Gold Butte Back Country Byway

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 writing, 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.

Byway Details

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 remarkable, 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 the explore Whitney Pocket, a series of fascinating rock outcroppings and mysterious caves, and discover prehistoric dwellings tucked into its crevices.

The byway is partially 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 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 Joshu tree forest and marvelous sandstone and granite formations, you’ll discover a unique sense of peace and solitude on the Gold Butte Back Country Byway.

Attractions & Features

• Historical remains: Rock writing, caves, agave, roasting pits, campsites
• Spanish and pioneer mining camps
• Devil’s Throat sink hole
• Sandstone sculptures
• Petroglyphs (Rock writing)
• Virgin Mountains
• Gold Butte townsite