Dave Webb
Feb 18, 2024
I took a quick scouting trip into Gold Butte, looking for a place to take the family camping in early spring. I enjoyed the area and will definitely bring the kids. I could easily spend two weeks exploring here but it will also be fun to spend three days, two nights camping, exploring, and hiking.
This is a big area with dirt roads everywhere. Google Maps will get you to Whitney Pocket, where we will set up base camp, but you need a better GPS service to find some of the more remote spots.
There is no cell service in much of the area. No gas stations or developed campgrounds. It is a rugged, wild, remote area. Just what I like.
I was impressed by the number of barrel cactus in the area. And it was fun seeing Joshua trees against the red rock. In spring, this place will be ablaze with color.
Gold Butte National Monument Overview
Gold Butte National Monument includes a large, remote area in SE Nevada, north of Lake Mead. It offers stark desert scenery, red rock canyons, intriguing rock formations, diverse wildlife, and ancient rock art. A few areas within the monument have become popular but most of the vast area sees few visitors.
Main Attractions
Historic Gold Butte mining ghost town. The ground here yielded copper, gold, lead, and zinc.
Little Finland is a popular area where red sandstone has eroded into fantastical shapes, sheer cliffs, and deep washes. It is photogenic. It is much like a large park where you can wander around and climb on the rocks.
The area has also been known as Devil's Fire and Hobgoblin's Playground. The access road is rough and we recommend it only be driven using high-clearance vehicles.
Whitney Pocket is a scenic area along the backcountry byway that makes a great base camp. It is ringed with interesting red rock formations and some campsites are right up against the rocks. It is hard to find a more beautiful backcountry camping area. There are a couple of vault toilets in the area but no other facilities.
The main byway road was paved to Whitney Pocket at one point but most asphalt has worn away over time leaving a very bumpy surface. Still, it is firm and drivable even when wet. Virtually all vehicles can make it and people often set up trailers in the area.
Seven Keyholes Slot Canyon is located just south of Little Finland. It is a unique and enjoyable slot that makes a great family hike. Details.
Luke Whitney Petroglyph Site is impressive and worth visiting. It includes the famous “falling man” image. There are several great rock art sites within the monument. We won’t give much detail here but encourage you to hunt them down.
There are many other spots worth visiting, if you have the time.
Access
The Gold Butte Backcountry Byway runs for 62 miles through the heart of the monument. It is maintained and easy to drive along most of its length but the final 19 miles are rough and best suited for high clearance vehicles. Some spur roads are very rough and require serious 4X4. (The area is arid and roads are usually dry but all can become treacherous when wet.)
The byway begins off I-15 near the towns of Mesquite and Bunkerville.
Mechanized vehicles must stay on designated roadways.
Hiking, backpacking, and horseback trails can be found throughout the monument.
Camping and Services
There are no developed campgrounds within the monument but primitive camping is allowed in most places. There are many great spots including Whitney Pocket (mentioned above).
There are no gas stations or stores of any kind within the monument. Take what you need plus emergency gear.
Weather and Seasonal Factors
This area is wonderful during late winter/early spring and late fall/early winter. Temperatures are usually mild and perfect for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping. The area receives little precipitation and so travel conditions are usually nice.
During winter, daytime temps are usually pleasant but nights are chilly (often low 30s F). With good gear, it can be enjoyable exploring and camping here right through the cold months.
Summers are very hot and dry. Morning hours can be pleasant but mid-day temps are often 100+ F so physical activity should be limited.
The elevation at Whitney Pocket is 3176 ft above sea level. That’s a pretty good average elevation.
