Oct 23, 2008
In the depths of southeastern Nevada, the Gold Butte Back Country Byway winds through 350,000 acres of dusty desert terrain, known as the Gold Butte region. Drive the byway and discover fascinating historical remains that date back at least 3,000 years, such as rock art, caves, agave roasting pits, and campsites. You’ll also find Spanish and pioneer mining camps that hail from the 1700s and the historical mining ghost town of Gold Butte.
As you travel the byway, be prepared to discover the geographical and historical wonders that await you. You’ll marvel at the size of Devil’s Throat, an enormous sinkhole over 100 feet deep and nearly as wide, located south of the Virgin Mountains on an alluvial fan. Stop and simply look around at the startling jagged limestone and basalt peaks jutting over 5,000 feet into the sky. Admire Mother Nature’s twisted sandstone sculptures and mysterious slot canyons that exhibit rose pinks, rich browns, and fiery reds. Pull over to explore Whitney Pocket, a series of fascinating rock outcroppings and mysterious caves, and discover prehistoric dwellings tucked into its crevices. If you seek even more adventure, hop into an off-road vehicle and veer onto an unmaintained side road to examine some well-preserved petroglyphs.
The byway is paved for the first 24 miles, with another 19 miles on a well-graded gravel road to the deserted mining town of Gold Butte. From Gold Butte, the byway follows another 19-mile stretch that should only be traveled only in a four-wheel drive or high-clearance two-wheel drive vehicle. As you traverse up to 62 miles of rugged desert country amidst briery Joshua tree forests and marvelous sandstone and granite formations, you’ll discover a unique sense of peace and solitude on the Gold Butte Backcountry Byway.
