Overview

The Falling Man, 21 Goats, Black Butte Dam Loop is a nice, 2.7-mile hike near Whitney Pocket that links together three interesting areas. Starting from the Falling Man Trailhead, the route passes through the Falling Man petroglyph area (0.4 miles), then continues on a use-trail to the 21 Goats petroglyph site (0.6 miles). From there, the route follows washes and another use-trail to Black Butte Dam (0.4 miles). Even when dry, Black Butte Dam is an interesting ranching-era site. Hikers can then return over the same route (1.4 miles) or continue the loop using an old, closed road and finally following Black Butte Road back to the trailhead (1.3 miles).

The outbound route (Falling Man to 21 Goats and Black Butte Dam) is described elsewhere, but here photos and text describe one of the return routes: the loop that takes hikers from Black Butte Dam back to the Falling Man Trailhead via dirt roads.

Link to hiking map.

Departing Black Butte Dam, the loop route follows the old road away from the dam north to the gravel wash that was used during the hike in. This time, the route crosses the wash and continues more-or-less straight on the old road. Note that the 21 Goats Trailhead can be seen down the wash to the left (west); that is not on the route.

The old road runs northwest and crosses a low ridge of gray gypsum soils (watch for the rare and beautiful Las Vegas Bearpoppy), then bends right to head northeast. The old road eventually runs out to the northeast end of a fenceline (Wpt. 09) and joins Black Butte Road at a small parking area with a bearpoppy information sign.

Following Black Butte Road, the route runs north, northeast, and finally east as it passes more gypsum hill, sandstone crags, and returns to the Falling Man Trailhead parking area (Wpt. 01). Walking back, enjoy the grand scenery and interesting vegetation. Creosote bush and white bursage dominate the landscape, but look for Joshua trees and Mojave yucca, plus the uncommon Utah yucca.

For details of this part of the hike, see Falling Man, 21 Goats, Black Butte Dam Loop Route.