About us
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
8
Arches of Black Mesa and Deep Creek Hike
At the kiosk, Junction of Highway 170 & Gold Butte Rd., Mesquite, NV, USJoin Lois Etzel and the Friends of Gold Butte for a day of hiking the Arches of Black Mesa and then finish up with the dry waterfall in Deep Creek. This hike is rated as moderate, with about 4.5 miles of hiking/scrambling. This hike is a part of a two-day event featuring six separate hikes and a stargazing outing along with a campfire event featuring cowboy poetry, a country singer and a chili dinner. There is also an overnight camping option, but that is on your own. You may choose whichever events you want, but you MUST register for each event separately, please be aware of this!
You will need a 4X4 vehicle to reach the parking area. There is very limited parking, with a maximum of 4 vehicles, so we will be carpooling. Please indicate whether you have an appropriate vehicle with seatbelts and are willing to take others, or if you will need a ride. The Friends of Gold Butte organization is NOT obligated to provide a ride, but will make every attempt to allow those interested to attend. Please provide your phone number so we can coordinate better, and also so we can notify you in case of changes or cancellation.
We will meet at the kiosk at the junction of Gold Butte Road and Riverside Road (dirt parking lot) at 8:00am and hopefully return by 4:00 pm. All of our hikes are free and open to the public.
For all hikes, please wear sturdy shoes, breathable clothes, and a hat. It's a good idea to dress in layers. Don't forget to bring sunscreen, water, lunch, and snacks, and hiking poles may be helpful.There are no stores or facilities in Gold Butte; be prepared to pee in the bushes. We practice Leave No ethics so be prepared to carry out everything you bring in.
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
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3 attendees
Transit Black Ridge
Gold Butte Road Information Sign, Highway 170 at Gold Butte Road, Riverside, NV, USJoin the Friends of Gold Butte and hike leader Frank Golden as we trek across Black Ridge through a gap among the hills and metamorphic rock outcroppings.
Black Ridge ???? Where is that? If you've been to Gold Butte National Monuments (GBNM), you have driven past it, though chances are you never knew its name. Black Ridge is the line of low peaks and hills that extends to the southwest (to the right) just as you are crossing the GBNM boundary sign on Gold Butte Road. Little Virgin Peak stands at the eastern end of the ridge. In other words, as you are driving into the monument, it is on your right hand side.
This hike is rated as moderate for distance and elevation change. The distance is a little over 4 miles (round trip) with an elevation gain of about 600 ft. Most of the hike is in a wash with gravel and small rocks on a gentle incline. But we will also encounter some rocky outcroppings as we climb a 250 ft hill. There is a short steep section but we will employ the switch back technique, thus making it manageable. Along the hike we will see numerous clusters of cactus among metamorphic rock outcroppings. The view from the hill at the southern terminus of the hike is spectacular. It also makes for a great place to have a break and a snack. As with all hikes with Frank, we will go at a slow pace with numerous breaks for taking pictures and enjoying the journey. During stops, you can expect focused discussions on topics of scientific interest. A funny story or two (some true, others not so much) might also be shared.
A short explanation and demonstration of the app iNaturalist will be given. Participants are encouraged to download this app onto their smart-phone.
Trekking poles will help most hikers with balance. Sturdy boots and long pants/jeans would also help protect against brushing up against a cholla cactus. A wide brim hat and sunglasses will also help keep you comfortable. Please don't forget fluids and lunch/snacks.
The road to the trailhead is one mile from Gold Butte Road and requires 4 wheel drive/high clearance. Frank can help by taking a few passengers.
Please Note: We will meet at the junction of Gold Butte Road and Riverside Road (dirt parking lot) at 11:00am and plan to return to the Fisherman's Flats Gravel Pit no later than 4:00pm. This is a later start time than usual so that participants may stay for the stargazing event that begins at 4:30 at the Fisherman's Flats Gravel Pit. 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!
All of our hikes are free and open to the public. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes/boots, and bring a wind-proof jacket and a hat. Don't forget to bring sunscreen, water, lunch, and snacks. Please be prepared to practice social distancing. There are no stores or facilities in Gold Butte; be prepared to pee in the bushes.
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 Risk3 attendees
Hike Little Virgin Peak
Gold Butte Road Information Sign, Highway 170 at Gold Butte Road, Riverside, NV, USJoin Jim Boone and the Friends of Gold Butte for a hike to the summit of Little Virgin Peak (3,514 ft), a nice little peak standing in the morning shadow of "big" Virgin Peak. The hike is only 2.5-miles round-trip with an elevation gain of 750 feet. It is not easy, but the 360-degree views from the summit are surprisingly grand and worth the effort. The hike runs off-trail through a rocky cactus garden in the Mojave Desert Scrub, with nice examples of many species of southern Nevada cactus. Also of interest are the banded metamorphic rocks that are some of the oldest rocks in the area. This hike is rated moderate because it is steep and off trail. Hiking poles are helpful for balance and assisting in the climb. The pace will be slow with numerous stops for photography and discussions, especially on the way up. We will have our lunch at the summit.
For more information on the route up Little Virgin Peak, see:
http://www.birdandhike.com/Hike/GoldButte/LittleVirgin/_LittleVirgin.htmPlease Note: We will meet at the junction of Gold Butte Road and Riverside Road (dirt parking lot) at 12:30pm and plan to return to the Fisherman's Flats Gravel Pit no later than 4:00pm. This is a later start time than usual so that participants may stay for the stargazing event that begins at 4:30 at the Fisherman's Flats Gravel Pit. 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!
All of our hikes are free and open to the public. We are driving/parking along the paved Gold Butte Road, so all classes of vehicles are fine for this hike.
Be sure to wear sturdy shoes/boots, and bring a wind-proof jacket and a hat. Don't forget to bring sunscreen, water, lunch, and snacks. Please be prepared to practice social distancing. There are no stores or facilities in Gold Butte; be prepared to pee in the bushes.
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 Risk
2 attendees
GBNM 10th Anniversary Outdoor Extravaganza
Gold Butte National Monument, Nevada, USA, Clark County, NV, USJoin the Friends of Gold Butte as we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the designation of Gold Butte National Monument! We have planned a great selection of activities for the weekend of November 14 & 15, and invite you to participate in as many as you'd like. This event is a combination Cowboy Poetry with Ken Marshall, Cowboy Songs with Clint Gunter and a Chili Dinner, along with a campfire! Hikers participating in the Saturday hikes are welcome to stay for the food and fun, but you do need to register for this separately, so we can plan for food.
If you're not hiking either day, you're welcome to join us for this and/or the Star Party, but again, we need to know how many people to expect. We will be serving chili and cornbread, and there will be water available, but other than that you'll need to bring whatever else you want to drink. You'll also need to bring your own chairs, and plenty of warm clothing, as it will be chilly. Please, if you plan to check out the star gazing on the other side of the gravel pile, no white lights there.
*Image generated by AI
Please Note: We will meet at the Fisherman's Flats Gravel Pit, which is 14.7 miles down Gold Butte Road from the Junction with Hwy 170. It is on the left side, and there will be signage. Please be respectful of parking instructions, as space will be limited. It is suggested that you back in as instructed, to avoid problems when leaving the event, as it will be dark. This activity is 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!
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
14 attendees
Past events
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