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.

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