Poobird's Rarities: Day 2: A Little Desert Escape to Whitney Pockets, Gold Butte NV

Day two: The next morning, I picked Matt up from his base and we set off into the vast Nevada wilderness. Just past Bunkerville is the turn off for the back-country byway, Gold Butte Rd. It's a scenic drive on a well maintained road all the way out to Whitney Pockets. It's not until you reach the Whitney pockets area that the paved road turns into a dirt road. Along the way, there are numerous 4x4 roads that splinter off and disappear into the wilderness.
On our drive out we didn't see but maybe one other vehicle. We passed wash after wash, painted with vibrant splashes of purple, yellow and orange from all the spring plants blooming. When we finally reached Whitney Pockets we were both surprised by the number of people camping and riding around on their 4-wheelers. From everything we have heard, usually it's dead quiet out here, so we were not expecting a crowd. We were driving by wondering why the influx of people and then we realize it's Easter weekend.

Camping at Whitney pockets was not gonna happen so we drove passed it and up the road a little ways just to see what else was out there. At some point we decided to go back and check out the dam that was built at Whitney Pockets and some of the Petroglyphs before we set up camp. Just as Matt and I were checking it out a group of people pulled up on their 4-wheelers and congregated at the dam. Matt and I were trying to make our exit when one of the guys asked us if we would like to stay and hear the story of how his great-grandfather built the dam and why the area was named after him! How cool is it that we happened to be there on the day the family members came out to visit and happened upon them by chance.

The Dam is about 30 feet tall... Behind it are the original structures built to contain water. They still work!

As we listened to the history of the area we were amazed by the tenacity of the people that settled the west. His great-grandfather was 10 years old when he was considered old enough to herd cattle through the desert by way of wagon, all by himself! He would bring the cattle to stop and graze at what is now called Whitney Pockets before heading up the mountain to fall cedar trees to sell and load everything up including chickens to take by wagon to Las Vegas. Vegas is over an hour drive on the highway! I can't imagine what it must have been like for a young boy to make such a long journey by himself through such a harsh and rugged terrain. That boy lived into his 90's and is surpassed by a proud family that is keeping their history alive. Matt and I felt honored to be standing where such an amazing individual once stood.

They told us where to find a few petroglyphs nearby, so we parted ways and set off to find the ancient petroglyphs before setting up camp.

I often wondered why humans are always drawn to the sandstone outcroppings. Almost every remote sandstone location I have been, Native Americans lived near them or settlers did. I think it's because they offer shade and a break from the sun in a land where there aren't many trees but they are visible for miles. If you were traveling by foot or wagon they would make excellent markers along your journey.

We made our way out to the sandstone outcropping and got out to explore. At first glance we didn't see any petroglyphs but as we moved closer they appeared like magic. A huge section was covered in strange looking markings, all trying to tell a story. We were lucky enough to have this special place all to ourselves for about 15 min before more people started showing up.

I am still trying to figure out how they managed to get these up so high. It's not like they had a ladder and these are up there. I guess they could have stood on each others shoulders.

Petroglyphs only reveal themselves when they want to be seen...

The puppies are ready to investigate the area

Amazing geology! Can you see an elephant somewhere?

We decided to call it a day and get a camp spot secured and set up before the sun set. There was no way we were camping next to all of those people so we ventured up the road a ways until the perfect little spot invited us to stay.

We set up camp quickly and both realized when our tempers flared, it was time to eat! We skipped lunch and were starving. Brats and beans were on the menu for the night. Nothing better than cooking up meat in a cast iron skillet in the middle of nature.

We munched on our dinner while we watched a beautiful sunset paint the sky with layers of color... I am pretty sure sunsets are a glimpse of what awaits us when we pass on.

We laid in the back of the truck with our two puppies just enjoying the cool air, vast openness, and incredible stars. A perfect way to end the day and our short excursion to the Whitney Pockets area.