Scenic views, chance wildlife sightings and a sense of history await you on
the Mokaac Trail. Mokaac Trail was once part of a main road onto the western
Arizona Strip beginning in the early 1900's. The trail is no longer a part of
the active road system but remains a symbol of earlier times and modes of
transportation.

Scenic views, chance wildlife sightings and a sense of history await you on the Mokaac Trail. Mokaac Trail was once part of a main road onto the western Arizona Strip beginning in the early 1900's. The trail is no longer a part of the active road system but remains a symbol of earlier times and modes of transportation.

Bird's eye view of the park

Mokaac Trail

******* The state has leased land for a gravel pit within the main access road
to Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site. See directions at left for more
information. Be warned the routes don't hold up as well in rains and is
completely impassible during heavy rain. *******

The site contains some outstanding rock art, representing 6,000 years of human
habitation and use. The site has over 500 individual rock-art designs and
elements on the cliffs and boulders surrounding the base of a 500-foot mesa.
The different designs are associated with the cultures of the Great Basin,
Western Anasazi and Lower Colorado River, only a few of the many cultures that
have passed this way. Some of the representations of turtles, lizards and bear
paws may be symbols with social or religious meanings that are now lost to us.

******* The state has leased land for a gravel pit within the main access road to Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site. See directions at left for more information. Be warned the routes don't hold up as well in rains and is completely impassible during heavy rain. *******The site contains some outstanding rock art, representing 6,000 years of human habitation and use. The site has over 500 individual rock-art designs and elements on the cliffs and boulders surrounding the base of a 500-foot mesa. The different designs are associated with the cultures of the Great Basin, Western Anasazi and Lower Colorado River, only a few of the many cultures that have passed this way. Some of the representations of turtles, lizards and bear paws may be symbols with social or religious meanings that are now lost to us.

Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site

Dirt Bikes, Mountain bikes, and ebikes are welcome in this area. Note there
are many motorized trails in this area making it very easy to become lost.
Please get a good map for adventuring off in this area. Recommended seasons of
use are Fall, Winter and Spring.

Dirt Bikes, Mountain bikes, and ebikes are welcome in this area. Note there are many motorized trails in this area making it very easy to become lost. Please get a good map for adventuring off in this area.  Recommended seasons of use are Fall, Winter and Spring.

Sunshine Loop and Dutchman Mountain Bike Trails

The Paiute Wilderness (87,900 acres) in Arizona, is managed by the Bureau of
Land Management. In 1984, the Paiute Wilderness became part of the now over
109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System established by the
Wilderness Act of 1964. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational
activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. 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, bicycles, hang gliders,
wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including
helicopters Contact the agency for more information about regulations. Some
lands around and within the wilderness are not federally administered. Please
respect the property of the owners and do not cross or use these lands without
their permission.

The Paiute Wilderness (87,900 acres) in Arizona, is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. In 1984, the Paiute Wilderness became part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System established by the Wilderness Act of 1964. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. 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, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters Contact the agency for more information about regulations. 
 
Some lands around and within the wilderness are not federally administered. Please respect the property of the owners and do not cross or use these lands without their permission.

Paiute Wilderness

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 a 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 Willderness.

The campground and day-use areas also both have scenic trails leading to the
Virgin River. The Virgin River is occassionally 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.

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

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 Willderness.

The campground and day-use areas also both have scenic trails leading to the
Virgin River. The Virgin River is occassionally 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.

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.

## 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 a 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 Willderness. 
The campground and day-use areas also both have scenic trails leading to the Virgin River. The Virgin River is occassionally 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. 
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>
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 Willderness. 
The campground and day-use areas also both have scenic trails leading to the Virgin River. The Virgin River is occassionally 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. 
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>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

Early Trails, Wagon Roads, and Auto RoutesLong before the first Anglo-
Europeans began to explore and settle in the Intermountain West, long distance
trails had been developed by Native Americans across this region, as they
traveled to obtain scarce resources, such as salt or obsidian, and to trade.
In the late 18th century, when Spanish colonists in New Mexico sought travel
routes to the California colonial settlements, they engaged Native Americans
to guide them on their westward explorations. Their Indian guides led them
along the well-traveled footpaths that they followed to trade with tribes
living along the California coast for shell beads and other products. Between
1820 and 1850, the stock trail known as the “Old Spanish Trail” between Santa
Fe and Los Angeles was regularly traveled by New Mexico traders, fur trappers,
and hardy immigrants. After 1850, Mormon settlers, who had arrived in the Salt
Lake Valley in 1847, and “49ers” headed to the California gold fields took ox
and horse-drawn wagons over this trail and created alternative routes to avoid
terrain that could not be negotiated by wagons. Wagon roads proliferated in
the Intermountain West during the latter half of the 19th century, as silver
mining districts in this region boomed and new Mormon colonies were
established in Utah, Nevada, and Arizona. By the first decades of the 20th
century, “horseless carriages” were replacing horse-drawn wagons and new roads
had to be constructed to accommodate this mode of travel. Several of the
widely-known early trails, wagon and automobile roads crossed Washington
County. These include the Dominquez-Escalante Trail, the Old Spanish National
Historic Trail, the Mormon Road, the Honeymoon Trail, and the Arrowhead
Highway. To learn more, click on the links for each travel route.

Early Trails, Wagon Roads, and Auto RoutesLong before the first Anglo-Europeans began to explore and settle in the Intermountain West, long distance trails had been developed by Native Americans across this region, as they traveled to obtain scarce resources, such as salt or obsidian, and to trade.   In the late 18th century, when Spanish colonists in New Mexico sought travel routes to the California colonial settlements, they engaged Native Americans to guide them on their westward explorations.   Their Indian guides led them along the well-traveled footpaths that they followed to trade with tribes living along the California coast for shell beads and other products.  Between 1820 and 1850, the stock trail known as the “Old Spanish Trail” between Santa Fe and Los Angeles was regularly traveled by New Mexico traders, fur trappers, and hardy immigrants.  After 1850, Mormon settlers, who had arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847, and “49ers” headed to the California gold fields took ox and horse-drawn wagons over this trail and created alternative routes to avoid terrain that could not be negotiated by wagons.  Wagon roads proliferated in the Intermountain West during the latter half of the 19th century, as silver mining districts in this region boomed and new Mormon colonies were established in Utah, Nevada, and Arizona.  By the first decades of the 20th century, “horseless carriages” were replacing horse-drawn wagons and new roads had to be constructed to accommodate this mode of travel.    Several of the widely-known early trails, wagon and automobile roads crossed Washington County.  These include the Dominquez-Escalante Trail, the Old Spanish National Historic Trail, the Mormon Road, the Honeymoon Trail, and the Arrowhead Highway.   To learn more, click on the links for each travel route.

Early Trails

Armijo Route, 1829-1830 ,is one of the Old Spanish Trail’s alternative routes,
the Armijo Route, was pioneered by 31 New Mexico traders, under the leadership
of Antonio Armijo between 1829 and 1830. This group left Abiquiu, New Mexico,
in November of 1829 with a horse and mule pack train loaded with woven goods
to sell in California. They followed a route that took them through the Four
Corners area to the Colorado River where the Dominquez-Escalante party had
crossed in 1776. From this crossing, the route headed across northeastern
Arizona to the Virgin River in Utah. The party then followed the Virgin River
to the Colorado River, diverted southwesterly across the Mojave Desert of
Nevada, arriving in Santa Barbara, California three months later. Their return
trip to New Mexico, driving horses and mules purchased in California, took
only 40 days, as they were now traveling a known route. Armijo’s party
pioneered a new trail and demonstrated the feasibility of commercial trade
between New Mexico and California. In Washington County, the Northern and
Armijo Routes cross public lands managed by the St. George Field Office. The
Northern Route entered the county near New Castle, traversing the Dixie
National Forest to Mountain Meadows. Mountain Meadows was an important resting
spot for the traders and their stock, as water and forage were predictably
available there. The route then followed the Santa Clara River to Camp Spring,
on the Shivwits Indian Reservation, and then left the river to go overland in
a southwesterly direction to the Virgin River, near Beaver Dam, Arizona. The
exact route of the trail probably varied somewhat by season and the
availability of water and feed. Some traders may have followed the Santa Clara
River south to its intersection with the Virgin River near St. George, Utah,
rather than taking the overland route. Few traces of the OST remain, although
the travel corridor and the rugged landscape through which the pack mule
trains and New Mexico traders passed can still be experienced and appreciated
by modern visitors.The Armijo Route followed Fort Pearce Wash in Washington
County, bearing northwesterly to intercept the Virgin River, just west of
Hurricane, Utah. The party continued south along the Virgin River to a
campsite near Littlefield Arizona, ultimately traveling along the Virgin River
to its confluence with the Colorado River, east of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Armijo Route, 1829-1830 ,is one of the Old Spanish Trail’s alternative routes, the Armijo Route, was pioneered by 31 New Mexico traders, under the leadership of Antonio Armijo between 1829 and 1830. This group left Abiquiu, New Mexico, in November of 1829 with a horse and mule pack train loaded with woven goods to sell in California. They followed a route that took them through the Four Corners area to the Colorado River where the Dominquez-Escalante party had crossed in 1776. From this crossing, the route headed across northeastern Arizona to the Virgin River in Utah. The party then followed the Virgin River to the Colorado River, diverted southwesterly across the Mojave Desert of Nevada, arriving in Santa Barbara, California three months later. Their return trip to New Mexico, driving horses and mules purchased in California, took only 40 days, as they were now traveling a known route. Armijo’s party pioneered a new trail and demonstrated the feasibility of commercial trade between New Mexico and California. In Washington County, the Northern and Armijo Routes cross public lands managed by the St. George Field Office. The Northern Route entered the county near New Castle, traversing the Dixie National Forest to Mountain Meadows. Mountain Meadows was an important resting spot for the traders and their stock, as water and forage were predictably available there. The route then followed the Santa Clara River to Camp Spring, on the Shivwits Indian Reservation, and then left the river to go overland in a southwesterly direction to the Virgin River, near Beaver Dam, Arizona. The exact route of the trail probably varied somewhat by season and the availability of water and feed. Some traders may have followed the Santa Clara River south to its intersection with the Virgin River near St. George, Utah, rather than taking the overland route. Few traces of the OST remain, although the travel corridor and the rugged landscape through which the pack mule trains and New Mexico traders passed can still be experienced and appreciated by modern visitors.The Armijo Route followed Fort Pearce Wash in Washington County, bearing northwesterly to intercept the Virgin River, just west of Hurricane, Utah. The party continued south along the Virgin River to a campsite near Littlefield Arizona, ultimately traveling along the Virgin River to its confluence with the Colorado River, east of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Armijo Route

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

Experience peacefulness and solitude as you ride the BLM's Sunshine Loop
through fascinating desert scenery. Interesting dry washes, colorful buttes
and abruptly rising escarpments impress mountain bikers all along this half-
day trip. The 8.5-mile (13.5 km) loop trail has a More Difficult Rating mostly
because of difficult trial surfaces in some stretches.

Experience peacefulness and solitude as you ride the BLM's <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/sunshine-loop-and-dutchman-mountain-bike-trails" rel="nofollow">Sunshine Loop</a> through fascinating desert scenery. Interesting dry washes, colorful buttes and abruptly rising escarpments impress mountain bikers all along this half-day trip. The 8.5-mile (13.5 km) loop trail has a More Difficult Rating mostly because of difficult trial surfaces in some stretches.

Sun Valley Mine

Recommended Trail Users: Hikers. Two-track. 0.2 miles in length. Difficulty:
Easy.This trail leads to the Warner Valley Dinosaur Track Site, where over 400
tracks can be found imprinted in the sandstone. Interpretive signs on site
provide information to the visitor.

Recommended Trail Users: Hikers. Two-track. 0.2 miles in length. Difficulty: Easy.This trail leads to the Warner Valley Dinosaur Track Site, where over 400 tracks can be found imprinted in the sandstone. Interpretive signs on site provide information to the visitor.

Therapod

Dominquez-Escalante Trail, 1776-1777, is a segment of the likely route
followed by the Dominquez-Escalante exploration party in 1776. The trail is
found on public lands managed by the St. George Field Office. As this small
party of hardy explorers from the Spanish colonies in New Mexico, led by
Franciscan friars Atanasio Dominguez and Silvestre Velez de Escalante, made
just a single trek here, there are no visible traces of their trail. The route
that they traveled has been reconstructed by historians, based on the journal
that was kept by Velez de Escalante. White obelisk-shaped stone markers have
been placed on public lands to show the general trace of the Dominquez-
Escalante party through central Washington County. In July of 1776, the two
friars, accompanied by eight volunteers and outfitted with saddle horses, pack
animals, and some beef cattle on the hoof, left Santa Fe, New Mexico, on a
journey of exploration. Their goal was to find a route to the Spanish colonies
in coastal California that would take them north of the Grand Canyon and the
Colorado River. By such a route, they would avoid the Indian Tribes that had
been hostile to prior Spanish explorers and travel through less arid lands.
The trek of the Dominguez-Escalante party took them northwesterly into
Colorado, then to Utah, crossing the Colorado River near Moab. Relying on
information from Indian guides, the explorers reached Utah Lake, near Salt
Lake City, proceeding from there in a southwesterly direction. They arrived
near Cedar City in October of 1776. Low on provisions and fearing that the
approaching winter, the party decided to return home, rather than press on to
California. They traveled south along Ash Creek to its confluence with the
Virgin River, near modern-day Hurricane, in Washington County. Escalante's
journal suggests that the party camped on top of Sand Mountain, before
traveling south along Ft. Pearce Wash. From this point, they continued on a
meandering course east, fording the Colorado River near today's Navajo Bridge,
turned south to visit the villages of the Hopi and Zuni Tribes, and eventually
headed north along the Rio Grande River to Santa Fe. Arriving in Santa Fe on
January 2, 1777, the Dominquez-Escalante party had spent nearly six months
traveling a distance of approximately 2,000 miles. Fray Escalante's maps and
journal, which described the landscape and Native American tribes that they
encountered, were used by future explorers, including Lewis and Clark in 1803.
One of the routes that Dominguez-Escalante helped to pioneer by their travels
was the Old Spanish Trail, now a designated National Historic Trail.

Dominquez-Escalante Trail, 1776-1777, is a segment of the likely route followed by the Dominquez-Escalante exploration party in 1776. The trail is found on public lands managed by the St. George Field Office.  As this small party of hardy explorers from the Spanish colonies in New Mexico, led by Franciscan friars Atanasio Dominguez and Silvestre Velez de Escalante, made just a single trek here, there are no visible traces of their trail.  The route that they traveled has been reconstructed by historians, based on the journal that was kept by Velez de Escalante.  White obelisk-shaped stone markers have been placed on public lands to show the general trace of the Dominquez-Escalante party through central Washington County. In July of 1776, the two friars, accompanied by eight volunteers and outfitted with saddle horses, pack animals, and some beef cattle on the hoof, left Santa Fe, New Mexico, on a journey of exploration.  Their goal was to find a route to the Spanish colonies in coastal California that would take them north of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River.  By such a route, they would avoid the Indian Tribes that had been hostile to prior Spanish explorers and travel through less arid lands.  The trek of the Dominguez-Escalante party took them northwesterly into Colorado, then to Utah, crossing the Colorado River near Moab.  Relying on information from Indian guides, the explorers reached Utah Lake, near Salt Lake City, proceeding from there in a southwesterly direction.  They arrived near Cedar City in October of 1776.  Low on provisions and fearing that the approaching winter, the party decided to return home, rather than press on to California.  They traveled south along Ash Creek to its confluence with the Virgin River, near modern-day Hurricane, in Washington County.  Escalante's journal suggests that the party camped on top of Sand Mountain, before traveling south along Ft. Pearce Wash.  From this point, they continued on a meandering course east, fording the Colorado River near today's Navajo Bridge, turned south to visit the villages of the Hopi and Zuni Tribes, and eventually headed north along the Rio Grande River to Santa Fe.  Arriving in Santa Fe on January 2, 1777, the Dominquez-Escalante party had spent nearly six months traveling a distance of approximately 2,000 miles.  Fray Escalante's maps and journal, which described the landscape and Native American tribes that they encountered, were used by future explorers, including Lewis and Clark in 1803.  One of the routes that Dominguez-Escalante helped to pioneer by their travels was the Old Spanish Trail, now a designated National Historic Trail.

Dominquez-Escalante Trail

Sand Mountain was designated as an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Open Area in the
1999 St. George Field Office Resource Management Plan (RMP). Adjacent to Sand
Hollow State Park, the OHV Area hosts miles of technical trails and open
riding opportunities suitable to a spectrum of OHVs. Sand Mountain provides a
360-degree panorama of the region that includes downtown St. George, the
Hurricane Cliffs, the Arizona Strip, the Pine Valley Mountains, and the Red
Cliffs National Conservation Area. The maximum elevation of Sand Mountain is
approximately 4,000 feet.

Sand Mountain was designated as an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Open Area in the 1999 St. George Field Office Resource Management Plan (RMP). Adjacent to Sand Hollow State Park, the OHV Area hosts miles of technical trails and open riding opportunities suitable to a spectrum of OHVs. Sand Mountain provides a 360-degree panorama of the region that includes downtown St. George, the Hurricane Cliffs, the Arizona Strip, the Pine Valley Mountains, and the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. The maximum elevation of Sand Mountain is approximately 4,000 feet.

4-wheel, off-highway vehicles navigate rugged, orange sandstone pinnacles above Sand Hollow Reservoir, Hurricane Valley, and Black Ridge far in the distant background.