Take a different path to gain a new perspective on a favorite overlook. Join hike leader Frank Golden and the Friends of Gold Butte on this amazing adventure to the western rim of Gold Butte’s Cauldron of Fire**. Gaze into the “flames” and marvel at its grandeur.

**Previously, some people called it the “Bowl of Fire” but that name already exists at Lake Meade NRA… so I’m calling it Cauldron of Fire to avoid the confusion.

This is a moderately strenuous hike for its distance of 6 miles round trip. The total elevation gain of 700 feet is not too challenging as the slope is very gentle. Our pace will be slow enough to take picture and we’ll also stop occasionally for discussions relating to the area’s natural history. Though we will be hiking at a comfortable pace, you will still need to be in reasonable shape to complete the 6 mile hike. About half of the hike is in a wash with mostly gravel and some grapefruit/watermelon sized rocks. We will also follow the remnants of an old rancher’s road that is slowly being reclaimed by nature via vegetation and erosion. Sturdy boots with ankle support are recommended. Long pants are suggested to protect your legs. Trekking poles may help some with balance. Please dress in layers to adjust to changing temperatures. Please bring a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and sun screen. Please bring your lunch, snacks, and water/sports drinks.

Our path leads us through a gap in a ridge as we follow the valley upstream. There are steep cliffs that showcase the sedimentary nature of the limestone rock layers. We’ll pass through a small opening between two smaller hills. This track leads us to a hidden forest of Joshua Trees. We’ll crest a low ridge that brings into view the red sandstone outcroppings that lie under the limestone peaks, that make up the southern edge of the Virgin Mountains. In another quarter mile, you will stand on a point that offers an unobstructed view into the cauldron and the valley leading south to Whitney Pocket and beyond. Members who have hiked via Whitney Wash into the Cauldron of Fire will certainly recognize the path and some of the landmarks along its path. 300 feet south of the view point is a sandstone outcropping where we will have our lunch. After a short period of exploration we will retrace our steps back to the trail head.

A demonstration and assistance on the app iNaturalist will also be provided for those who wish to begin tracking their “living observations”.

The gravel road to the trail head is 1.5 miles off Gold Butte Rd. It has some rocky sections, but is passible for a high clearance car/SUV with all-wheel drive. Sedans and compact cars won’t do well on this road. Please indicate when you RSVP whether you have an appropriate vehicle or will need to ride with someone. Please also indicate if you’re willing to take others.
Please Note: We will meet at the Fisherman’s Flats Gravel Pit no later than 8:30am and return to the Junction of Gold Butte Road and Hwy 170 around 3:30 pm. If you are joining us for this hike and not camping overnight on 11/14, you will travel on Gold Butte Road approximately 14.7 miles from the Junction with Hwy 170, so please plan accordingly. This hike is a part of a two-day event featuring six separate hikes and a stargazing outing, campfire, cowboy poetry, country singer and chili dinner. You may choose whichever events you want, but you MUST register for each event separately, please be aware of this!

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