Little Finland: Visit a Striking Hidden Gem in Nevada

When most people think of Nevada, they think of bustling casinos, plush hotels, and fancy restaurants. The state of Nevada is also home to countless natural wonders that don’t get nearly as much foot traffic as similar terrain in surrounding states such as Utah and Arizona. Little Finland — which is also known as Hobgoblin’s Garden — features vermillion rock formations that resemble a petrified sea wave, an alien throne, and a warped flying saucer turned to stone by Medusa.

Where is Little Finland?

Little Finland is part of Gold Butte National Monument near Mesquite, Nevada. Many people assume that the name Little Finland is an homage to the Scandinavian country. Little Finland refers to a series of fin-like rock formations that formed due to thousands of years of relentless erosion. Because Little Finland is fairly remote and doesn’t receive hordes of visitors, the Aztec Sandstone rock formations have a sharpness that is missing from areas that host a steady stream of visitors.

How to Get to Little Finland

Accessing Little Finland does require a high clearance vehicle with four-wheel drive, as you will have to drive through some rustic terrain to reach the rock formations. There are very few formal marked trails in the area, but Little Finland is still an incredible place to hike for travelers of all ability levels. Visitors should plan to spend 1–2 hours exploring the surreal terrain that looks as though it was beamed in from outer space. There is even some Native American rock art among the spiraling rocks.

Other Attractions in Gold Butte National Monument

Visitors can also explore some of Gold Butte National Monument‘s other wonders, including the ghost town of Gold Butte. Founded in 1906, Gold Butte came into being because gold was discovered in the area. Unfortunately, Gold Butte’s gold rush didn’t last long. By 1909, the town was virtually abandoned. Travelers can view a handful of gravestones, housing foundations, and rusted out mining equipment against the backdrop of the Mojave Desert.

Why Visit Little Finland?

If you have yearned to visit Arizona’s iconic Wave in Vermillion Cliffs National Monument or Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park but don’t want to face large crowds, Little Finland is an excellent alternate. Visitors can stay at a hotel in Mesquite and set out on a rugged desert adventure to explore Little Finland’s unique terrain. Eagle-eyed visitors may even spot a few mysterious palm trees nestled among the red rocks. No one is entirely sure how California palm trees sprouted in the Nevada desert. One of many reasons why Little Finland is worth exploring.