The Friends of Gold Butte Visitor Center, located outside the monument in Mesquite, Nevada, has hours that are subject to change, so it’s best to check the center door or call 702.613 for the latest information.
There is no entrance fee to visit Gold Butte National Monument. It is free and open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
From Las Vegas, take Interstate 15 north to Exit 112 near Mesquite. Cross the Virgin River bridge, turn right onto Gold Butte Road, and embark on a rugged, scenic journey through ancient landscapes and petroglyphs.
Park at the dirt lot on Gold Butte Road’s start or near Highway 170. No formal lots; park within 30 feet of the highway. High-clearance vehicles recommended. No overnight parking, no fees. Suitable for cars, smaller RVs, and motorcycles.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:None
Gold Butte National Monument, sprawling across nearly 300,000 acres in southeastern Nevada, is a tapestry of rugged desert landscapes, ancient cultural sites, and vibrant wildlife. This vast expanse of the Mojave Desert is characterized by dramatically chiseled red sandstone formations, twisting canyons, and tree-clad mountains that punctuate the desolate stretches of the desert floor.
Here, visitors can hike to ancient rock art sites, some of which date back over 12,000 years, and explore the remnants of prehistoric roasting pits and shelters. The monument is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the Mojave Desert tortoise, bighorn sheep, and mountain lion, as well as Gambel’s quail and chukar partridge.
The Gold Butte Backcountry Byway leads to the area’s namesake mining ghost town, while over 500 miles of motorized recreation trails invite adventurers to explore the peaks and canyons on horseback or by off-highway vehicle. The area is sacred to the Moapa Band of Paiute Indians and the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe, with thousands of petroglyphs scattered across the landscape.
Whitney Pocket, a key point of interest, offers primitive campgrounds and access to historic sites like the Whitney Pocket Dam, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. The monument remains open for recreation, including hunting, camping, and sightseeing, while prohibiting industrial development to preserve its natural and cultural integrity.
For those seeking a deeper connection, traditional tribal collection of natural materials and cultural uses are still permitted, honoring the site’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you are drawn to the vibrant desert landscapes, the ancient petroglyphs, or the unique wildlife, Gold Butte National Monument offers an immersive experience that resonates deeply with its visitors.
- Area (mi²)
- 467
- Annual visitors
- 72 545
- Established year
- 2016
Top 3 Facts about Gold Butte National Monument
This area is home to the only pocket of Arizona cypress in Nevada, found within its unique combination of Great Basin, Mojave, Sonoran, and Colorado Plateau desert life zones.
In this arid yet vibrant landscape, desert tortoises burrow into caliche caves, while bighorn sheep scale rocky outcrops and golden eagles soar overhead. Higher elevations host pygmy forests of pinon and juniper, home to a diverse array of bird species. The terrain is dotted with cholla cacti, nesting sites for cactus wrens, and creosote bushes where black-throated sparrows sing. Venomous Mojave Green rattlesnakes and elusive Gila monsters add to the rich fauna, making this a unique and captivating destination for nature enthusiasts.
In this arid yet breathtaking landscape, dramatic red sandstone formations, sculpted by millions of years of wind and water, stand tall. The area is home to thousands of ancient petroglyphs and offers glimpses of Lake Mead’s azure waters in the distance. The Virgin Mountain Range reaches heights where ponderosa pines and white firs thrive, contrasting with the lower elevations’ pygmy forests of pinon and juniper. Here, the rugged beauty of the desert is intertwined with a rich historical and cultural tapestry.
Family programs
- Ranger-led Tours
- Self-guided Tours
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Night Sky & Astronomy
- Volunteer & Stewardship
- Youth Conservation
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Visit during spring or fall to avoid extreme temperatures. Bring a 4WD vehicle, plenty of water, and a spare tire. Pack meals and rest often on the rough, unpaved roads. Ideal for a few days of hiking and petroglyph exploration.[-]
Pack Appropriately
Pack layers for temperature fluctuations, sun protection including a wide-brim hat and sunglasses, and a backpack with navigation tools, water, and a portable charger. Bring a cooling towel and dust-covering bandana for desert conditions. Adjust gear based on the length of your stay and seasonal weather.
Respect Wildlife
Avoid disturbing unique flora and fauna, especially during breeding seasons. Stay on trails, respect wildlife habitats, and minimize water usage to preserve this fragile ecosystem. Pack out all trash and avoid introducing non-native species. Be mindful of extreme weather conditions. Leave the area as you found it.
Stay Informed
Stay on marked trails, avoid ledges and wild animals, and check weather conditions. Follow park signs and rules. For emergencies, call 911 or park authorities at 702-515-5350. Stay informed, stay safe.
Seasons
In spring, from March to May, temperatures range from 60°F to 80°F, perfect for witnessing vibrant wildflowers carpeting the desert landscape. This is the peak time for the annual wildflower bloom, a spectacular event that brings forth whites, yellows, and purples against the dramatic red sandstone backdrop. Wildlife is more active, making it an ideal time for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Explore this desert gem in summer, with temperatures often over 100°F. Despite the heat, June and July offer unique experiences, including the BioBlitz event, where visitors can join scientists in cataloging the area’s diverse wildlife. High-clearance vehicles are a must for navigating the rugged terrain and accessing remarkable trails and petroglyphs. Be prepared for extreme heat and limited shade.
Visit in fall, from September to November, when temperatures range from 60 to 80°F. Enjoy moderate weather and the BioBlitz event, exploring petroglyphs, hoodoos, and historical sites in a serene desert landscape. Ideal for hiking and photography.
Experience the serene winter landscape from December to March, with temperatures ranging from 39°F to 57°F. Enjoy crisp air, potential snow flurries, and unique microclimates, but be prepared for unpredictable weather and flash floods. A hidden gem for the adventurous.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Gold Butte National Monument has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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The closest city to Gold Butte National Monument is Mesquite, Nevada, which is located about five miles north of the monument’s access point on the Gold Butte Backcountry Byway. Mesquite is also where you can find the Mesquite Welcome Center for more information. Las Vegas is another nearby city, approximately 90 miles southwest of the monument.
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Dogs are generally allowed in the area, as it is a large, mostly unpopulated region with many hiking trails. However, there are no specific rules mentioned against having dogs, so they should not be a problem.
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You can park within 30 feet of the highway, as there are no formally designated parking lots on the grounds. The Gold Butte OHV Staging Area and Whitney Pocket Day Use Parking are two specific areas where you can park your vehicle or trailer before exploring on foot or by off-highway vehicle. High clearance vehicles with 4WD are recommended due to the rugged terrain.
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Explore the unique trails through red sandstone formations, slot canyons, and petroglyph-adorned cliffs, such as the Little Finland area. Discover ancient petroglyphs and cultural sites like Seven KeyHoles Slot Canyon Road to learn about the indigenous people who lived there. Enjoy stargazing in the dark skies and visit Whitney Pocket for primitive campgrounds, prehistoric roasting pits, and area petroglyphs.