Hiking
Luke Whitney Petroglyph Site
Gold Butte National Monument
Overview
Thu
76°
|
52°
Fri
80°
|
55°
Sat
76°
|
61°
Sun
72°
|
52°
Mon
77°
|
53°
RATING: Easy Hike
LENGTH: 2-3 hours (1 mile)
SEASON: Any, hot in summers.
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear
WATER: None
Thu
76°
|
52°
Fri
80°
|
55°
Sat
76°
|
61°
Sun
72°
|
52°
Mon
77°
|
53°
One of the more visited and more extensive petroglyph sites in Gold Butte, this area is often referred to as the Luke Whitney Petroglyph Site. The site, a sandstone outcropping in a sea of limestone and metamorphic rocks, is a maze of small canyons are areas that contain an immense amount of rock art. This is the site of the famous Falling Man petroglyph, as well as many other fantastic panels. It is a relatively small area and makes for an excellent short hike and family friendly outing. Be sure to bring a camera and good navigation skills, you will want both!
History: George “Luke” Whitney came to the Gold Butte area in 1910. He and his family purchased and developed the Aravada Ranch east of Whitney Pockets. The Whitney's spent summers at the ranch, and soon began hosting guests. The ranch became an oasis and is still open today as a camping destination. Whitney Pocket is named for Luke, as well as this site, which is often referred to as the Luke Whitney Petroglyph Site.
Note: Reaching the trailhead requires high clearance. There is not great camping near the trailhead, but many great sites near the main Gold Butte Road and Whitney Pocket.
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Photos
Newspaper Rock in Luke Whitney Petroglyph Site
The tunnel before Falling Man.
Amazing rock art and sandstone.
Neat tracks!
Falling Man Petroglyph
Busy panel at Luke Whitney Petroglyph Site
More great rock art at Luke Whitney Petroglyph Site
Abby posing for the camera on a warm winter day.
Black Butte in the background, stunning colors and lines all around.
Interesting rock are on patina.