Through the Gap and Beyond-Inaugural Hike

Hike 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 Risk