Located just west of St. George, Utah, this unique area was designated a
National Natural Landmark in 1966 because the Joshua tree forest was
considered to be the best example of this natural community at the northern
extreme of its range in the Mojave Desert. Although wildfires in 2006 have
left their mark on the landscape, Joshua trees and other native vegetation
provide important habitat for numerous wildlife species, including desert
bighorn sheep, kit fox, and desert tortoise—a rare and protected species. If
you see a desert tortoise, enjoy it from a distance to avoid disturbing it,
and never touch or remove them.

Although there are no restrooms, signs, or developed trails, the site is open
for exploring and offers excellent opportunities for photography, nature
watching, and quiet reflection. Dispersed camping is allowed for up to 14
nights, but visitors should come prepared and follow Leave No Trace
principles.

This remote desert landmark offers a peaceful escape and a chance to
experience one of Utah’s most distinctive desert ecosystems up close.

**Directions for a scenic loop route:**

  * Drive west out of St. George and through Santa Clara on Sunset Blvd/Old Hwy 91 for approximately 11 miles to the Gunlock turnoff intersection.
  * Stay left on Old Hwy 91 for another 2 miles, then turn left (south) onto Bulldog Pass/Apex Mine Road.
  * Proceed for 3.2 miles onto Mojave Desert Joshua Tree Road Scenic Byway. 

*though the Byway is a maintained dirt/gravel road, it can be rough in sections for low passenger vehicles.

The Byway traverses 18.9 miles through the Beaver Dam Mountains by way of
Bulldog Pass and Bulldog Canyon, and delivers remarkable views of the rugged
Beaver Dam Mountains and Beaver Dam Mountains Wilderness.

At its southern end, the Byway passes through the Beaver Dam Wash National
Conservation Area (NCA) as well as the Woodbury Desert Study Area until it
reconnects to Old Hwy 91 near the Arizona border.

Located just west of St. George, Utah, this unique area was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1966 because the Joshua tree forest was considered to be the best example of this natural community at the northern extreme of its range in the Mojave Desert. Although wildfires in 2006 have left their mark on the landscape, Joshua trees and other native vegetation provide important habitat for numerous wildlife species, including desert bighorn sheep, kit fox, and desert tortoise—a rare and protected species. If you see a desert tortoise, enjoy it from a distance to avoid disturbing it, and never touch or remove them.Although there are no restrooms, signs, or developed trails, the site is open for exploring and offers excellent opportunities for photography, nature watching, and quiet reflection. Dispersed camping is allowed for up to 14 nights, but visitors should come prepared and follow Leave No Trace principles.This remote desert landmark offers a peaceful escape and a chance to experience one of Utah’s most distinctive desert ecosystems up close. Directions for a scenic loop route:<ul><li>Drive west out of St. George and through Santa Clara on Sunset Blvd/Old Hwy 91 for approximately 11 miles to the Gunlock turnoff intersection.</li><li>Stay left on Old Hwy 91 for another 2 miles, then turn left (south) onto Bulldog Pass/Apex Mine Road.</li><li>Proceed for 3.2 miles onto <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/mojave-desert-joshua-tree-road-scenic-backway" rel="nofollow">Mojave Desert Joshua Tree Road Scenic Byway</a>. </li></ul>*though the Byway is a maintained dirt/gravel road, it can be rough in sections for low passenger vehicles.The Byway traverses 18.9 miles through the Beaver Dam Mountains by way of Bulldog Pass and Bulldog Canyon, and delivers remarkable views of the rugged Beaver Dam Mountains and <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/beaver-dam-mountains-wilderness" rel="nofollow">Beaver Dam Mountains Wilderness</a>. At its southern end, the Byway passes through the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/beaver-dam-wash-national-conservation-area" rel="nofollow">Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area (NCA)</a> as well as the Woodbury Desert Study Area until it reconnects to Old Hwy 91 near the Arizona border.

Bird's eye view of the park

Joshua Tree National Landmark

The approximately 63,500 acre Beaver Dam Wash NCA is located in the
southwestern corner of Washington County, Utah, along the state lines of
Nevada and Arizona. The landscape provides an interesting ecological
transition zone between the Mojave Desert and the Great Basin.

Its creosote bush, white bursage, and other desert shrubs grow at lower
elevations and provide habitat for desert bighorn sheep and the Mojave Desert
tortoise, a threatened species listed under the Endangered Species Act. Joshua
trees and dense stands of blackbrush cover the slopes of the Beaver Dam
Mountains, which rise along the eastern boundary of the NCA. Surface water
flows in the upper reaches of Beaver Dam Wash, but rarely travels all the way
through the NCA. Riparian vegetation along the stream channel is important
habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. At this time, there are no
developed recreation facilities in the NCA.

The approximately 63,500 acre Beaver Dam Wash NCA is located in the southwestern corner of Washington County, Utah, along the state lines of Nevada and Arizona. The landscape provides an interesting ecological transition zone between the Mojave Desert and the Great Basin. Its creosote bush, white bursage, and other desert shrubs grow at lower elevations and provide habitat for desert bighorn sheep and the Mojave Desert tortoise, a threatened species listed under the Endangered Species Act. Joshua trees and dense stands of blackbrush cover the slopes of the Beaver Dam Mountains, which rise along the eastern boundary of the NCA. Surface water flows in the upper reaches of Beaver Dam Wash, but rarely travels all the way through the NCA. Riparian vegetation along the stream channel is important habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. At this time, there are no developed recreation facilities in the NCA.

Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area

Old Spanish Trail National Historic Trail, 1829-1848In 2002, Congress
designated the Old Spanish Trail (OST) as America's 15th National Historic
Trail, to acknowledge the significant role that this long-distance trail
network played in the exploration and settlement of the interior Mountain
West, southern Nevada, and southern California.

The OST is jointly administered by BLM and the National Park Service along its
2,700 mile length, in partnership with other federal, state, tribal, and local
government agencies, as well as private land owners, that administer or own
lands along the trail.

Between 1829 and 1848, commercial traders, explorers, horse thieves, and
settlers traveled this difficult pack trail between the Spanish colonies in
New Mexico and southern California. Each spring, trade caravans left Santa Fe
with dozens of pack mules loaded with woolen blankets woven in New Mexico and
made the lengthy trek to southern California's coastal settlements. This long
distance pack trail network came to be known as the "Old Spanish Trail".

The primary travel route, labeled the Northern Route of the OST, passed
through northeastern New Mexico, western Colorado, along nearly the entire
length of east-central Utah, across the hot, arid Mojave Desert of southern
Utah and Nevada, and finally through the mountain passes of southeastern
California.

Bartering and selling their blankets and serapes in California for horses and
mules and exotic goods, like silk from China, the traders drove large herds
back to New Mexico along this route. Over time, multiple, parallel, and
intertwined routes developed, many following trails that had long ago been
pioneered by American Indians.

In 1848, New Mexico began charging a duty on goods being packed to California,
reducing the profitability of the commercial trade caravans. Wagon traffic
increased and use of the OST as pack trail declined dramatically after this
date.

Old Spanish Trail National Historic Trail, 1829-1848In 2002, Congress designated the Old Spanish Trail (OST) as America's 15th National Historic Trail, to acknowledge the significant role that this long-distance trail network played in the exploration and settlement of the interior Mountain West, southern Nevada, and southern California. The OST is jointly administered by BLM and the National Park Service along its 2,700 mile length, in partnership with other federal, state, tribal, and local government agencies, as well as private land owners, that administer or own lands along the trail.Between 1829 and 1848, commercial traders, explorers, horse thieves, and settlers traveled this difficult pack trail between the Spanish colonies in New Mexico and southern California. Each spring, trade caravans left Santa Fe with dozens of pack mules loaded with woolen blankets woven in New Mexico and made the lengthy trek to southern California's coastal settlements. This long distance pack trail network came to be known as the "Old Spanish Trail". The primary travel route, labeled the Northern Route of the OST, passed through northeastern New Mexico, western Colorado, along nearly the entire length of east-central Utah, across the hot, arid Mojave Desert of southern Utah and Nevada, and finally through the mountain passes of southeastern California. Bartering and selling their blankets and serapes in California for horses and mules and exotic goods, like silk from China, the traders drove large herds back to New Mexico along this route. Over time, multiple, parallel, and intertwined routes developed, many following trails that had long ago been pioneered by American Indians. In 1848, New Mexico began charging a duty on goods being packed to California, reducing the profitability of the commercial trade caravans. Wagon traffic increased and use of the OST as pack trail declined dramatically after this date.

Old Spanish National Historic Trail

Arrowhead [Trails] Highway The Arrowhead Highway-was the first “scenic
highway” through southern Utah. The concept of such a route was proposed in
1914 by businessmen in Las Vegas, to encourage automobile tourism between Los
Angeles, CA and Salt Lake City, UT, through southern Nevada. Their proposed
route followed the route of a late 19th century wagon road, the “Old Mormon
Road” and the earlier “Old Spanish Trail”. Touring clubs and local communities
in southern California, Nevada, and Utah published maps and promoted tourist
travel on “the Arrowhead Trail”. As few segments of the route were constructed
roads, mechanical breakdowns, flat tires, and overheated engines in remote
areas challenged even the most adventurous travelers. In 1918, the first
stretches of road in southern Utah were improved by Washington County prison
work crews and laborers from St. George and Santa Clara, working with horse
teams and “Fresno scrapers”. The route of the Arrowhead Highway through Beaver
Dam Wash NCA closely followed the alignment of the later paved U.S. Highway
91. Artifacts and structures associated with early service stations that
supplied water, gasoline, tire repairs and overnight tent camping areas to
travelers on the Arrowhead Highway have been documented in the NCA.

Arrowhead [Trails] Highway The Arrowhead Highway-was the first “scenic highway” through southern Utah. The concept of such a route was proposed in 1914 by businessmen in Las Vegas, to encourage automobile tourism between Los Angeles, CA and Salt Lake City, UT, through southern Nevada. Their proposed route followed the route of a late 19th century wagon road, the “Old Mormon Road” and the earlier “Old Spanish Trail”.  Touring clubs and local communities in southern California, Nevada, and Utah published maps and promoted tourist travel on “the Arrowhead Trail”.   As few segments of the route were constructed roads, mechanical breakdowns, flat tires, and overheated engines in remote areas challenged even the most adventurous travelers.  In 1918, the first stretches of road in southern Utah were improved by Washington County prison work crews and laborers from St. George and Santa Clara, working with horse teams and “Fresno scrapers”.  The route of the Arrowhead Highway through Beaver Dam Wash NCA closely followed the alignment of the later paved U.S. Highway 91. Artifacts and structures associated with early service stations that supplied water, gasoline, tire repairs and overnight tent camping areas to travelers on the Arrowhead Highway have been documented in the NCA.

Arrowhead (Trails) Highway

The Mojave Desert Joshua Tree Road Scenic Backway received official
designation in 1990. The route resides in the extreme southwestern corner of
Utah within the Mojave Desert and offers an alternative north-south route to
Old Highway 91. The Backway traverses 18.9 miles through the Beaver Dam
Mountains by way of Bulldog Pass and Bulldog Canyon. The Backway delivers
remarkable views of the rugged Beaver Dam Mountains and Beaver Dam Mountains
Wilderness. At its southern end the Backway passes through the Beaver Dam Wash
National Conservation Area (NCA) as well as the Woodbury Desert Study Area.
Wildland fires have left their mark on the landscape, but pockets of Joshua
trees and native vegetation unique to the Mojave Desert can be observed along
the route.

Dispersed camping is permitted on BLM lands bordering the Backway. Camping
within the Beaver Dam Wash NCA is limited to 39 numbered campsites with a
metal fire ring. Sites are first-come, first-serve and occupancy is limited to
14 days in a 28 day period. It is your responsibility to adhere to current
fire restrictions. Campfires are permitted in steel fire rings only. Never
leave a campfire unattended and make sure it’s DEAD OUT before leaving.

The Backway often requires high-clearance vehicles. The road receives
intermittent maintenance and may become impassable during periods of heavy
precipitation. No services are available along the Backway.

The Mojave Desert Joshua Tree Road Scenic Backway received official designation in 1990. The route resides in the extreme southwestern corner of Utah within the Mojave Desert and offers an alternative north-south route to Old Highway 91. The Backway traverses 18.9 miles through the Beaver Dam Mountains by way of Bulldog Pass and Bulldog Canyon. The Backway delivers remarkable views of the rugged Beaver Dam Mountains and Beaver Dam Mountains Wilderness. At its southern end the Backway passes through the Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area (NCA) as well as the Woodbury Desert Study Area. Wildland fires have left their mark on the landscape, but pockets of Joshua trees and native vegetation unique to the Mojave Desert can be observed along the route.

Dispersed camping is permitted on BLM lands bordering the Backway. Camping within the Beaver Dam Wash NCA is limited to 39 numbered campsites with a metal fire ring. Sites are first-come, first-serve and occupancy is limited to 14 days in a 28 day period. It is your responsibility to adhere to current fire restrictions. Campfires are permitted in steel fire rings only. Never leave a campfire unattended and make sure it’s DEAD OUT before leaving.

The Backway often requires high-clearance vehicles. The road receives intermittent maintenance and may become impassable during periods of heavy precipitation. No services are available along the Backway.

Official Mojave Desert Joshua Tree Road Scenic Byway entrance sign surrounded by vibrant, green Mojave Desert flora and fauna in the foreground and the Beaver Dam Mountains rising in the background.

Mojave Desert Joshua Tree Road Scenic Byway Entrance Sign

Mojave Desert Joshua Tree Road Scenic Backway

U.S. Highway 91 (“Old Highway 91”) U.S. Highway 91 was the first paved
interstate highway to be constructed through southern Utah during the 1920s.
Until the construction of Interstate I-15 through the Virgin River Gorge in
the 1970s, all travel north-south through southern Utah was via Highway 91.
Service stations and overnight tourist camps were located at regular intervals
along the roadway, including one within the boundaries of the NCA. It is the
only paved road that crosses the Beaver Dam Wash NCA today and affords visitor
access to its special resource values and scenic vistas.

U.S. Highway 91 (“Old Highway 91”) U.S. Highway 91 was the first paved interstate highway to be constructed through southern Utah during the 1920s.  Until the construction of Interstate I-15 through the Virgin River Gorge in the 1970s, all travel north-south through southern Utah was via Highway 91.  Service stations and overnight tourist camps were located at regular intervals along the roadway, including one within the boundaries of the NCA. It is the only paved road that crosses the Beaver Dam Wash NCA today and affords visitor access to its special resource values and scenic vistas.

Old Highway 91

Thirty nine designated campsites are available within the Beaver Dam Wash
National Conservation Area to accommodate camping and recreational use.
Camping within the NCA is permitted only in these numbered campsites with a
metal fire ring. Sites are first-come, first-serve and occupancy is limited to
14 days in a 28 day period. Many sites reside in remote corners of the NCA and
may become inaccessible during periods of wet weather or intermittent road
maintenance. All sites are suitable for tent camping but not all sites are
accessible to RVs or trailers. Please contact the St. George Field Office for
current conditions and accessibility. It is your responsibility to adhere to
current fire restrictions. Campfires are permitted in steel fire rings only.
Never leave a campfire unattended and make sure it’s DEAD OUT before leaving.
Please park, camp, and concentrate activity on durable surfaces to limit
impacts to vegetation and fragile soil crusts.

Thirty nine designated campsites are available within the Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area to accommodate camping and recreational use. Camping within the NCA is permitted only in these numbered campsites with a metal fire ring. Sites are first-come, first-serve and occupancy is limited to 14 days in a 28 day period.

Many sites reside in remote corners of the NCA and may become inaccessible during periods of wet weather or intermittent road maintenance. All sites are suitable for tent camping but not all sites are accessible to RVs or trailers. Please contact the St. George Field Office for current conditions and accessibility.

It is your responsibility to adhere to current fire restrictions. Campfires are permitted in steel fire rings only. Never leave a campfire unattended and make sure it’s DEAD OUT before leaving.

Please park, camp, and concentrate activity on durable surfaces to limit impacts to vegetation and fragile soil crusts.

Campsite with brown numbered placard (#8), adjacent Joshua Tree, and native vegetation surrounded by limestone cliffs of the Beaver Dam Mountains.

Beaver Dam Wash Designated Dispersed Camping Area

The Beaver Dam Mountains Wilderness now contains a total of 17,600 acres and
is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Arizona contains approximately
15,000 acres. Utah contains approximately 2,600 acres. In 1984 the Beaver Dam
Mountains Wilderness became part of the now over 109 million acre National
Wilderness Preservation System. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging
recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. In an
age of _"...increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and
growing mechanization,..."_ you play an important role in helping to
_"...secure for the American people of present and future generations the
benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness"_ as called for by Congress in
the Wilderness Act of 1964. Please follow the regulations in place for this
area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of
its unique natural and experiential qualities.

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in
different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of
the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply.

**Leave No Trace principles:**

  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  3. Dispose of Waste Properly
  4. Leave What You Find
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
  6. Respect Wildlife
  7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

**Regulations:**  
Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally
prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the
use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment,
bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of
aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation.
In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or
mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a
specific area. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.

The Beaver Dam Mountains Wilderness now contains a total of 17,600 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Arizona contains approximately 15,000 acres. Utah contains approximately 2,600 acres. In 1984 the Beaver Dam Mountains Wilderness became part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. In an age of "...increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization,..." you play an important role in helping to "...secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness" as called for by Congress in the <a href="http://www.wilderness.net/index.cfm?fuse=NWPS&sec=legisact" rel="nofollow">Wilderness Act of 1964</a>. Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities.How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply.Leave No Trace principles:<ol><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_1.php" rel="nofollow">Plan Ahead and Prepare</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_2.php" rel="nofollow">Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_3.php" rel="nofollow">Dispose of Waste Properly</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_4.php" rel="nofollow">Leave What You Find</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_5.php" rel="nofollow">Minimize Campfire Impacts</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_6.php" rel="nofollow">Respect Wildlife</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_7.php" rel="nofollow">Be Considerate of Other Visitors</a></li></ol>Regulations: Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation. In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a specific area. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.

Beaver Dam Mountains Wilderness

During the Formative Period (ca. 700 B.C. to A.D. 1200) the indigenous people
(labeled by archaeologists as Ancestral Puebloans or Virgin Anasazi) became
corn and bean farmers who irrigated their crops by diverting water from
streams like the Santa Clara River. They constructed permanent village sites
and produced fine quality ceramics. Populations living along the Santa Clara
River appear to have increased between A.D. 700-1100 (Pueblo I-II), leaving
abundant and tangible evidence of their presence on Land Hill and river
corridor.

After A.D. 1200, archaeological sites attributable to the Ancestral Puebloans
become increasingly rare, suggesting that changing climatic conditions or
other factors forced a change in lifestyle for these early farmers. During the
Late Prehistoric and Protohistoric Periods (after approximately
A.D.1200-1800), the only indigenous people who permanently occupied the region
were the Southern Paiute. At springs and along the stream channels, they, too,
practiced small-scale farming. Hunting and gathering of native plants were
also important in the economic adaptations of the early Southern Paiute.

The Shivwits Band of Southern Paiute continue to make the banks of the Santa
Clara their homeland. Permanent agricultural settlements were established by
Mormon pioneers along the Santa Clara River during the mid-19th Century. These
settlements often displaced the Southern Paiute who had traditionally
cultivated the same lands along the river. The early Mormon settlers of
southern Utah used the nearby canyons and hills in the area. Several
geographic features still bear the names given to them by those early
residents: “Big Rock,” “The Gate Rocks,” and Cove Wash.

The public is invited to visit the Santa Clara/Land Hill Area of Critical
Environmental Concern (ACEC) commonly known as the Land Hill Heritage Site.
Located in the west central portion of Washington County, the Land Hill
Heritage Site is directly southwest of the communities of Ivins and Santa
Clara and east of the Shivwits Indian Reservation.

The Land Hill Heritage Site is part of the **Santa Clara River Reserve**. The
reserve protects open space, archaeological and natural resources, and
recreational opportunities important to local communities. Contained within
the reserve is the Santa Clara/Land Hill **Area of Critical Environment
Concern** , which contains numerous prehistoric sites and vital riparian
habitat.

During the Formative Period (ca. 700 B.C. to A.D. 1200) the indigenous people (labeled by archaeologists as Ancestral Puebloans or Virgin Anasazi) became corn and bean farmers who irrigated their crops by diverting water from streams like the Santa Clara River. They constructed permanent village sites and produced fine quality ceramics. Populations living along the Santa Clara River appear to have increased between A.D. 700-1100 (Pueblo I-II), leaving abundant and tangible evidence of their presence on Land Hill and river corridor.

After A.D. 1200, archaeological sites attributable to the Ancestral Puebloans become increasingly rare, suggesting that changing climatic conditions or other factors forced a change in lifestyle for these early farmers. During the Late Prehistoric and Protohistoric Periods (after approximately A.D.1200-1800), the only indigenous people who permanently occupied the region were the Southern Paiute. At springs and along the stream channels, they, too, practiced small-scale farming. Hunting and gathering of native plants were also important in the economic adaptations of the early Southern Paiute.

The Shivwits Band of Southern Paiute continue to make the banks of the Santa Clara their homeland. Permanent agricultural settlements were established by Mormon pioneers along the Santa Clara River during the mid-19th Century. These settlements often displaced the Southern Paiute who had traditionally cultivated the same lands along the river. The early Mormon settlers of southern Utah used the nearby canyons and hills in the area. Several geographic features still bear the names given to them by those early residents: “Big Rock,” “The Gate Rocks,” and Cove Wash.

The public is invited to visit the Santa Clara/Land Hill Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) commonly known as the Land Hill Heritage Site. Located in the west central portion of Washington County, the Land Hill Heritage Site is directly southwest of the communities of Ivins and Santa Clara and east of the Shivwits Indian Reservation.

The Land Hill Heritage Site is part of the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/santa-clara-river-reserve" rel="nofollow">Santa Clara River Reserve</a>. The reserve protects open space, archaeological and natural resources, and recreational opportunities important to local communities. Contained within the reserve is the Santa Clara/Land Hill <a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/planning-and-nepa/planning-101/special-planning-designations/acec" rel="nofollow">Area of Critical Environment Concern</a>, which contains numerous prehistoric sites and vital riparian habitat.

Land Hill Heritage Site

There are numerous trails for hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers within
the Santa Clara River Reserve (SCRR). These trails offer a variety of
experiences including discovering prehistoric rock art, hiking sandy washes,
viewing scenic desert landscapes, and savoring the cottonwood rich riparian
corridor of the Santa Clara River. For more information on the Reserve, visit
the Santa Clara River Reserve website.The SCRR is managed by zones. Trail
markers reference these zones so you will always know which zone you are in.
Each zone has different restrictions and limitations intended to protect
resources and ensure quality visitor experiences. To find out more about zones
visit the Management Zones webpage.

There are numerous trails for hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers within the Santa Clara River Reserve (SCRR). These trails offer a variety of experiences including discovering prehistoric rock art, hiking sandy washes, viewing scenic desert landscapes, and savoring the cottonwood rich riparian corridor of the Santa Clara River. For more information on the Reserve, visit the Santa Clara River Reserve website.The SCRR is managed by zones.  Trail markers reference these zones so you will always know which zone you are in.  Each zone has different restrictions and limitations intended to protect resources and ensure quality visitor experiences.  To find out more about zones visit the Management Zones webpage.

Santa Clara River Reserve

We are open! And we have 25 sites available for reservations through
recreation.gov.

**Site Renovations**  
The recreation area has received many improvements including upgrades to
electrical and water systems, repaving roads and parking areas, renovation of
restroom facilities, demolishing condemned administrative use site, an updated
water delivery system, sanded and stained picnic tables, new informational and
fee kiosks, and accessibility improvements.

**Fourteen-day stay limit**  
To increase recreation opportunities at the Virgin River Canyon Recreation
Area, the BLM's Arizona Strip Field Office issued a news release January 6,
2022, announcing the finalization of a supplementary rule that reinstates a
stay limit of 14 consecutive days at the site. The change, which went into
effect February 5, 2022, is consistent with camping limits for other BLM
public lands, will allow more members of the public to enjoy camping, hiking,
fishing, scenic viewing and boating from the popular site.

**Volunteers needed**  
The BLM is looking for volunteers with excellent public lands stewardship
ethics to work as campground hosts If interested, please visit Volunteer.gov.

We are open! And we have 25 sites available for reservations through <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10086109" rel="nofollow">recreation.gov.</a>
Site Renovations 
The recreation area has received many improvements including upgrades to electrical and water systems, repaving roads and parking areas, renovation of restroom facilities, demolishing condemned administrative use site, an updated water delivery system, sanded and stained picnic tables, new informational and fee kiosks, and accessibility improvements.
Fourteen-day stay limit 
To increase recreation opportunities at the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area, the BLM's Arizona Strip Field Office issued a news release January 6, 2022, announcing the finalization of a supplementary rule that reinstates a stay limit of 14 consecutive days at the site. The change, which went into effect February 5, 2022, is consistent with camping limits for other BLM public lands, will allow more members of the public to enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, scenic viewing and boating from the popular site. 
Volunteers needed 
The BLM is looking for volunteers with excellent public lands stewardship ethics to work as campground hosts If interested, please visit <a href="https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a093d000000g2Qn/campground-host-virgin-river-canyon-recreation-area" rel="nofollow">Volunteer.gov</a>.

## Overview

The Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area is located along Interstate 15
approximately 20 miles southwest of St. George, Utah and approximately 20
miles northeast of Mesquite, Nevada. It's accessed from the Cedar Pocket Exit
(mile post 18). The overnight-use fee is $8 per site per night and the day-use
fee is $2 per vehicle. Overnight use is limited to 14-night stays. The
recreation area currently has 25 of the best sites only available through
recreation.gov reservations. The remaining 83 sites are _first come, first
serve_ (FF) payable by using the _Scan and Pay_ feature on the recreation.gov
app. Please come prepared by either making a reservation here before arrival
OR having the recreation.gov app installed with login setup to pay onsite with
the scan and pay option.

## Recreation

The Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area provides many recreational
opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, water play, and more. It is
surrounded by two designated wilderness areas. The Paiute Wilderness east of
Interstate 15, and Beaver Dam Mountains Wilderness to the west. The Sullivan
Canyon Trail starts within the recreation area and heads into the heart of the
Paiute Wilderness.

The campground and day-use areas also both have scenic trails leading to the
Virgin River. The Virgin River is occasionally runable to small whitewater
boats during spring runoffs. Please check for information on the fish barriers
and flow conditions prior to running.

Additional opportunities for recreation are available outside of the
recreation area. A short drive on the Cedar Pocket Road (directly across the
interstate from the campground) leads to the Cedar Pocket Wash Trailhead. This
trail leads down a steep path to the narrows of the Cedar Pocket Wash and is a
nice short stroll through a Joshua Tree forest. A local trails map is
available here.

The Virgin River Gorge is also frequented by rock climbers and canyoneers.
Additional information about recreation available in the area can be obtained
by calling the visitor center at 435-688-3200.

## Facilities

**Campsite Amenities (108 overnight sites) - 14-night stay limit**

  * Paved access road
  * Pull-through parking
  * Drinking water
  * Flush toilets (ADA compliant at middle restroom)
  * Picnic table
  * Grill and/or fire pit
  * Vehicle or RV parking
  * 8 sites that are ADA compliant
  * 12 sites with shade shelters

** The campground has no electrical or waste dump hook ups. **

**Day-Use Amenities - daylight hours only**

  * Paved access road
  * Pull-through parking
  * Drinking water
  * Flush toilets
  * Shade shelters
  * ADA compliant sites
  * Access to Sullivan Canyon Trail in the Paiute Wilderness
  * Access to interpretative trail
  * Trail access to the Virgin River

## Natural Features

The Virgin River Gorge, where the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area resides,
was cut by the Virgin River. Though the Virgin River is relatively small, it
is incredibly steep, dropping an average of 70 feet per mile - 10 times
steeper than the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. This steepness,
caused by the uplift of the Colorado Plateau, has given the Virgin River the
ability to cut through sandstone and limestone canyons.

The gorge provides a stunning and colorful mountain desert setting. The gorge
mimics, on a smaller scale, the colorful layers and striking depths of the
Grand Canyon. In fact, many of the very same geologic formations are present
in both areas. The gorge connects the southwestern rim of the Colorado Plateau
and the northeastern part of the Mojave Desert.

The climate of the gorge is typical of the Mojave Desert with hot summers and
mild winters. This desert climate allows for some of the most northern Joshua
Tree populations. The canyon is usually about 5 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than
St George, Utah, however the canyon can occasionally amplify winds.

Many species depend on the water of the Virgin River. The Virgin River
directly supports hundreds of wildlife species including, woundfin, Virgin
River chub, Virgin spinedace, flannelmouth sucker, desert sucker, speckled
dace, and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. Many of these species are endangered
or are considered sensitive species within the State of Arizona and Utah.

## Nearby Attractions

  * The recreation area has an easy, short paved trail accessed near the fee instruction station. This trail goes up to a Joshua Tree grove and a nice developed viewpoint of the Virgin River Gorge.
  * The recreation area also has a trailhead to Sullivan Canyon. This trail crosses the river and traverses 3 miles through wilderness to Sullivan Canyon. 
  * Follow the high clearance road about 2 miles northwest across from the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area, you will reach the Cedar Pocket Wash trailhead. Here, there is a short trail to a Joshua Tree grove and plenty of views. A side trail leads steeply down to the wash where you can hike through a limestone slot canyon. 

## Contact Info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general
information, please call: (435) 688-3200.

## Charges & Cancellations

Cancellations*: *cancellation becomes a "late cancellation" at 12:01 am EST on
the day before arrival.

• $10.00 fee if reservation is changed/cancelled earlier than the day before
arrival.

• $10.00 plus first night's camping fee is charged if reservation is cancelled
the day before or the day of the arrival, except when the reservation is only
for 1 night (in which case only the first night's camping fee is charged).

No Shows: customer does not arrive and/or does not cancel reservation by check
out time (11 :00am) the day after the scheduled arrival date.

$20.00 service fee charged and forfeit the first night's user fee

• If requested before the late cancellation window: NRRS will handle

• If requested during the late cancellation window (day before arrival, or day
of arrival): Customer will be

charged first night's use fee, and refunded rest

• If requested after arrival, during or after departure from site:
recreation.gov processes and field office has to approve

<h2>Overview</h2>
The Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area is located along Interstate 15 approximately 20 miles southwest of St. George, Utah and approximately 20 miles northeast of Mesquite, Nevada. It's accessed from the Cedar Pocket Exit (mile post 18). The overnight-use fee is $8 per site per night and the day-use fee is $2 per vehicle. Overnight use is limited to 14-night stays. The recreation area currently has 25 of the best sites only available through recreation.gov reservations. The remaining 83 sites are first come, first serve (FF) payable by using the Scan and Pay feature on the recreation.gov app. Please come prepared by either making a reservation here before arrival OR having the <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app" rel="nofollow">recreation.gov app</a> installed with login setup to pay onsite with the <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app#scanAndPay" rel="nofollow">scan and pay</a> option. 
<h2>Recreation</h2>
The Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area provides many recreational opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, water play, and more. It is surrounded by two designated wilderness areas. The Paiute Wilderness east of Interstate 15, and Beaver Dam Mountains Wilderness to the west. The Sullivan Canyon Trail starts within the recreation area and heads into the heart of the Paiute Wilderness. The campground and day-use areas also both have scenic trails leading to the Virgin River. The Virgin River is occasionally runable to small whitewater boats during spring runoffs. Please check for information on the fish barriers and flow conditions prior to running.Additional opportunities for recreation are available outside of the recreation area. A short drive on the Cedar Pocket Road (directly across the interstate from the campground) leads to the Cedar Pocket Wash Trailhead. This trail leads down a steep path to the narrows of the Cedar Pocket Wash and is a nice short stroll through a Joshua Tree forest. A local trails map is available <a href="https://cdn.recreation.gov/public/2025/04/02/03/29/10086109_329de3e6-6123-4efb-88bc-1d2c4fc1fad3.pdf" rel="nofollow">here</a>. The Virgin River Gorge is also frequented by rock climbers and canyoneers. Additional information about recreation available in the area can be obtained by calling the visitor center at 435-688-3200.<h2>Facilities</h2>
Campsite Amenities (108 overnight sites) - 14-night stay limit
<ul>
<li>Paved access road</li>
<li>Pull-through parking</li>
<li>Drinking water</li>
<li>Flush toilets (ADA compliant at middle restroom)</li>
<li>Picnic table</li>
<li>Grill and/or fire pit</li>
<li>Vehicle or RV parking</li>
<li>8 sites that are ADA compliant</li>
<li>12 sites with shade shelters</li>
</ul>
** The campground has no electrical or waste dump hook ups. **
 
Day-Use Amenities - daylight hours only
<ul>
<li>Paved access road</li>
<li>Pull-through parking</li>
<li>Drinking water</li>
<li>Flush toilets</li>
<li>Shade shelters</li>
<li>ADA compliant sites</li>
<li>Access to Sullivan Canyon Trail in the Paiute Wilderness</li>
<li>Access to interpretative trail</li>
<li>Trail access to the Virgin River</li>
</ul>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
The Virgin River Gorge, where the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area resides, was cut by the Virgin River. Though the Virgin River is relatively small, it is incredibly steep, dropping an average of 70 feet per mile - 10 times steeper than the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. This steepness, caused by the uplift of the Colorado Plateau, has given the Virgin River the ability to cut through sandstone and limestone canyons.  
The gorge provides a stunning and colorful mountain desert setting. The gorge mimics, on a smaller scale, the colorful layers and striking depths of the Grand Canyon. In fact, many of the very same geologic formations are present in both areas. The gorge connects the southwestern rim of the Colorado Plateau and the northeastern part of the Mojave Desert. 
The climate of the gorge is typical of the Mojave Desert with hot summers and mild winters. This desert climate allows for some of the most northern Joshua Tree populations. The canyon is usually about 5 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than St George, Utah, however the canyon can occasionally amplify winds.
Many species depend on the water of the Virgin River. The Virgin River directly supports hundreds of wildlife species including, woundfin, Virgin River chub, Virgin spinedace, flannelmouth sucker, desert sucker, speckled dace, and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. Many of these species are endangered or are considered sensitive species within the State of Arizona and Utah.

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<ul>
<li>The recreation area has an easy, short paved trail accessed near the fee instruction station. This trail goes up to a Joshua Tree grove and a nice developed viewpoint of the Virgin River Gorge.</li>
<li>The recreation area also has a trailhead to Sullivan Canyon. This trail crosses the river and traverses 3 miles through wilderness to Sullivan Canyon. </li>
<li>Follow the high clearance road about 2 miles northwest across from the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area, you will reach the Cedar Pocket Wash trailhead. Here, there is a short trail to a Joshua Tree grove and plenty of views. A side trail leads steeply down to the wash where you can hike through a limestone slot canyon.  </li>
</ul>

<h2>Contact Info</h2>
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (435) 688-3200.<h2>Charges & Cancellations</h2>
Cancellations*: *cancellation becomes a "late cancellation" at 12:01 am EST on the day before arrival.
•	$10.00 fee if reservation is changed/cancelled earlier than the day before arrival.
•	$10.00 plus first night's camping fee is charged if reservation is cancelled the day before or the day of the arrival, except when the reservation is only for 1 night (in which case only the first night's camping fee is charged).
No Shows: customer does not arrive and/or does not cancel reservation by check out time (11 :00am) the day after the scheduled arrival date.
$20.00 service fee charged and forfeit the first night's user fee
•	If requested before the late cancellation window: NRRS will handle
•	If requested during the late cancellation window (day before arrival, or day of arrival): Customer will be
charged first night's use fee, and refunded rest
•	If requested after arrival, during or after departure from site: recreation.gov processes and field office has to approve

Overnight Use is $8/night (for up to two vehicles). Discount of 50% with
_Senior_ or _Access_ America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal
Recreational Lands Pass.

Day Use is $2/vehicle. Day Use is free when you display in your car's dash any
America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands
Pass.

Popular spot on the Virgin RIver from the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area

Compass at the end of the interpretative trail

Site in the Virgin River Canyon with Joshua Trees

Accessible Restroom

Typical Site overlooking the Paiute Wilderness

Map of the Upper Loop (Campground) - the map shows the site locations, restrooms, trailheads, and amenities. The Upper Loop has 14-day reservation limit.

Map of Upper Loop (Campground)

Map of the Lower Loop (Day Use Area)  - the map shows the site locations, restrooms, trailheads, and amenities. The Lower Loop has 1-night stay limit to allow for continued day use.

Map of Lower Loop (Day Use Area)

Newly (2021) remodeled restrooms

Some of the Lower Loop sites near the Virgin River.

Sites along the River

Restroom at Night

Group Site 93 with ADA accessible walkways, picnic tables, and firepit

Group Site

North Restroom

Site with ADA walkways, picnic table, and fire pit

ADA Site 94

Site 94 overlooking the Paiute Wilderness

Recreation.gov kiosk at night - * Note this site has migrated to recreation.gov - reservations and scan and pay *

Recreation.gov Kiosk

Inside of the flush toilet restrooms

Sheltered Site with the Paiute Mountains

Virgin River flowing next to the Lower Loop in the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area

Virgin River flowing next to the Lower Loop

Picnic Table with Joshua Tree

Riverside view with Lower Loop

Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area

Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area (P)

The Sullivan Canyon non-motorized route is a 15-mile long, one-way route
through the Paiute Wilderness Area. The route runs from the ridgeline near
Mount Bangs down into the Virgin River Gorge Canyon.  
  
Wilderness restrictions apply; motorized or mechanized use are not allowed.
Mountain bikes are also prohibited. There is $2 day use fee if hiking up out
of the Virgin River Recreation Area, but not if hiking down from the upper
trailhead.

The Sullivan Canyon non-motorized route is a 15-mile long, one-way route through the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/search-details/13455/2" rel="nofollow">Paiute Wilderness Area</a>. The route runs from the ridgeline near Mount Bangs down into the Virgin River Gorge Canyon. 
 
Wilderness restrictions apply; motorized or mechanized use are not allowed. Mountain bikes are also prohibited. There is $2 day use fee if hiking up out of the Virgin River Recreation Area, but not if hiking down from the upper trailhead.

There is $2 day use fee if hiking up out of the Virgin River Recreation Area,
but not if hiking down from the upper trailhead.

Sullivan Canyon Trail

Utah State Parks: Boat, fish, and swim on the tranquil waters at Gunlock
Reservoir or enjoy an afternoon picnic on the beach. Warm waters during summer
and a mild winter climate make the park a year-round destination. The county
road to the park is the Old Spanish Trail used by horsemen and raiders from
Sante Fe, New Mexico to Los Angeles from the 1820 s until the gold fields
became the destination after 1849 and a shorter route was taken.

Nearby St. George offers big city amenities such as championship golf and
outlets in the warm climate of southwestern Utah. Visitors to Gunlock can
continue south on Old 91 to visit the Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation
Area and the northernmost Joshua Trees in North America or return east to see
the Santa Clara River Reserve or Snow Canyon State Park. Zion National Park is
90 minutes east. There are no reservable campsites, but there are 5 first-
come, first-served sites in a campground with a vault toilet or camping on
beaches.

Utah State Parks: Boat, fish, and swim on the tranquil waters at Gunlock Reservoir or enjoy an afternoon picnic on the beach. Warm waters during summer and a mild winter climate make the park a year-round destination. The county road to the park is the Old Spanish Trail used by horsemen and raiders from Sante Fe, New Mexico to Los Angeles from the 1820 s until the gold fields became the destination after 1849 and a shorter route was taken.


Nearby St. George offers big city amenities such as championship golf and outlets in the warm climate of southwestern Utah. Visitors to Gunlock can continue south on Old 91 to visit the Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area and the northernmost Joshua Trees in North America or return east to see the Santa Clara River Reserve or Snow Canyon State Park. Zion National Park is 90 minutes east. There are no reservable campsites, but there are 5 first-come, first-served sites in a campground with a vault toilet or camping on beaches.

$7/car $4/Utah seniors (62 and older) day use. Camping is $13/night.

Southwestern Utah is part of Utah's "Dixie," the warm- weather, southernmost and lowest-elevation retreat of the state.

Gunlock Reservoir

Boating Dixie

Boat, fish, and swim on the tranquil waters at Gunlock Reservoir or enjoy an afternoon picnic on the beach.

Utah State Parks

The region's iconic red rock is part of a fascinating landscape combining features of the Colorado Plateau with the Mojave Desert and Great Basin.

Southwest Utah Desertscapes

Gunlock State Park

A large block of Navajo Sandstone is the geologic setting of the approximately
18,700 acre Red Mountain Wilderness. Newly designated in 2009, a portion of
this Wilderness is within the also newly-designated Red Cliffs National
Conservation Area. The Santa Clara River channel bounds this unit on the west,
while Snow Canyon State Park partially wraps around its southern and eastern
boundaries. The mountain top is a dramatic expanse red sand and slickrock.
Rugged sandstone outcrops push up through pinyon pine, Utah juniper, and an
understory of sagebrush, manzanita, and scrub oak. Numerous mammals, birds,
and reptiles reside in this Wilderness. Mountain lion, bobcat, and common and
kit fox are the more elusive mammals, while mule deer, coyote, jackrabbit, and
cottontail are the most commonly observed wildlife. Various raptors, passerine
(aka perching birds or songbirds) and nonpasserine birds fill the air
including hawks, quails, road runners, sparrows, and hummingbirds. Along with
the usual side-blotched and whiptail lizards visitors could see the desert
spiny and Great Basin collared lizards. Hikers and backpackers enjoy panoramic
vistas of the spires and mesas of Zion National Park to the east, the Virgin
River Gorge to the south, and the high peaks of the Beaver Dam Mountains on
the west. Equestrians find many opportunities for trail riding in the Red
Mountain Wilderness, with some trails leading to spectacular overlooks into
Snow Canyon, where black basalt flows overlie the red and white Navajo
sandstone, creating a dramatic visual contrast. Visit the Red Cliffs National
Conservation Area web page for more information about trails in the Red
Mountain Wilderness.

A large block of Navajo Sandstone is the geologic setting of the approximately 18,700 acre Red Mountain Wilderness.  Newly designated in 2009, a portion of this Wilderness is within the also newly-designated Red Cliffs National Conservation Area.  The Santa Clara River channel bounds this unit on the west, while Snow Canyon State Park partially wraps around its southern and eastern boundaries. The mountain top is a dramatic expanse red sand and slickrock. Rugged sandstone outcrops push up through pinyon pine, Utah juniper, and an understory of sagebrush, manzanita, and scrub oak. Numerous mammals, birds, and reptiles reside in this Wilderness. Mountain lion, bobcat, and common and kit fox are the more elusive mammals, while mule deer, coyote, jackrabbit, and cottontail are the most commonly observed wildlife.  Various raptors, passerine (aka perching birds or songbirds) and nonpasserine birds fill the air including hawks, quails, road runners, sparrows, and hummingbirds. Along with the usual side-blotched and whiptail lizards visitors could see the desert spiny and Great Basin collared lizards. Hikers and backpackers enjoy panoramic vistas of the spires and mesas of Zion National Park to the east, the Virgin River Gorge to the south, and the high peaks of the Beaver Dam Mountains on the west.  Equestrians find many opportunities for trail riding in the Red Mountain Wilderness, with some trails leading to spectacular overlooks into Snow Canyon, where black basalt flows overlie the red and white Navajo sandstone, creating a dramatic visual contrast.  Visit the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area web page for more information about trails in the Red Mountain Wilderness.

Red Mountain Wilderness

Cut by water, sculpted by wind and time, Snow Canyon’s Navajo sandstone cliffs
share the same history and geology as Zion National Park to the east. You may
find yourself wondering why it isn't a national park.

Snow Canyon is popular with road cyclists touring the park’s scenic drive and
hikers exploring the network of trails through the main canyon and numerous
side canyon options. At dawn and dusk, the park provides unique wildlife
viewing when coyotes, kit foxes, quail and roadrunners come out to feed.
Harder to find are the protected desert tortoises, peregrine falcons and Gila
monsters. The attraction of numerous bolted routes throughout the canyon lures
rock climbers of all skill levels and kids will love playing on the parks’
sand dunes. Make a reservation on the Utah State Parks reservation site.

Cut by water, sculpted by wind and time, Snow Canyon’s Navajo sandstone cliffs share the same history and geology as Zion National Park to the east. You may find yourself wondering why it isn't a national park.


Snow Canyon is popular with road cyclists touring the park’s scenic drive and hikers exploring the network of trails through the main canyon and numerous side canyon options. At dawn and dusk, the park provides unique wildlife viewing when coyotes, kit foxes, quail and roadrunners come out to feed. Harder to find are the protected desert tortoises, peregrine falcons and Gila monsters.

The attraction of numerous bolted routes throughout the canyon lures rock climbers of all skill levels and kids will love playing on the parks’ sand dunes. <a href="http://utahstateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/snow-canyon-state-park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=UT&parkId=345781" rel="nofollow">Make a reservation on the Utah State Parks reservation site</a>.

$6/car $3/Utah seniors (62 and over). Camping fees start at $20/night.

Snow Canyon State Park

The public is invited to visit the interpreted Fort Pearce Historic Site,
listed on both the National Register of Historic Places and the State of Utah
Register of Historic Places. Located approximately 12 miles south of St.
George, Utah, the historic site is generally accessible year-round, via the
unpaved Warner Valley Road. Other heritage points of interest on public lands
are nearby, including the Honeymoon Trail and the interpreted Warner Valley
Dinosaur Track Site. The small structure at the Fort Pearce Historic Site is
one of only three remaining stone guard posts built during Utah’s Black Hawk
War. This “war” was actually period of intermittent raiding between 1865 and
1870, during which the Ute Tribe, led by Chief Black Hawk (Antonga), and other
Native Americans allies attempted to drive the Mormons from the Ute
traditional homelands. Mounted Ute raiding parties, often joined by Navajos,
stole Mormon livestock, attacked outlying ranches and settlements, and killed
settlers who interfered with the raids. More than 100 Native Americans and at
least 70 Mormons were killed during the raiding. To protect their herds and
homes, local Mormon militia constructed a series of protected guard or sentry
posts, called ‘forts’, along major trails and travel corridors in central and
southern Utah. Four to six armed men with horses were stationed at each post,
to attack and delay the Indian raiding parties, while a rider raced to the
nearest settlements with a warning. Horses were stabled at night in the guard
posts, to ensure that the early warning ride could be made without delay. Fort
Pearce Wash was one of the primary routes along which Ute-Navajo horsemen
traveled to raid the livestock herds and settlements of the St. George Basin.
A site was selected in the spring of 1866, on a high bluff overlooking a
narrow, steep-sided canyon, just above the only natural spring for miles, for
a guard post along Fort Pearce Wash. A small number of armed men could easily
defend this location and water from the spring would support the defenders and
their stock. A work party of 20 men began construction on that guard post on
December 4, 1866, working for nearly a month to quarry enough local sandstone
to construct the dry-laid or mud-mortared defensive structure and a stock
corral; the post and the drainage were named in honor of Major John D.L.
Pearce of the Iron County Militia. The dimensions of the roofless guard post
were approximately 42 feet north-south by 22 east-west, with 7 to 8 foot high
walls and one exterior doorway. The interior of the structure was divided by a
partition wall into two rooms. Small protruding rectangular abutments were
added off the northwest and southeast corners as flanking walls and 10
vertical firing slits or gun ports were constructed near the tops of the
walls. No armed conflicts are known to have taken place at Fort Pearce, but
the guard post was manned, at least intermittently, from 1866 until 1873, when
peace negotiations and U.S. Army actions ended the raiding that was known in
Utah as the Black Hawk War.

The public is invited to visit the interpreted Fort Pearce Historic Site, listed on both the National Register of Historic Places and the State of Utah Register of Historic Places.  Located approximately 12 miles south of St. George, Utah, the historic site is generally accessible year-round, via the unpaved Warner Valley Road.   Other heritage points of interest on public lands are nearby, including the Honeymoon Trail and the interpreted Warner Valley Dinosaur Track Site. 

The small structure at the Fort Pearce Historic Site is one of only three remaining stone guard posts built during Utah’s Black Hawk War.  This “war” was actually period of intermittent raiding between 1865 and 1870, during which the Ute Tribe, led by Chief Black Hawk (Antonga), and other Native Americans allies attempted to drive the Mormons from the Ute traditional homelands.  Mounted Ute raiding parties, often joined by Navajos, stole Mormon livestock, attacked outlying ranches and settlements, and killed settlers who interfered with the raids.  More than 100 Native Americans and at least 70 Mormons were killed during the raiding.  

To protect their herds and homes, local Mormon militia constructed a series of protected guard or sentry posts, called ‘forts’, along major trails and travel corridors in central and southern Utah.  Four to six armed men with horses were stationed at each post, to attack and delay the Indian raiding parties, while a rider raced to the nearest settlements with a warning.   Horses were stabled at night in the guard posts, to ensure that the early warning ride could be made without delay.

Fort Pearce Wash was one of the primary routes along which Ute-Navajo horsemen traveled to raid the livestock herds and settlements of the St. George Basin.  A site was selected in the spring of 1866, on a high bluff overlooking a narrow, steep-sided canyon, just above the only natural spring for miles, for a guard post along Fort Pearce Wash.  A small number of armed men could easily defend this location and water from the spring would support the defenders and their stock.  A work party of 20 men began construction on that guard post on December 4, 1866, working for nearly a month to quarry enough local sandstone to construct the dry-laid or mud-mortared defensive structure and a stock corral; the post and the drainage were named in honor of Major John D.L. Pearce of the Iron County Militia.  

The dimensions of the roofless guard post were approximately 42 feet north-south by 22 east-west, with 7 to 8 foot high walls and one exterior doorway.  The interior of the structure was divided by a partition wall into two rooms.  Small protruding rectangular abutments were added off the northwest and southeast corners as flanking walls and 10 vertical firing slits or gun ports were constructed near the tops of the walls.   No armed conflicts are known to have taken place at Fort Pearce, but the guard post was manned, at least intermittently, from 1866 until 1873, when peace negotiations and U.S. Army actions ended the raiding that was known in Utah as the Black Hawk War.