In addition to endless natural beauty, you’ll experience some fascinating tidbits of history when you take on this trail at Whitney Pocket in Nevada. Just one of many amazing hiking trails at Gold Butte National Monument, this short hike is a must when visiting this incredible park. Not only does it showcase the park’s iconic sandstone formations, but it also leads you to long-abandoned structures that were built back in the time of the Great Depression. You could spend hours exploring this neat little section of the park, so check it out!
When visiting Gold Butte National Monument in Nevada, Whitney Pocket is a great place to start. This unique area of the park is home to both breathtaking natural scenery and old historical structures, and it's a fascinating place to explore.
Whitney Pocket is an undeveloped campground and picnic area about 22 miles from the town of Bunkerville. The remote nature of the area means you'll want to be sure you have plenty of water, food, and fuel before heading out here.
To find Whitney Pocket, simply follow the paved Gold Butte Road south. Turn left at Whitney Pocket and continue east on Whitney Pass Road. You'll find the parking area on the side of the road after about 500 yards.
From here, you can set off on the trail that takes you into the sandstone formations. Surrounded by slot canyons, it's just a short walk to an old dam that was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps around the time of the Great Depression.
The old dam is a bizarre sight, especially in such a dry location! It's definitely well constructed, though. You can even climb up and down the concrete staircase that leads to the top of the dam and spillway.
The dam isn't the only historic structure in the area. Nearby, you'll find an old watering trough that may have also been built by the CCC. Seeing these old remnants from another time really makes you wonder about the stories that this place holds.
From indigenous rock art to crumbling cement ruins, it's evident that humans have a long history at Whitney Pocket. Make an adventure out of it and visit this lesser-known region to discover some of this history for yourself!
