Panel of petroglyphs at the end of the trail
12/12/2021: This is a wonderful hike that, in my humble opinion, most definitely requires a GPS and/or compass and map. The trail sputters in and out of view, especially on the return from the petroglyphs at the far end of the loop. With that, wow! the petroglyphs were amazing, and the scenery was desert beautiful. I consider it a must do. There are several Joshua Trees (I love Joshua Trees) and a couple of the most beautiful I think I have ever seen.
We hiked counter-clockwise, but if you hike clockwise, you should run into “Falling Man” and several other petroglyphs within the first mile. We didn’t see Falling Man because we didn’t quite know where it was supposed to be. If you want to make a short hike, do an out and back going clockwise from the trailhead (left as you face huge rock). Within a half mile or so you will start seeing petroglyphs. It is here you can start exploring. Here is a real good article that should help you to find the Falling Man. And here is another article that might help.
Marg’s Notes: Another nice morning. A bit warmer ~31o. Headed west this time ~9:30. Going to Gold Butte national Monument. Drove out of town S.W. to another gravel road. ~20 miles. Well, the first 18 was “paved” kind of. Rod planned a loop hike around Black Butte called Gold Butte Trail. Not too strenuous, but long & hard to find! Rod used GPS a lot. 8.5 miles total. At ~3 miles on our loop we headed out on a trail to see petroglyphs. 1.5 miles out. The drawings were amazing. 1,200 year old! Lots of beautiful views again. Surrounded by mountains! We had lunch there. I brushed against a cactus. OUCH! Then hiked back to circle around to the car. Close to the parking lot saw LOTS more petroglyphs. We did not see the “Falling Man” which we were looking for. There was NO one else there! Great day, but we were tired. On the trail for 5.5 hours.
Turkey soup!
Rod’s Notes from the Trail: The stick part of this popsicle loop, the out and back part, is just beautiful!. You should be in reasonable shape and don't expect to come out here and just slay it if you haven't been walking/hiking for a while. There are some beautiful big Joshua trees and just all kinds of photo opportunities. I think one of the best things you could do would be to come here in the morning or in the evening to take pictures. A good photographer could have a blast.
The stick part the out and back trail is very sandy at times. But it's still worth it.
At the end of the trail, go into the ravine and then go left into a little nook. That's where the petroglyphs are. See the photos and Google Map Photos View to help you. 36.476179, -114.197058 (36°28'34.2"N 114°11'49.4"W)
The out and back is 1.5 mi. one way. So, if you do the out and back to the petroglyphs on the stick of the popsicle then you're adding 3 mi to the loop. But it's pretty easy and if you are in good condition then you should be able to do it. Take plenty of water!
To see the petroglyphs when for the shorter hike to the Falling Man area, go clockwise from the trailhead, use your binoculars and go slow. Anywhere where it looks like there is red rock that could have been etched in near the ground or accessible platform, scan the area with your binoculars because there are places where you may not be able to get up to, but you can still see the petroglyphs. Pretty cool.