Little Finland, Nevada
Little Finland, Nevada, contrary to what images the name might evoke, is not a little part of an American town that happens to have been built up by migrating bands of Finnish people. In fact, it’s about the furthest thing from that. This wonder of nature, also referred to as Devil’s Fire or the Hobgoblin’s Playground, is a place of unique beauty in the Gold Butte region of the state, south of the city of
The main appeal of this landscape is, as some have described it, that it looks like a desert sandstorm has frozen in time. Many rock formations, created over the passage of millions of years, decorate the bleak and desolate landscape and evoke scenes of some fantasy wonderland, complete with dragons, dinosaurs and whatever other images your imagination can conjure forth. Though inhospitable for living, Little Finland is perfect for a day’s journey or an overnight camping trip.
According to people smarter than I am, the sandstone that makes up the rocks was formed over the course of a few hundred million years. They were once sand dunes, but the passage of time and the action of groundwater on the structures slowly transformed them into the wondrous visions they are today. Arches, gaping holes and miniature plateaus are just a few of the more “normal” examples of rock formations here. Taken together, the landscape resembles something that one might expect to see on some faraway planet.
The formations are named for the many things that they resemble, though their diversity no doubt means that they are renamed by every person that comes though, for picking out images in the rocks is akin to picking images out of passing clouds. They are made even more interesting by the fact that many of the formations seem to defy gravity itself, held together by millions of years of crystallization. Therefore, it is advised you don’t climb on anything while there, lest you injure yourself or, worse yet, destroy any of the formations.
The main issue with visiting Little Finland is that it’s located in quite a remote place and can be hard to find. But it’s well worth the effort and the desert provides some unique photo opportunities, such as this amazing collection. And make sure to take precautions if you plan on going. This really is in the middle of nowhere, so you’re not likely to find a good mechanic or a place to supply your journey anywhere nearby.
Little Finland Rock Formation courtesy of John Fowler via Wikicommons