Camping out in Gold Butte 
 

Gold Butte: Nevada’s piece of the Grand Canyon puzzle - deep red earth, petroglyphs peeking around the corners, Joshua trees, cholla, hiking, gawking at Mother Nature’s beauty, warm days with the sun sinking early, meteor shower of stars at night. This is the Gold Butte Nancy, Vinil, Mitch and Mackenzie experienced while camping November 17-19th.

Camping in November?! In Southern Nevada, yes, it is possible. Driving from the neon energy of Las Vegas, making our way north and east on 1-15, the Southern Nevada I know and love starts to unfold herself to us. Mitch and Vinil cannot believe that this land exists and is less than two hours away from the Las Vegas strip and jingle-jangle of the clubs downtown.

As we make our way around the Falling Man amphitheater toward Black Butte, it is such an honor to be gazing upon the art of the people that stood where we are many thousands of years ago. The petroglyphs are so vibrant, that even today in 2006, we can understand the reverence of their relationship with the area.

Just as I start to fully unwind and forget the inbox, it is time to head back to the lights of the fastest growing city in America. This area, a full color palate of the land, offers me more than I can ever dream of giving back. But, that is why we keep fighting and working on the behalf of the land. It is the least we can do to ensure that the grace of Nevada’s spectacular and rugged public lands are as Mother Nature intended them to be for the future.

More information on Gold Butte.