Camping on the south side of Quail Creek Reservoir is authorized in eight
sites, each with a picnic table and metal fire ring. Campsites are available
on a first-come, first-served basis and occupancy is limited to ONE NIGHT. A
portable toilet and dumpster are available on site.

This area provides convenient access to Quail Creek Reservoir and miles of
non-motorized trails nearby.

Camping amenities are provided by the Washington County Water Conservancy
District in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management. Please park, camp,
and concentrate activity on durable surfaces to limit impacts to vegetation
and fragile soil crusts.

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.

<p>Camping on the south side of Quail Creek Reservoir is authorized in eight sites, each with a picnic table and metal fire ring. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and occupancy is limited to ONE NIGHT. A portable toilet and dumpster are available on site.</p>

<p>This area provides convenient access to Quail Creek Reservoir and miles of non-motorized trails nearby.</p>

<p>Camping amenities are provided by the Washington County Water Conservancy District in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management. Please park, camp, and concentrate activity on durable surfaces to limit impacts to vegetation and fragile soil crusts.</p>

<p>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.</p>

Official Washington County Water Conservancy entrance sign states, “Day use or overnight camping only. One day limit. Please clean up after yourself and your pets. Violators will be prosecuted. Please call 435-673-3617 for additional information.

Washington County Water Conservancy entrance sign

Rolling hills with striated, red rock formations surround a flat, gravel camping pad with associated picnic table and metal fire ring.

Gravel camping pad and picnic table at Quail Creek Reservoir Designated Dispersed Camping Area

Flat, gravel campsite with an associated picnic table and metal fire ring with a desert wash full of lush vegetation in the background.

Flat, gravel campsite with a desert wash full at Quail Creek Reservoir Designated Dispersed Camping Area

Quail Creek Reservoir Designated Dispersed Camping Area

Utah State Parks: At 3,300 feet above sea level, relatively low elevation for
Utah, Quail Creek Reservoir boasts some of the warmest waters in the state and
a mild winter climate. Quail Creek lures boaters and anglers year-round. Spend
a day on the water or visit a nearby state or national park, then retire to a
campsite in a spectacular red rock desert setting.

The maximum depth of Quail Creek can reach 120 feet, so it is cold enough to
sustain the stocked rainbow trout, bullhead catfish, and crappie. The Utah
Division of Wildlife Resources also stocks largemouth bass and bluegill, which
thrive in the warmer, in the upper layers of the reservoir. Make a reservation
on the Utah State Parks reservation site

Utah State Parks: At 3,300 feet above sea level, relatively low elevation for Utah, Quail Creek Reservoir boasts some of the warmest waters in the state and a mild winter climate. Quail Creek lures boaters and anglers year-round. Spend a day on the water or visit a nearby state or national park, then retire to a campsite in a spectacular red rock desert setting.
<p>
<p>
The maximum depth of Quail Creek can reach 120 feet, so it is cold enough to sustain the stocked rainbow trout, bullhead catfish, and crappie. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources also stocks largemouth bass and bluegill, which thrive in the warmer, in the upper layers of the reservoir.
<a href="http://utahstateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/quail-creek-state-park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=UT&parkId=345711" rel="nofollow">Make a reservation on the Utah State Parks reservation site</a>

$10/car up to 8 people. Senior (Utah residents over 62 years of age): $4/car
up to 8 people. Camping starts at $15/night.

Bird's eye view of the park

Quail Creek State Park

Orson B. Adams House The St. George Field Office has completed rehabilitation
of a mid-19th century Mormon pioneer residence for adaptive re-use. This small
sandstone masonry house was built in 1863 for the Orson B. Adams family, in
the now abandoned Mormon agricultural settlement of Harrisburg, located
approximately 15 miles north of St. George. Critical to the successful
completion of the rehabilitation project were partnerships with Washington
County, the Utah Heritage Foundation, and the National Trust for Historic
Preservation; technical assistance from the Utah State Historic Preservation
Office; and volunteer labor during several phases of the project. The Adams
house is open sporadically for public visitation with the assistance of
volunteer docents. In 2004, Washington County, Utah State University (USU),
and the Utah Chapter-American Society of Landscape Architects worked with BLM
to create a conceptual plan for public recreation use of the 215 acres that
surround the Adams house. Quail Creek flows through the tract, creating a lush
riparian area with tall cottonwood trees and willows. Other historic
Harrisburg structures, terraced gardens, an orchard, fields outlined by native
rock walls, irrigation ditches, and wagon roads are preserved on the property.
Students and faculty from USU documented the features of this still-intact
19th century agrarian landscape, as part of the first Historic American
Landscape Survey conducted in Utah. The final concept plan will integrate the
Adams house with a system of linked hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian
trails that connect to trails in the Red Cliffs Recreation Area, the Red
Cliffs National Conservation Area, and the nearby historic Silver Reef mining
district. Based on the conceptual plan, BLM completed an environmental
assessment for the proposed development of a non-motorized trail system and an
equestrian trailhead. Today the White Reef Trailhead provides access to a
trail system that visits 5 public use sites within the Red Cliffs Recreation
Area including the Orson B. Adams House.

Orson B. Adams House

The St. George Field Office has completed rehabilitation of a mid-19th century Mormon pioneer residence for adaptive re-use.  This small sandstone masonry house was built in 1863 for the Orson B. Adams family, in the now abandoned Mormon agricultural settlement of Harrisburg, located approximately 15 miles north of St. George.   Critical to the successful completion of the rehabilitation project were partnerships with Washington County, the Utah Heritage Foundation, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation; technical assistance from the Utah State Historic Preservation Office; and volunteer labor during several phases of the project.  The Adams house is open sporadically for public visitation with the assistance of volunteer docents.  

In 2004, Washington County, Utah State University (USU), and the Utah Chapter-American Society of Landscape Architects worked with BLM to create a conceptual plan for public recreation use of the 215 acres that surround the Adams house.  Quail Creek flows through the tract, creating a lush riparian area with tall cottonwood trees and willows. Other historic Harrisburg structures, terraced gardens, an orchard, fields outlined by native rock walls, irrigation ditches, and wagon roads are preserved on the property.  Students and faculty from USU documented the features of this still-intact 19th century agrarian landscape, as part of the first Historic American Landscape Survey conducted in Utah.  The final concept plan will integrate the Adams house with a system of linked hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails that connect to trails in the Red Cliffs Recreation Area, the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, and the nearby historic Silver Reef mining district.

Based on the conceptual plan, BLM completed an environmental assessment for the proposed development of a non-motorized trail system and an equestrian trailhead. Today the White Reef Trailhead provides access to a trail system that visits 5 public use sites within the Red Cliffs Recreation Area including the Orson B. Adams House.

Orson B. Adams House

Experience red sand beaches, visually stunning red rock formations and some of
the best trails and ATV riding in the state. This easy-to-access park has a
variety of activities for adventurers of any age, type and skill level, and is
an ideal spot if you are looking for watersports, fishing, motorized
recreation, or family camping.

The park’s 1,322-acre reservoir is warm, which makes it great for swimming and
water skiing as well as boating. In addition to the water fun, Sand Hollow is
one of the area’s most popular spots for ATVs and OHVs, offering riders more
than 6,000 acres of sand dunes that have open riding as well as technical
trails where you can test your skills.

This off-road attraction is the ideal complement on your Road to Mighty
itinerary to the nonmotorized trails of nearby Zion National Park, meaning you
can enjoy both the quiet of the national park and the buzzing adrenaline of
wide-open and free off-road adventure. Rentals are available. Make a
reservation on the Utah State Parks reservation site.

Experience red sand beaches, visually stunning red rock formations and some of the best trails and ATV riding in the state. This easy-to-access park has a variety of activities for adventurers of any age, type and skill level, and is an ideal spot if you are looking for watersports, fishing, motorized recreation, or family camping.  
<p>
<p>
The park’s 1,322-acre reservoir is warm, which makes it great for swimming and water skiing as well as boating. In addition to the water fun, Sand Hollow is one of the area’s most popular spots for ATVs and OHVs, offering riders more than 6,000 acres of sand dunes that have open riding as well as technical trails where you can test your skills.
<p>
<p>
This off-road attraction is the ideal complement on your Road to Mighty itinerary to the nonmotorized trails of nearby Zion National Park, meaning you can enjoy both the quiet of the national park and the buzzing adrenaline of wide-open and free off-road adventure. Rentals are available. <a href="http://utahstateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/sand-hollow-state-park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=UT&parkId=345761" rel="nofollow">Make a reservation on the Utah State Parks reservation site</a>.

$10/car up to 8 people. Senior (Utah residents over 62 years of age): $5/car
up to 8 people. Walk-in: $4/person. Camping starts at $18/night.

Sand Hollow State Park

Nestled beneath the backdrop of the Pine Valley Mountains, riparian
environments created by Quail and Leeds Creek wind their way through rounded
hills, shaded canyons, and soaring cliffs of Navajo Sandstone.

This welcomed oasis within the **Red Cliffs National Conservation Area**
protects critical habitats for the threatened Mojave Desert tortoise,
endangered native fish of the Virgin River system, native and migratory birds,
and other desert species.

The Red Cliffs Recreation Area provides a small campground, shaded picnic
area, historic and paleontological sites, and miles of trails for hiking,
mountain biking, and horseback riding.

# Red Cliffs Recreation Area Information

## **Hours of Operation:**

  * The **Red Cliffs Campground** and all day-use areas are open year-round.
  * Day-use hours of operation are from sunrise to sunset.

## **Vehicle Access and Parking:**

  * Vehicle height restricted to 11ft 9in to pass through two narrow tunnels beneath the I-15 freeway.
  * Day use parking is extremely limited. Expect parking to be full on weekends, holidays, and most days during the spring and fall.
  * Please be respectful of others by not parking in, or walking through, reserved campsites.
  * Parking on vegetation or along the road is prohibited. Vehicles impeding traffic are subject to citation and towing.
  * Vehicles with trailers must park at the White Reef Trailhead.

# Recreation Activities

As you explore the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area please follow all
posted regulations.

## **Camping:**

  * The **Red Cliffs Campground** includes 11 sites with shade shelters, picnic tables, potable water, and grills.
  * **Reservations are required** for all sites and can be made at **recreation.gov** , or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Camping fees are $15 per night per site.
  * First-come first-serve camping is not allowed. Camping is prohibited at all trailheads and day-use areas.

## Dinosaur Tracks:

  * Exposures of Jurassic age sandstone preserve **dinosaur tracks** along the **Silver Reef Trail** and **Red Reef East Trail**.

## Ancestral Puebloan History:

  * View structures of the Ancestral Puebloans at the **Red Cliffs Archaeological Site** via the **Anasazi Trail**.

## Mormon Pioneer History:

  * The **Orson B. Adams House** was built in the early 1860s, during the settlement of Harrisburg.

## Quail Creek:

  * The **Red Reef Trail** follows Quail Creek upstream as it enters the **Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness**. Tens of thousands of visitors hike the first section of this trail each spring when snowmelt creates short cascades of water that pools in slickrock bowls.

<p>Nestled beneath the backdrop of the Pine Valley Mountains, riparian environments created by Quail and Leeds Creek wind their way through rounded hills, shaded canyons, and soaring cliffs of Navajo Sandstone.</p>

<p>This welcomed oasis within the <strong><a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/utah/red-cliffs-nca" rel="nofollow">Red Cliffs National Conservation Area</a></strong> protects critical habitats for the threatened Mojave Desert tortoise, endangered native fish of the Virgin River system, native and migratory birds, and other desert species.</p>

<p>The Red Cliffs Recreation Area provides a small campground, shaded picnic area, historic and paleontological sites, and miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.</p>

<h1>Red Cliffs Recreation Area Information</h1>

<h2><strong>Hours of Operation:</strong></h2>

<ul>
	<li>The <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/red-cliffs-campground" rel="nofollow"><strong>Red Cliffs Campground</strong></a> and all day-use areas are open year-round.</li>
	<li>Day-use hours of operation are from sunrise to sunset.</li>
</ul>

<h2><strong>Vehicle Access and Parking:</strong></h2>

<ul>
	<li>Vehicle height restricted to 11ft 9in to pass through two narrow tunnels beneath the I-15 freeway.</li>
	<li>Day use parking is extremely limited. Expect parking to be full on weekends, holidays, and most days during the spring and fall.</li>
	<li>Please be respectful of others by not parking in, or walking through, reserved campsites.</li>
	<li>Parking on vegetation or along the road is prohibited. Vehicles impeding traffic are subject to citation and towing.</li>
	<li>Vehicles with trailers must park at the White Reef Trailhead.</li>
</ul>

<h1>Recreation Activities</h1>

<p>As you explore the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area please follow all posted regulations.</p>

<h2><strong>Camping:</strong></h2>

<ul>
	<li>The <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/red-cliffs-campground" rel="nofollow"><strong>Red Cliffs Campground</strong></a> includes 11 sites with shade shelters, picnic tables, potable water, and grills.</li>
	<li><strong>Reservations are required</strong> for all sites and can be made at <strong><a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/202162" rel="nofollow">recreation.gov</a></strong>, or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Camping fees are $15 per night per site.</li>
	<li>First-come first-serve camping is not allowed. Camping is prohibited at all trailheads and day-use areas.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Dinosaur Tracks:</h2>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p>Exposures of Jurassic age sandstone preserve <strong><a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/red-cliffs-dinosaur-track-site" rel="nofollow">dinosaur tracks</a></strong> along the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/silver-reef-trail" rel="nofollow"><strong>Silver Reef Trail</strong></a> and <strong><a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/red-reef-east-trail" rel="nofollow">Red Reef East Trail</a></strong>.</p>
	</li>
</ul>

<h2>Ancestral Puebloan History:</h2>

<ul>
	<li>View structures of the Ancestral Puebloans at the <strong><a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/red-cliffs-archeological-site" rel="nofollow">Red Cliffs Archaeological Site</a></strong> via the <strong><a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/anasazi-trail" rel="nofollow">Anasazi Trail</a></strong>.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Mormon Pioneer History:</h2>

<ul>
	<li>
	<p>The <strong><a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/orson-b-adams-house" rel="nofollow">Orson B. Adams House</a></strong> was built in the early 1860s, during the settlement of Harrisburg.</p>
	</li>
</ul>

<h2>Quail Creek:</h2>

<ul>
	<li>The <strong><a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/red-reef-trail" rel="nofollow">Red Reef Trail</a></strong> follows Quail Creek upstream as it enters the <strong><a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/cottonwood-canyon-wilderness" rel="nofollow">Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness</a></strong>. Tens of thousands of visitors hike the first section of this trail each spring when snowmelt creates short cascades of water that pools in slickrock bowls.</li>
</ul>

**Day Use Activity Pass** : $5 per vehicle

Pay via credit card with the _**Recreation.gov Mobile App**_
_**www.recreation.gov/mobile-app**_. It is recommended that you download this
app before arrival as cell phone reception is unreliable.

Additional forms of payment accepted: Cash or Check

**America the Beautiful Passes** are accepted.

Detailed payment instructions are located on site at Red Cliffs Recreation
Area.

Red Cliffs Recreation Area

### When Dinosaurs Roamed

Preserved in the rocks of the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area is
evidence that dinosaurs once roamed this area millions of years ago. Fossil
footprints, or tracks, were first discovered in these sandstone cliffs in
1998, and are aiding scientists in their understanding of ancient life. When
this track site was re-examined in 2012, paleontologists found 17 tracks and
identified them as Grallator and Kayentapus. Eubrontes tracks can be seen near
the end of the trail.

When dinosaurs left their footprints here 190 million years ago, the landscape
of the southwest was in transition. Aridity was increasing; the large
meandering rivers and shallow lakes that characterized an earlier geologic
time were giving way to wind-blown seas of sand. The Red Cliffs Track Site
occurs in the transition zone between the Kayenta Formation and Navajo
Sandstone formed during the Jurassic Period. In this transition zone, river
deposited siltstones, mudstones, and fine-grained sandstones typical of the
Kayenta Formation are layered with crossed-bedded, windblown sandstone typical
of Navajo Sandstone. The tracks here are in fine-grained sandstone and were
probably left in the soft sediments of a stream or lake edge during a wetter
climatic cycle.

### Who's Toes are Those?

Although paleontologists cannot tell from tracks which specific type of
dinosaur made them, tracks can be tied to a general group of dinosaurs based
on shape and size. This allows for names or ichnotaxa to be given to the track
forms themselves. The three different types of tracks found in Red Cliffs have
been identified as Grallator, Eubrontes, and Kayentapus. Paleontologists
suggest the Grallator and Eubrontes tracks have been made by Megapnosaurus and
Dilophosaurus. The dinosaur linked to the Kayentapus track remains unknown.

Tracks are trace fossils that are not actual parts of animals or plants, but
objects or signs left behind by them. Other trace fossils include coprolites
(mineralized feces) , gastroliths (stomach stones), and skin or feather
impressions. There are three different types of track impressions: true
tracks, under-tracks, and natural casts. True tracks are the initial imprint
made by the dinosaur. Under-tracks are the layers beneath the true track which
carry a less detailed impression. Natural casts are the sediments that fill
the true track.

### Location of the Red Cliffs Dinosaur Track Site

The tracks and trackways of this site may be seen along the Silver Reef Trail
additional dinosaur tracks may be seen along the Red Reef East Trail.

Within the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, massive exposures of the
Jurassic age Kayenta Formation and Navajo Sandstone that preserve
scientifically important dinosaur tracks and trackways, bone beds, plant
fossils, and silicified wood are conserved and protected for the benefit and
enjoyment of present and future generations.

Please help protect paleontological sites. It is illegal to dig, remove, or
collect vertebrate fossils without a permit. Never make molds or castings or
apply anything to fossils and trackways. You can help protect these
irreplaceable sites by not walking or sitting on fossils or trackways. Thank
you.

<h3>When Dinosaurs Roamed</h3>

<p>Preserved in the rocks of the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/utah/red-cliffs-nca" rel="nofollow">Red Cliffs National Conservation Area</a> is evidence that dinosaurs once roamed this area millions of years ago. Fossil footprints, or tracks, were first discovered in these sandstone cliffs in 1998, and are aiding scientists in their understanding of ancient life. When this track site was re-examined in 2012, paleontologists found 17 tracks and identified them as Grallator and Kayentapus. Eubrontes tracks can be seen near the end of the trail.</p>

<p>When dinosaurs left their footprints here 190 million years ago, the landscape of the southwest was in transition. Aridity was increasing; the large meandering rivers and shallow lakes that characterized an earlier geologic time were giving way to wind-blown seas of sand. The Red Cliffs Track Site occurs in the transition zone between the Kayenta Formation and Navajo Sandstone formed during the Jurassic Period. In this transition zone, river deposited siltstones, mudstones, and fine-grained sandstones typical of the Kayenta Formation are layered with crossed-bedded, windblown sandstone typical of Navajo Sandstone. The tracks here are in fine-grained sandstone and were probably left in the soft sediments of a stream or lake edge during a wetter climatic cycle.</p>

<h3>Who's Toes are Those?</h3>

<p>Although paleontologists cannot tell from tracks which specific type of dinosaur made them, tracks can be tied to a general group of dinosaurs based on shape and size. This allows for names or ichnotaxa to be given to the track forms themselves. The three different types of tracks found in Red Cliffs have been identified as Grallator, Eubrontes, and Kayentapus. Paleontologists suggest the Grallator and Eubrontes tracks have been made by Megapnosaurus and Dilophosaurus. The dinosaur linked to the Kayentapus track remains unknown.</p>

<p>Tracks are trace fossils that are not actual parts of animals or plants, but objects or signs left behind by them. Other trace fossils include coprolites (mineralized feces) , gastroliths (stomach stones), and skin or feather impressions. There are three different types of track impressions: true tracks, under-tracks, and natural casts. True tracks are the initial imprint made by the dinosaur. Under-tracks are the layers beneath the true track which carry a less detailed impression. Natural casts are the sediments that fill the true track.</p>

<h3>Location of the Red Cliffs Dinosaur Track Site</h3>

<p>The tracks and trackways of this site may be seen along the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/silver-reef-trail" rel="nofollow">Silver Reef Trail</a> additional dinosaur tracks may be seen along the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/red-reef-east-trail" rel="nofollow">Red Reef East Trail</a>.</p>

<p>Within the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/utah/red-cliffs-nca" rel="nofollow">Red Cliffs National Conservation Area</a>, massive exposures of the Jurassic age Kayenta Formation and Navajo Sandstone that preserve scientifically important dinosaur tracks and trackways, bone beds, plant fossils, and silicified wood are conserved and protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. </p>

<p>Please help protect paleontological sites. It is illegal to dig, remove, or collect vertebrate fossils without a permit. Never make molds or castings or apply anything to fossils and trackways. You can help protect these irreplaceable sites by not walking or sitting on fossils or trackways.  Thank you.</p>

<p> </p>

Day Use Fee: $5 per vehicle. Cash or check only. The **America the Beautiful
Passes** are accepted here and allow free day-use.

Red Cliffs Dinosaur Track Site

The United States Congress designated the Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness in 2009
and it now has a total of 11,667 acres. All of this wilderness is located in
Utah and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The Cottonwood Canyon
Wilderness is bordered by the Cottonwood Forest Wilderness to the north.The
approximately 11,700 acre Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness is within the newly-
designated Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and shares a common boundary
with the Cottonwood Forest Wilderness, located on the Dixie National Forest.
Here, massive blocks of Jurassic age Navajo Sandstone have been eroded by wind
and water, leaving rounded domes and numerous small canyons. The resulting
landscape is both austere and intimate, affording outstanding opportunities
for solitude and natural quiet, just minutes away from the major population
centers of Washington County. Convenient trail access makes this wilderness a
popular choice for hikers and equestrians. Visit the Red Cliffs National
Conservation Area web page for more information about trails in the Cottonwood
Canyon Wilderness. Although it is at the western edge of the Colorado Plateau,
the Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness supports plant and animals species that
typify the arid Mojave Desert. Pockets of desert shrubs cover the sand dunes
and rocky outcrops of this wilderness. Mojave Desert species, such as Utah
agave, banana yucca, scrub oak , and single-leaf ash, are found in the
lowlands and line the dry washes. At higher elevations, pinyon pine and Utah
juniper dot the rocky slopes of the wilderness area. Mule deer, mountain lion,
bobcat, and kit fox live here, as they do farther east on the Colorado
Plateau. Mojave Desert species, including the federally-listed threatened
Mojave Desert tortoise and the Gila monster and chuckwalla reptiles are also
residents of the Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness. Golden eagles, red-tailed
hawks, and the western screen owl circle the craggy canyons of this wilderness
area, searching for prey. On the right day, at the right time, lucky visitors
may see bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and Cooper's, and sharp-shinned hawks
in the area.

The United States Congress designated the Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness in 2009 and it now has a total of 11,667 acres. All of this wilderness is located in Utah and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness is bordered by the Cottonwood Forest Wilderness to the north.The approximately 11,700 acre Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness is within the newly-designated Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and shares a common boundary with the Cottonwood Forest Wilderness, located on the Dixie National Forest. Here, massive blocks of Jurassic age Navajo Sandstone have been eroded by wind and water, leaving rounded domes and numerous small canyons. The resulting landscape is both austere and intimate, affording outstanding opportunities for solitude and natural quiet, just minutes away from the major population centers of Washington County. Convenient trail access makes this wilderness a popular choice for hikers and equestrians. Visit the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area web page for more information about trails in the Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness.  Although it is at the western edge of the Colorado Plateau, the Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness supports plant and animals species that typify the arid Mojave Desert. Pockets of desert shrubs cover the sand dunes and rocky outcrops of this wilderness. Mojave Desert species, such as Utah agave, banana yucca, scrub oak , and single-leaf ash, are found in the lowlands and line the dry washes. At higher elevations, pinyon pine and Utah juniper dot the rocky slopes of the wilderness area. Mule deer, mountain lion, bobcat, and kit fox live here, as they do farther east on the Colorado Plateau. Mojave Desert species, including the federally-listed threatened Mojave Desert tortoise and the Gila monster and chuckwalla reptiles are also residents of the Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness. Golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and the western screen owl circle the craggy canyons of this wilderness area, searching for prey. On the right day, at the right time, lucky visitors may see bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and Cooper's, and sharp-shinned hawks in the area.

Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness

The Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness now contains a total of 11,712 acres and is
managed by the Bureau of Land Management. All of the Wilderness is in the
state of Utah. In 2009 the Cottonwood Canyon 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.

**Contact Information:**

> OUTDOOR RECREATION PLANNER: Dave Kiel  
> 345 East Riverside Drive  
> St. George, UT 84790  
> Phone: 435-688-3210  
> Fax: 435-688-3252  
> Email: david_kiel@blm.gov  
> 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday

<br>The Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness now contains a total of 11,712 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. All of the Wilderness is in the state of Utah. In 2009 the Cottonwood Canyon 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 <em>"...increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization,..."</em> you play an important role in helping to <em>"...secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness"</em> 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.<p>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.<p><b>Leave No Trace principles:</b><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><p><b>Regulations:</b><br>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.<p><b>Contact Information:</b><blockquote><p>OUTDOOR RECREATION PLANNER: Dave Kiel<br>345 East Riverside Drive<br>St. George, UT 84790<br>Phone: 435-688-3210<br>Fax: 435-688-3252<br>Email: <a href="mailto:"david_kiel@blm.gov"" rel="nofollow">david_kiel@blm.gov</a><br>8am-5pm, Monday through Friday</blockquote>

Camping along the Sand Mountain Pipeline Road is authorized in eight numbered
sites each with a steel fire ring. Campsites are first-come, first-serve and
occupancy is limited to 14 days in a 28 day period.

This area provides full access to the Sand Mountain Open Off-Highway Vehicle
Area. Campsites are managed by the St. George Field Office in cooperation with
the Washington County Water Conservancy District.

PLEASE BE ADVISED: Campsites are typically accessible from the south by any
vehicle with at least medium clearance. Access from Waddy’s Corral requires
four-wheel drive.

Adjacent restrooms are located at 37.1053, -113.4327, just north of the
camping area along the Sand Mountain Pipeline Road.

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.

<p>Camping along the Sand Mountain Pipeline Road is authorized in eight numbered sites each with a steel fire ring. Campsites are first-come, first-serve and occupancy is limited to 14 days in a 28 day period.</p>

<p>This area provides full access to the Sand Mountain Open Off-Highway Vehicle Area. Campsites are managed by the St. George Field Office in cooperation with the Washington County Water Conservancy District.</p>

<p>PLEASE BE ADVISED: Campsites are typically accessible from the south by any vehicle with at least medium clearance. Access from Waddy’s Corral requires four-wheel drive.</p>

<p>Adjacent restrooms are located at 37.1053, -113.4327, just north of the camping area along the Sand Mountain Pipeline Road.</p>

<p>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.</p>

Gravel campsite with metal fire ring and brown, numbered placard (#3) against a backdrop rolling red dirt hills and the Pine Valley Mountains.

Graveled campsite against a backdrop of rolling red dirt hills and the Pine Valley Mountains.

Sand Mountain Pipeline Designated Dispersed Camping Area

Silver Reef Mining DistrictJohn Kemple arrived in Harrisburg in 1866, and
boarded at the Orson Adams House for the winter. Kemple was an experienced
prospector, and in 1868 he found a mineralized sandstone float (an ore
unattached to the bedrock) that assayed very high in silver, but he had a hard
time pinpointing its source. He returned in 1870, and discovered silver in the
White Reef, at the Southern base of Pine Valley Mountain. But because the
silver was in sandstone, which at the time was considered impossible, assayers
were skeptical of his findings, which slowed the process for locating the
source of his supplies. In 1874, John Kemple took the lead in organizing a new
mining district called the Harrisburg Mining District, and Orson B. Adams was
elected president. The first claim recorded within this district, was only
about 300 hundred yards southwest from the Orson Adams House and was named
Pride of the West Ledge and Kemple Company. Two years later, by early 1876, a
surge of silver fever took off, and miners, along with supporting industries,
flowed into the area.With the closest railroad a 100 miles away in Milford,
on-site transformation of silver ore into bullion was crucial. The nearest
mills were more than 300 miles away, so it was decided to build mills near the
mines, process the ore, and then ship finished bullion to the railroad by
wagon. Three of the five mills were built in Silver Reef, with one in Leeds
and the other on the Virgin River, named Stormont Mill. Mines that would not
pay before the mills came were now considered valuable property. During 1876,
Silver Reef was one of the largest towns in Washington County, with about
1,500 residents. A development boom took place along mile-long Main Street,
including the construction of 6 saloons, 9 grocery stores, 2 dance halls, a
brewery, a billiard hall, the Wells Fargo Express Office, a jail, and a
church, amongst many others. St. John Catholic Church was Southern Utah’s
first established Catholic congregation, founded in 1879, which housed the
town’s hospital in a rear wing. Only remnants of the church can still be seen.
Town advocates wanted Silver Reef to become the county seat, but the more
conservative citizens of neighboring towns, established by members of the LDS
church, were against it. As a typical boomtown, Silver Reef grew as quickly as
it dwindled down. Reduced operations continued through 1909, after which
mining completely stopped, and livestock owners took their place. When the
town went extinct, neighboring town residents burrowed the leftover buildings
and took the materials for their own use.

Silver Reef Mining DistrictJohn Kemple arrived in Harrisburg in 1866, and boarded at the Orson Adams House for the winter. Kemple was an experienced prospector, and in 1868 he found a mineralized sandstone float (an ore unattached to the bedrock) that assayed very high in silver, but he had a hard time pinpointing its source. He returned in 1870, and discovered silver in the White Reef, at the Southern base of Pine Valley Mountain. But because the silver was in sandstone, which at the time was considered impossible, assayers were skeptical of his findings, which slowed the process for locating the source of his supplies. In 1874, John Kemple took the lead in organizing a new mining district called the Harrisburg Mining District, and Orson B. Adams was elected president. The first claim recorded within this district, was only about 300 hundred yards southwest from the Orson Adams House and was named Pride of the West Ledge and Kemple Company. Two years later, by early 1876, a surge of silver fever took off, and miners, along with supporting industries, flowed into the area.With the closest railroad a 100 miles away in Milford, on-site transformation of silver ore into bullion was crucial. The nearest mills were more than 300 miles away, so it was decided to build mills near the mines, process the ore, and then ship finished bullion to the railroad by wagon. Three of the five mills were built in Silver Reef, with one in Leeds and the other on the Virgin River, named Stormont Mill. Mines that would not pay before the mills came were now considered valuable property. During 1876, Silver Reef was one of the largest towns in Washington County, with about 1,500 residents. A development boom took place along mile-long Main Street, including the construction of 6 saloons, 9 grocery stores, 2 dance halls, a brewery, a billiard hall, the Wells Fargo Express Office, a jail, and a church, amongst many others. St. John Catholic Church was Southern Utah’s first established Catholic congregation, founded in 1879, which housed the town’s hospital in a rear wing. Only remnants of the church can still be seen. Town advocates wanted Silver Reef to become the county seat, but the more conservative citizens of neighboring towns, established by members of the LDS church, were against it.  As a typical boomtown, Silver Reef grew as quickly as it dwindled down. Reduced operations continued through 1909, after which mining completely stopped, and livestock owners took their place. When the town went extinct, neighboring town residents burrowed the leftover buildings and took the materials for their own use.

Silver Reef Mining District

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.

<p>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.</p>

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

Off-highway vehicles navigate the Sand Mountain Open Off-Highway Vehicle Area

Sand Mountain Open Off-Highway Vehicle Area

Camping within the Hurricane Cliffs Recreation Area is limited to 56
designated sites. Each site is delineated with a numbered placard and metal
fire ring. Sites are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and occupancy
is limited to 14 days in a 28 day period. 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.

Please park, camp, and concentrate activity on durable surfaces to limit
impacts to vegetation and fragile soil crusts. Local roads may become
impassable during wet weather. If the roads are muddy and slippery, the trails
are too; please turn around if your tires are leaving a visible rut.

Restrooms are located at the nearby Sheep Bridge Trailhead, Jem Trailhead, and
Virgin Dam Trailhead. Please utilize these facilities or a portable toilet at
your site.

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.

<p>Camping within the Hurricane Cliffs Recreation Area is limited to 56 designated sites. Each site is delineated with a numbered placard and metal fire ring. Sites are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and occupancy is limited to 14 days in a 28 day period. 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.</p>

<p>Please park, camp, and concentrate activity on durable surfaces to limit impacts to vegetation and fragile soil crusts. Local roads may become impassable during wet weather. If the roads are muddy and slippery, the trails are too; please turn around if your tires are leaving a visible rut.</p>

<p>Restrooms are located at the nearby Sheep Bridge Trailhead, Jem Trailhead, and Virgin Dam Trailhead. Please utilize these facilities or a portable toilet at your site.</p>

<p>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.</p>

Campsite with brown, numbered placard (#9) and a metal campfire ring situated within rolling hills covered with sagebrush and shrubs.

Campsite #9.

Hurricane Cliffs Designated Dispersed Camping Area

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.

<p>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.</p>

Sun Valley Mine

The Honeymoon Trail During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a primitive
wagon road was the principle travel route between the Mormon settlements in
northeastern Arizona and southern Utah. In the late 1870s, Mormon colonists
had been sent by church leaders to pioneer new settlements along Arizona’s
Little Colorado River. As the new settlements were remote and isolated, many
goods and services could only be obtained from the established Mormon
communities of southern Utah. After 1877, the Arizona Mormon settlers also
traveled to St. George, Utah to conduct church business and have their
marriage vows solemnized in the newly-completed St. George Temple. So many
newlyweds traveled the wagon road that it came to be known as “the Honeymoon
Trail”.Couples would travel in small groups for safety and companionship to
make this long-distance trek across the varied and rugged terrain of
northeastern Arizona and southwestern Utah. This journey typically began in
mid-November and required many weeks of hard travel to complete. The wagons
jolted across deep dry washes and slick rock, bogged down in deep sandy soils,
and became mired in muddy stream crossings. At Lee’s Ferry, John D. Lee and
his wife Emma provided regular ferry service for travelers, at one of the few
feasible crossings of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Their
journey then took them to Kanab, Utah, south to Pipe Springs, Arizona, finally
heading north into Washington County. Here, the Honeymoon Trail followed Fort
Pearce Wash and headed north through the Warner Valley into St. George. The
spring at the historic Fort Pearce site was a popular overnight camping spot
for these travelers, some of whom inscribed their names and the dates of their
visits on the rocky cliff faces at the spring. After their marriage
ceremonies, the newlyweds would often spend the winter months in St. George,
enjoying the social activities of this established community and purchasing
needed supplies. They began the long trip home in the early spring. The
Honeymoon Trail continued in use well into the 20th century, when modern
highways were finally constructed across northeastern Arizona.

The Honeymoon Trail During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a primitive wagon road was the principle travel route between the Mormon settlements in northeastern Arizona and southern Utah.   In the late 1870s, Mormon colonists had been sent by church leaders to pioneer new settlements along Arizona’s Little Colorado River.  As the new settlements were remote and isolated, many goods and services could only be obtained from the established Mormon communities of southern Utah.   After 1877, the Arizona Mormon settlers also traveled to St. George, Utah to conduct church business and have their marriage vows solemnized in the newly-completed St. George Temple.  So many newlyweds traveled the wagon road that it came to be known as “the Honeymoon Trail”.Couples would travel in small groups for safety and companionship to make this long-distance trek across the varied and rugged terrain of northeastern Arizona and southwestern Utah.   This journey typically began in mid-November and required many weeks of hard travel to complete.   The wagons jolted across deep dry washes and slick rock, bogged down in deep sandy soils, and became mired in muddy stream crossings.   At Lee’s Ferry, John D. Lee and his wife Emma provided regular ferry service for travelers, at one of the few feasible crossings of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.   Their journey then took them to Kanab, Utah, south to Pipe Springs, Arizona, finally heading north into Washington County.  Here, the Honeymoon Trail followed Fort Pearce Wash and headed north through the Warner Valley into St. George.  The spring at the historic Fort Pearce site was a popular overnight camping spot for these travelers, some of whom inscribed their names and the dates of their visits on the rocky cliff faces at the spring.   After their marriage ceremonies, the newlyweds would often spend the winter months in St. George, enjoying the social activities of this established community and purchasing needed supplies.  They began the long trip home in the early spring.  The Honeymoon Trail continued in use well into the 20th century, when modern highways were finally constructed across northeastern Arizona.

Honeymoon Trail

Wagon travel on the Northern Route of the Old Spanish Trail began in 1847,
when the first Mormon settlement in Utah Territory was established east of the
Great Salt Lake. Exploration parties were immediately sent by church leaders
to identify locations suitable for colonization along the Old Spanish Trail,
to gain political control of the most important travel corridor in the
Intermountain West. In October of 1847, Jefferson Hunt, who had served in the
Mormon Battalion in California, led a group of 18 men, 130 pack mules, and a
single wagon to southern California to buy cattle, seed grain, and other
needed goods. The party arrived in San Bernardino after 45 days of travel,
having reportedly brought the first wagon over the Old Spanish Trail. The
success of this expedition encouraged others to follow, including large
numbers of prospectors and merchants “rushing” to the newly-discovered gold
deposits at Sutter’s Mill in northern California during the winter months when
the passes of the high Sierras would be impassable. Over time, the wagon road
that developed was labeled on maps as the “Old Southern Road”, the “Immigrant
Road” or the “Old Mormon Road”. By the first decade of the 20th century, early
automobiles were traveling this same route and paved highways eventually
replaced the wagon ruts.

Wagon travel on the Northern Route of the Old Spanish Trail began in 1847, when the first Mormon settlement in Utah Territory was established east of the Great Salt Lake.   Exploration parties were immediately sent by church leaders to identify locations suitable for colonization along the Old Spanish Trail, to gain political control of the most important travel corridor in the Intermountain West.   In October of 1847, Jefferson Hunt, who had served in the Mormon Battalion in California, led a group of 18 men, 130 pack mules, and a single wagon to southern California to buy cattle, seed grain, and other needed goods.   The party arrived in San Bernardino after 45 days of travel, having reportedly brought the first wagon over the Old Spanish Trail.  The success of this expedition encouraged others to follow, including large numbers of prospectors and merchants “rushing” to the newly-discovered gold deposits at Sutter’s Mill in northern California during the winter months when the passes of the high Sierras would be impassable.  Over time, the wagon road that developed was labeled on maps as the “Old Southern Road”, the “Immigrant Road” or the “Old Mormon Road”.    By the first decade of the 20th century, early automobiles were traveling this same route and paved highways eventually replaced the wagon ruts.

Old Mormon Wagon Road

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

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

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 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.

Fort Pearce Historic Site

Recommended Users: Mountain Bikers, Hikers. Singletrack trail. 2.53 miles in
length. Difficulty: Extremely difficult. From the trailhead, the trail
immediately drops down a steep, rugged slope and careens toward the cliff edge
on your right. Follow the narrow, winding track southeast as it traverses the
crumbling layers of sandstone, siltstone and mudstone below the mesa rim.
Expect a steep, rocky descent along the entire trail, with sharp turns, sudden
drop-offs and precipitous exposure. Keep in mind that entire sections of the
trail may be washed out in places due to its location on a steep, eroded
slope. The trail becomes braided in several sections, allowing users to choose
one of several interconnected paths on their descent.If you have time to look
up, you’ll be rewarded with dramatic vistas of colorful badlands in the
foreground, Gooseberry Mesa to the south, the craggy peaks of Canaan Mountain
Wilderness to the southeast and the majestic West Temple of Zion National Park
to the east.While keeping your eyes on the trail, you will experience a speedy
ride-through tour of local geology. The trail begins in the Chinle Formation
of the Upper Triassic Age atop the mesa then descends quickly through the
Moenkopi layer of the Lower Triassic, a blur of red sandstone under your
tires. Soon after, you are plummeting through talus from the Holocene to upper
Pleistocene Age before revisiting the Moenkopi Formation near the bottom of
the escarpment.Once the trail drops to rolling lowlands and levels out, find
your way back to SR 9 near Virgin by following the well-traveled dirt road
south. Note: This trail should only be considered by expert mountain
bicyclists. Throughout its length, it features narrow tread width, widely
variable and unpredictable tread surfaces, 20% or more average trail grade,
jumps, unavoidable obstacles, loose rocks and extreme exposure. There are no
convenient places to stop or turn around and the cost of a mistake in many
places could result in serious injury or death. Use extreme caution, always
wear a helmet, and ride at your own risk.

Recommended Users: Mountain Bikers, Hikers. Singletrack trail. 2.53 miles in length. Difficulty: Extremely difficult. From the trailhead, the trail immediately drops down a steep, rugged slope and careens toward the cliff edge on your right.  Follow the narrow, winding track southeast as it traverses the crumbling layers of sandstone, siltstone and mudstone below the mesa rim. Expect a steep, rocky descent along the entire trail, with sharp turns, sudden drop-offs and precipitous exposure. Keep in mind that entire sections of the trail may be washed out in places due to its location on a steep, eroded slope. The trail becomes braided in several sections, allowing users to choose one of several interconnected paths on their descent.If you have time to look up, you’ll be rewarded with dramatic vistas of colorful badlands in the foreground, Gooseberry Mesa to the south, the craggy peaks of Canaan Mountain Wilderness to the southeast and the majestic West Temple of Zion National Park to the east.While keeping your eyes on the trail, you will experience a speedy ride-through tour of local geology. The trail begins in the Chinle Formation of the Upper Triassic Age atop the mesa then descends quickly through the Moenkopi layer of the Lower Triassic, a blur of red sandstone under your tires.  Soon after, you are plummeting through talus from the Holocene to upper Pleistocene Age before revisiting the Moenkopi Formation near the bottom of the escarpment.Once the trail drops to rolling lowlands and levels out, find your way back to SR 9 near Virgin by following the well-traveled dirt road south.   Note: This trail should only be considered by expert mountain bicyclists. Throughout its length, it features narrow tread width, widely variable and unpredictable tread surfaces, 20% or more average trail grade, jumps, unavoidable obstacles, loose rocks and extreme exposure. There are no convenient places to stop or turn around and the cost of a mistake in many places could result in serious injury or death. Use extreme caution, always wear a helmet, and ride at your own risk.

Quail Creek Reservoir Designated Dispersed Camping Area

Directions

Stay Limit

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Quail Creek State Park

Orson B. Adams House

Sand Hollow State Park

Red Cliffs Recreation Area

Red Cliffs Dinosaur Track Site

Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness

Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness

Sand Mountain Pipeline Designated Dispersed Camping Area

Silver Reef Mining District

Sand Mountain Open Off-Highway Vehicle Area

Hurricane Cliffs Designated Dispersed Camping Area

Sun Valley Mine

Honeymoon Trail

Old Mormon Wagon Road

Dominquez-Escalante Trail

Therapod

Early Trails

Armijo Route

Fort Pearce Historic Site

Flying Monkey Trail