Mud Wash Dunes and Lollipop Panel | Gold Butte National Monument

Hiking Mud Wash Dunes and Lollipop Panel - Gold Butte National Monument Hiking Mud Wash Dunes and Lollipop Panel

Gold Butte National Monument

Overview

Sun Mostly sunny. High near 111, with temperatures falling to around 109 in the afternoon. Heat index values as high as 107. South wind 6 to 12 mph.
111° | 89°
Mon Sunny, with a high near 110. Heat index values as high as 107. South wind 6 to 12 mph.
110° | 87°
Tue Mostly sunny, with a high near 109.
109° | 87°
Wed Mostly sunny, with a high near 108.
108° | 86°
Thu Sunny, with a high near 110.
110° | 87°
RATING: Easy Hike
SEASON: Fall, Winter, Spring (Hot in summer)
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear
WATER: None
Sun Mostly sunny. High near 111, with temperatures falling to around 109 in the afternoon. Heat index values as high as 107. South wind 6 to 12 mph.
111° | 89°
Mon Sunny, with a high near 110. Heat index values as high as 107. South wind 6 to 12 mph.
110° | 87°
Tue Mostly sunny, with a high near 109.
109° | 87°
Wed Mostly sunny, with a high near 108.
108° | 86°
Thu Sunny, with a high near 110.
110° | 87°
Sand and sandstone on the way to the lollipop panel.
Sand and sandstone on the way to the lollipop panel.

The short side road leaving Mud Wash intrigued me the on our first trip to Gold Butte National Monument, but we did not have time to check it out. On our second trip, we followed the road to its end, then hiked the old road that is now closed and has become worn social trail beyond. The trail, on the east side of the Little Finland formation, follows the base of the sandstone formation to its northern tip to visit the Lollipop Panel. This panel appears to be quite old, and an interesting mix of figures. It is easy to see where the name comes from!

We enjoyed the panel, but along the way are a long series of stunning sand dunes. Running, playing, and just lounging on the sand on a warm winter day was decadent. The mix of colors from red, white, and grey geology that surrounds the trail is, to my eye, very stunning. A lone burro wandering the flats to the east added to the atmosphere.

Heading out toward the panel on the old road.
Heading out toward the panel on the old road.

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