Little Finland: Visit a Striking Hidden Gem in Nevada
Photo by depositphotos.com
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?
Photo by depositphotos.com
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
Photo by depositphotos.com
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
Photo by Flickr
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?
Photo by depositphotos.com
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.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Little Finland, Gold Butte National Monument, Clark County, Nevada, USA
- Coordinates
- 36.45074, -114.21439
- Access
- Public BLM land, reached by the Gold Butte Back Country Byway. The monument is remote, has few services, and road conditions may change. BLM says the last 19 miles of the byway should be traveled only by high-clearance vehicles; roads are primitive and may require 4WD. Check current road closures before travel. Phone coverage is unreliable. Avoid washes and canyons during storms and bring more water than needed.
- Admission
- No admission fee is reported for standard visits to Gold Butte National Monument. Verify current closures and any event or special-use rules with BLM before travel.
- Time needed
- Allow about an hour to walk among the formations once there; this does not include the long, rough approach drive. A longer cross-country hike takes at least 3.5 miles round trip.
- Best season
- Cooler fall through spring is more comfortable than summer. BLM says summer averages can exceed 100°F and afternoon lightning storms are common; winter can bring rain, hail, and snow, so check the forecast.
- Opening hours
- No posted daily hours found. Travel Nevada lists Gold Butte National Monument as open year-round, 24 hours; actual access depends on open roads and closures. Check BLM advisories before departure.
- Location checked
- 2026-10-16
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-16
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