The Natural Wonders of Gold Butte

Gold Butte National Monument is a gold star location for outdoor photographers and on April 11 we’ll see about creating some golden images!

There are several incredible photo locations inside this National Monument, far more than we could ever visit in a single trip…

But we have broken the trip into two parts, where the first part is suitable for most vehicle types and the second part requires 4WD vehicles to access.

Part 1 - Whitney Pocket
After meeting at our starting location, we will first make the 40 minute drive to this region that is suitable for most vehicle types. This region contains several arches of a variety of colors to explore within a short 1/2 mile walk from the trailhead. You can climb into several arch formations, explore The Cistern, and see an arch-within-an-arch!

Part 2 - 4WD Regions of Little Finland, Seven Keyholes, and More
From Whitney Pocket, those without a high-clearance 4WD will have to ride with someone who does own one.

We may stop along the way for some bonus locations as well. But our main goal will to be at Little Finland around the golden hour so we can catch the beautiful late afternoon light and sunset with these magnificent formations. Depending on cloud cover, we could stay for a bit of astrophotography for those interested once the stars come out to play.

MEETUP INFO:
We will meet at 10:30pm in the dirt parking lot at the the intersection of Gold Butte and Whitney Pass Roads.

This is around a 1hr and 10min drive from Las Vegas, so please plan accordingly to arrive on time.

Plan to pack a light dinner, snacks and plenty of drinks as we will be miles away from restaurants during this Meetup (literally)! This will be one of the more physical DPE Meetups so please read the section below regarding the activity level.

MEETUP FEES:
There is a $10 fee for this event to help cover the costs of running this Meetup. Please plan to pay the organizer in CASH when you arrive. If you are carpooling with a 4WD driver a little help with the cost of gas might be appreciated.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY:
There could be multiple hikes carrying your gear up to 1-2 miles over unpaved desert terrain as we explore the various locations, possibly through uneven rocky or sandy areas with some ascents and descents.

Arches at Whitney Pocket and getting to Little Finland and some other areas require scrambling up and around rocky areas, quite steep in some parts.

Remember that Part 2 (with Little Finland) is an Offroad adventure; riding in a 4WD vehicle over rough and rocky terrain will result in being bounced and jostled around while in the vehicle.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
If you have a GMRS radio, please bring it so we can communicate as needed.

If your plans change and you are unable to attend, please be courteous and cancel your RSVP so that someone else can attend.

DESERT PHOTO EXPLORERS LIABILITY DISCLAIMER AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK:
By submitting your RSVP and participating in any Desert Photo Explorers event, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
1. Assumption of Risk: You understand and voluntarily accept that outdoor activities such as hiking, off-roading, and photography carry inherent risks, including but not limited to injury, property damage, or other unforeseen harm. You agree to assume full responsibility for your participation and the participation of your guest(s).
2. Release of Liability: To the fullest extent permitted by law, you release and discharge the Organizer(s), Event Host(s), and any affiliated individuals or entities from any and all liability for injury, damage, loss, or claims arising from your participation in any event, including those caused by negligence.
3. Personal Responsibility: You confirm that you have reviewed all event instructions, understand the requirements, and agree to participate at your own risk. You are solely responsible for assessing your physical fitness, skills, and preparedness to participate in any event.
4. Guest Responsibility: If you bring guest(s), you agree to communicate these terms to them and accept responsibility for their compliance.

By submitting your RSVP, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this liability disclaimer and assumption of risk. You fur