Sunday Drive - Gold Butte National Monument in Spring
Our Sunday Drive this week features Gold Butte National Monument located just over two hours south St. George, Utah and not far off Interstate 15. Gold Butte National Monument is nestled in the Mojave Desert and stretches over 300,000 acres.
One thing to note before you embark on your Sunday drive is the road to Gold Butte National Monument is unpaved. So, if you are looking for some adventure, beautiful scenery, and gorgeous warm weather than look no further for your Sunday plans.
First and foremost, the scenic drive to Gold Butte National Monument promises an immersive experience in the untamed wilderness of Nevada. As you traverse the open road, you'll witness a breathtaking tapestry of desert vistas, rugged mountains, and unique rock formations. The contrasting colors and textures of the landscape, ranging from vibrant red sandstone to golden limestone cliffs, create a visually stunning backdrop that will leave you in awe.
Nature enthusiasts will find Gold Butte National Monument to be a paradise teeming with diverse flora and fauna. The monument is home to a wide array of plant species, adapted to survive in the arid desert environment, including Joshua trees, cacti, and vibrant wildflowers that blanket the landscape during the spring season.
Additionally, Gold Butte National Monument offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Hiking trails wind through the desert terrain, leading to hidden canyons, natural arches, and towering mesas. The area is a haven for off-road enthusiasts, with miles of dirt roads and trails catering to those seeking an adrenaline-filled adventure. Camping is permitted within the monument, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the desert night sky.
For more information about Gold Butte National Monument visit https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/nevada/gold-butte or Google Gold Butte National Monument. There are numerous resources to be found online to plan your trip.
To get there head south on I-15 past Mesquite to Exit 112. Head south a little over three miles and just after your cross the bridge over the Virgin River, take a right onto Gold Butte Road. From there, it's a little over 20 miles on graded and what were once paved roads to Whitney Pocket, a primitive camping area where many visitors stage their exploration of the monument. The road to Whitney Pocket is rough but passable during dry conditions for most vehicles, even without high clearance or four-wheel drive.
