valley. This valley is aptly named as the the magical beauty bursts before us. There are pockets of red sandstone outcroppings and the imposing Tramp Ridge before us. We continue our hike on trails created by feral burros who claim this valley as their home. We’ll pass through another gap in the ridge and explore a small cavity used by travelers from previous generations. Following the gentle contours of the ridge, we arrive back to our start point. As this is a shorter hike than many others, ample time exists to explore rock formations and observe wild life. A pair of binoculars will come in handy for this. At a minimum, we will see at least one brontosaurus!

This hike is rated as moderate due to the distance. We will hike at a comfortable pace to allow for photography, observing wildlife and some discussions on geology and biology. Please wear sturdy shoes or boots with ankle support. Trekking poles may be helpful for some. Please wear breathable clothing and dress in layers. And please don’t forget your hat and sunglasses. Also, bring sunscreen, water, lunch, and snacks, your 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. As with most of Gold Butte National Monument, there is no cell phone coverage in this area. 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. Due to Covid-19 we are currently not offering carpooling. We will remain on Gold Butte Road so sedans should be able to make it although high clearance vehicles are recommended. We will meet at the “Kiosk,” the junction of Gold Butte Road and Riverside Road (dirt parking lot) at 8:00 am and hopefully return by 3:30pm.

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