What we’re about
We envision a vibrant and healthy Gold Butte landscape where the land and wildlife, cultural resources, and solitude are preserved and accessible for the enjoyment of current and future generations. Our mission is to promote the responsible enjoyment of the Gold Butte National Monument through education, stewardship, advocacy, and preservation of natural and cultural resources.
We often schedule hikes, tours, and stewardship projects. Join the group and then join us in Gold Butte!
Upcoming events
4
Hiking South Virgin Peak
12 W Mesquite Blvd, Mesquite, NV, USFoGB is investigating the possibiliy of offering more challenging hikes in 2026. The hikes will be include the peaks and ridges of Gold Butte. These hikes will be day wilderness hikes, often with significant elevation gains, off trail, and amoung loose rocks. To participate in these hikes you must have recent experience doing hikes of this type. For South Virgin peak we will meet at the FoGB Visitor Center in downtown Mesquite. From there we will take my jeep, (hike limited to 4 unless someone else has a jeep), to the trailhead. The hike is then 3 miles with 400 feet of elevation gain amoung loose rocks for part of the climb. Once to the top, (8,000 Feet), you will have fantastic 360 degree views of the surrounding area. On the drive up your views will be transformed from desert to an alpine forest.
Gold Butte National Monument is primitive and has no services of any kind. Hikers must bring and carry their own water, food, sunscreen, and basic forst-aid items. You will be required to sign a FoGB risk agreement prior to leaving for the hike.
For Questions,
Mike Lyons
847 508-6224
Mjlyons87@gmail.comp
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 Risk3 attendees
"All the Cool Places" Hike
At the kiosk, Junction of Highway 170 & Gold Butte Rd., Mesquite, NV, USJoin Steve Dudrow, Lois Etzel and the Friends of Gold Butte for about a 5-mile hike in Gold Butte National Monument visiting Titanic Rock, Little Dumbo Arch, Bison Rock, Teddy’s Mini-Slot Canyon, A-Frame Rock, Star-Trek Meadows and plenty of other red rock washes, monoliths, and cool sites. If you have a creative spark, write a poem about Gold Butte to share at lunch. We will meet at 8 AM @ the junction of Gold Butte Road and Highway 170 and caravan to the trailhead. You will need a 4-wheel drive vehicle for this one. If you would like to go but do not have an appropriate vehicle, carpooling may be arranged. You will need to let us know when you register whether you will need a ride, or if you can take others in your vehicle.
Please be sure your vehicle is adequate and that you have plenty of fuel and are equipped to change a tire if need be.
You will need to bring plenty of water, lunch and snacks for yourself, and wear weather-appropriate clothing, closed toe shoes, sunscreen and a hat.
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 Risk12 attendees
Through the Gap and Beyond-Inaugural Hike
Gold Butte Road Information Sign, Highway 170 at Gold Butte Road, Riverside, NV, USHike to a part of Gold Butte National Monument that is relatively close, yet few have been to. See Bitter Ridge, The Battleships, Hartman Tanks, and the Sand Dunes from a new perspective. Join FoGB hike leader Frank Golden and prepare yourself for the perfect "WOW" moment.
This is a moderately strenuous hike due to distance, elevation gain and walking on soft sand for a short distance. Our trek begins at the confluence of a minor wash and the North Fork of Mud Wash. We will follow the smaller wash upstream where it crosses over the ridge at a gap (saddle). A short deviation from the gap leads to the "WOW" view of the valley to our west and all the named points of interest. Descending from the gap to the west, we'll cross a short sandy patch to a large sandstone formation. One rock has a short manageable slope that will allow us to climb up and explore it safely. The photos of the colorful sandstone added below is from that spot. You may choose to stay on the ground as we will climb down the same spot. We will then make our way through a wide slot canyon and marvel at the intricate colors and erosion patterns created by the wind. We'll scramble over a short rocky incline to exit the slot. We'll stop here for lunch then circle back around the rock to intercept our original path and make our way back over the gap.
The total distance is about 4 miles. The total elevation climb is about 600 feet. Our pace will be comfortable (less the 2 mph) with occasional stops for pictures, discussions and iNat observations. The surface of this hike has gravel washes, burro trails, soft sandy stretches, and some solid sandstone rocky spots. In other words, you can expect to walk on a little of everything. There are some high stepping spots in the slot canyon too. Trekking poles are optional but may prove to be more cumbersome in places. So be prepared to pack them if you bring them.
As we will be driving on Mud Wash North Road, AWD - high clearance is the minimum requirement for vehicles.
For all hikes, please wear sturdy shoes, breathable clothes, and a hat. Don't forget to bring a jacket, sunscreen, water, lunch, and snacks. 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.
If you register for this hike and find you are unable to attend, please be courteous and remove yourself from the "going" list. If you are unable to do this, please email or call to let us know, so someone from the waitlist is able to attend.
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 Risk7 attendees
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