Zen Trail - 6-mile loop in Green Valley on the southwest corner of St. George. Offers quite a bit of advanced-technical challenges, moderate climbing. Season year-round.
This trail is probably the most technical ride in the St. George area. It has quite a few little rock tricks that challenge the rider. I recommend it for advanced riders, or for intermediates with a good attitude and a sense of adventure. It doesn't take that long to walk your bike through a spot that spooks you. The ride has much to offer. It's much like Gooseberry Mesa, if Gooseberry were tilted onto a slope.
Getting there: Take the Bluff Street I-15 exit in St. George and turn west. Immediately turn south (left) at the first light. Go over the hill and at the T intersection at the bottom of the hill turn right. Head northwest about two miles on Dixie Drive. Turn left at Canyon View Road, heading uphill toward the Green Valley Spa. (If you reach a "Green Valley Market" with gas pumps, you just passed it. Turn around and backtrack to the second road on your right.) Drive past the spa onto dirt at the end of the road. Turn right at the top of the mesa, then immediately left to drive down into the deep valley. Head for the big road that goes up the bluff, on the right side of The Gap -- the sandstone canyon. But just before that road starts to climb, mosey to the left and park where you can start riding up the doubletrack on the LEFT (south) side of the sandstone canyon.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Virgin River Parkway Bike Riding Trail
Virgin River Parkway Trail - Paved bike trail from Bloomington into St. George, following the Virgin River. Very easy technical, no climbing. Season year-round.
The Virgin River Trail is a paved bike and roller blade trail. The original section ran 2.5 miles along the banks of the Virgin River from the Dixie Center in St. George to Bloomington, but has been extended. It now continues northeast into Washington (two miles past River Road). On the south, the trail continues past Bloomington to Sun River. A portion of the section near Sun River is hard-pack roadbase but isn't paved yet.
The trail sees heavy use from runners, walkers, roller bladers, and bikers. There are no steep sections. The ride is easy for even the smallest children. Tiny guys riding with training wheels and young moms pushing strollers with their roller blades are common.
Getting there: Bloomington. Take the Bluff Street I-15 exit in St. George and turn west. Immediately turn south (right) and drive on Tonaquint Drive until it forks onto Bloomington Drive after the hill. Spot the parking area on your left just before the river bridge. (Or, take the Bloomington exit and drive west through town. As you cross the Virgin River, you'll see a parking area on your right.)
St. George. Take the Bluff Street I-15 exit and turn east. Immediately turn south to parallel the freeway. The parking area is on your right, just after passing the wildlife museum. The eastbound trail starts on the east side of the road, opposite the parking lot. Southbound starts by the bathroom.
The Virgin River Trail is a paved bike and roller blade trail. The original section ran 2.5 miles along the banks of the Virgin River from the Dixie Center in St. George to Bloomington, but has been extended. It now continues northeast into Washington (two miles past River Road). On the south, the trail continues past Bloomington to Sun River. A portion of the section near Sun River is hard-pack roadbase but isn't paved yet.
The trail sees heavy use from runners, walkers, roller bladers, and bikers. There are no steep sections. The ride is easy for even the smallest children. Tiny guys riding with training wheels and young moms pushing strollers with their roller blades are common.
Getting there: Bloomington. Take the Bluff Street I-15 exit in St. George and turn west. Immediately turn south (right) and drive on Tonaquint Drive until it forks onto Bloomington Drive after the hill. Spot the parking area on your left just before the river bridge. (Or, take the Bloomington exit and drive west through town. As you cross the Virgin River, you'll see a parking area on your right.)
St. George. Take the Bluff Street I-15 exit and turn east. Immediately turn south to parallel the freeway. The parking area is on your right, just after passing the wildlife museum. The eastbound trail starts on the east side of the road, opposite the parking lot. Southbound starts by the bathroom.
Sunshine Loop Bike Riding Trail
Sunshine Loop Trail - Gravel road with singletrack "main event" forms a loop right at the Arizona border southeast of St. George. Easier-intermediate technical, light climbing. Season year-round.
The Sunshine Loop is a bike trail that you won't find in most guidebooks, but it's worth doing. It wouldn't be your FIRST choice among St. George area trails, but it's a nice peaceful ride with pretty desert scenery, away from civilization. Most of the ride is in Arizona.
Getting there: Head south on River Road in St. George. (River Road is reached by turning left at the St. George Blvd exit from I-15, then right at the light. From the Bluff Street exit, turn left and drive about 1/2 mile on Riverside Dr, turning right at the light where it intersects River Road.) Immediately after crossing the Virgin River, at 1450 South on River Road, turn left (east). About 2 miles later, the road turns 90 degrees right and becomes 3000 East. Turn left again immediately (there should be a "Warner Valley" sign here, but it's missing - summer 2001) on 3650 South. Head east almost to the hills. Turn right on KD-JO Lane (830 E). After 1/2 mile the road will turn left, then right again to head south. At mile 5.4 from River Road, keep straight past the gravel Warner Valley Road (on your left). The road will turn to gravel at a cattleguard. Around mile 9, follow the main road as it veers left (east). At 9.4, the road forks. Turn right, cross the cattleguard, and go through Fort Pearce Wash. At mile 9.6, the trailhead parking is on the left side of the road, just past the Arizona border. Start the ride by heading back up the road the way you came.
The Sunshine Loop is a bike trail that you won't find in most guidebooks, but it's worth doing. It wouldn't be your FIRST choice among St. George area trails, but it's a nice peaceful ride with pretty desert scenery, away from civilization. Most of the ride is in Arizona.
Getting there: Head south on River Road in St. George. (River Road is reached by turning left at the St. George Blvd exit from I-15, then right at the light. From the Bluff Street exit, turn left and drive about 1/2 mile on Riverside Dr, turning right at the light where it intersects River Road.) Immediately after crossing the Virgin River, at 1450 South on River Road, turn left (east). About 2 miles later, the road turns 90 degrees right and becomes 3000 East. Turn left again immediately (there should be a "Warner Valley" sign here, but it's missing - summer 2001) on 3650 South. Head east almost to the hills. Turn right on KD-JO Lane (830 E). After 1/2 mile the road will turn left, then right again to head south. At mile 5.4 from River Road, keep straight past the gravel Warner Valley Road (on your left). The road will turn to gravel at a cattleguard. Around mile 9, follow the main road as it veers left (east). At 9.4, the road forks. Turn right, cross the cattleguard, and go through Fort Pearce Wash. At mile 9.6, the trailhead parking is on the left side of the road, just past the Arizona border. Start the ride by heading back up the road the way you came.
Stucki Springs Bike Riding Trail
Stucki Springs Trail - Singletrack rocks and rolls through the desert south of Santa Clara, to join the Bearclaw Poppy trail at Clavicle Hill. Loop option using the Raceway. Some climbing. Intermediate technical. Season year-round.
The Stucki Springs Trail starts southwest of St. George in Green Valley, with an alternate trailhead in Santa Clara, and a trailhead for out-and-back or Long Loop in Bloomington. Depending on your route, you can ride from 14 to 20 miles. We'll describe in detail the classic ride, then quickly offer a couple of newer loop options.
The classic ride starts at Green Valley and includes a stiff climb up over the cuesta from Green Valley. It climbs up the "Downhill Race Course" singletrack for three miles, drops (and we do mean DROPS) off the mesa to rolling desert, turns south at Stucki Springs, then joins the Green Valley Trail again at Clavicle Hill. This loop is 19 miles, strenuous aerobic, intermediate technical with a rare smattering of advanced technical.
Getting there: Take the Bluff Street I-15 exit in St. George and turn west. Immediately turn south (left) on Hilton Drive. Go past the golf course and turn right when you reach Dixie Drive. Turn left at the sign for Green Valley Spa. Drive past the spa and park at the end of the road. From the top of the mesa, ride down across the wash. Keep left until you're through the fence, then turn right as the Green Valley trail turns left up the hill. Find the singletrack on the left about 100 yards up, just before the doubletrack drops into a rock wash.
Alternate trailhead: Find the dirt road directly across from the Jacob Hamblin Home at the west end of Santa Clara. Head south.
The Stucki Springs Trail starts southwest of St. George in Green Valley, with an alternate trailhead in Santa Clara, and a trailhead for out-and-back or Long Loop in Bloomington. Depending on your route, you can ride from 14 to 20 miles. We'll describe in detail the classic ride, then quickly offer a couple of newer loop options.
The classic ride starts at Green Valley and includes a stiff climb up over the cuesta from Green Valley. It climbs up the "Downhill Race Course" singletrack for three miles, drops (and we do mean DROPS) off the mesa to rolling desert, turns south at Stucki Springs, then joins the Green Valley Trail again at Clavicle Hill. This loop is 19 miles, strenuous aerobic, intermediate technical with a rare smattering of advanced technical.
Getting there: Take the Bluff Street I-15 exit in St. George and turn west. Immediately turn south (left) on Hilton Drive. Go past the golf course and turn right when you reach Dixie Drive. Turn left at the sign for Green Valley Spa. Drive past the spa and park at the end of the road. From the top of the mesa, ride down across the wash. Keep left until you're through the fence, then turn right as the Green Valley trail turns left up the hill. Find the singletrack on the left about 100 yards up, just before the doubletrack drops into a rock wash.
Alternate trailhead: Find the dirt road directly across from the Jacob Hamblin Home at the west end of Santa Clara. Head south.
Snow Canyon Loop Bike Riding Trail
Snow Canyon Loop Trail - Paved bike trail that loops from the northwest corner of St. George, through Ivins, and Snow Canyon. (A short stretch in upper Snow Canyon requires use of the road.) Easy technical, but a moderate climb. Season year-round.
The Snow Canyon Loop Trail is a paved double-track bike, hiking, and rollerblading trail that loops through Snow Canyon from the outskirts of St. George. Although the trail is smooth and paved, there are some steep spots that will spook (or injure) youngsters who are just learning to ride.
If you ride the entire loop, including the section of highway at the top of Snow Canyon, you'll travel 18 miles and climb 1050 vertical feet. Peak altitude is 3960 feet. The section along the Veyo highway (the continuation of Bluff Street) has rollers with some very steep pitches if you're riding counter-clockwise northbound. With a stand-and-grunt, it's possible to ride these on a double-ring road bike, but beginners will need to walk some spots.
Getting there:
Heading south, take the Bluff Street exit in St. George. Turn right onto Bluff Street. Keep going straight until Bluff Street starts to leave the city (although the city is rapidly growing out in this direction). You can park here (see the trail the right side of the road?) and ride to the loop, or drive on to another parking area on the loop.
Top of Snow Canyon: Keep driving straight out of town on Highway 18. When the road turns left into snow canyon, park at the small lot on the south side of the road. Take the road down 1.5 mile to mile marker 11 -- the paved trail begins on your right, across the street from a parking/picnic area on your left. This trailhead GPS is N 37° 12.794' W 113° 38.896', altitude 3500 ft.
Snow Canyon Drive: When Bluff Street becomes Highway 18 towards Snow Canyon and Veyo, watch for the intersection with Snow Canyon Parkway about a mile later. Turn left onto Snow Canyon Drive. You'll see the trail on the right. Continue until you reach a parking area 2 miles later at GPS N 37° 08.968' W 113° 37.634', altitude 2900 ft.
The Snow Canyon Loop Trail is a paved double-track bike, hiking, and rollerblading trail that loops through Snow Canyon from the outskirts of St. George. Although the trail is smooth and paved, there are some steep spots that will spook (or injure) youngsters who are just learning to ride.
If you ride the entire loop, including the section of highway at the top of Snow Canyon, you'll travel 18 miles and climb 1050 vertical feet. Peak altitude is 3960 feet. The section along the Veyo highway (the continuation of Bluff Street) has rollers with some very steep pitches if you're riding counter-clockwise northbound. With a stand-and-grunt, it's possible to ride these on a double-ring road bike, but beginners will need to walk some spots.
Getting there:
Heading south, take the Bluff Street exit in St. George. Turn right onto Bluff Street. Keep going straight until Bluff Street starts to leave the city (although the city is rapidly growing out in this direction). You can park here (see the trail the right side of the road?) and ride to the loop, or drive on to another parking area on the loop.
Top of Snow Canyon: Keep driving straight out of town on Highway 18. When the road turns left into snow canyon, park at the small lot on the south side of the road. Take the road down 1.5 mile to mile marker 11 -- the paved trail begins on your right, across the street from a parking/picnic area on your left. This trailhead GPS is N 37° 12.794' W 113° 38.896', altitude 3500 ft.
Snow Canyon Drive: When Bluff Street becomes Highway 18 towards Snow Canyon and Veyo, watch for the intersection with Snow Canyon Parkway about a mile later. Turn left onto Snow Canyon Drive. You'll see the trail on the right. Continue until you reach a parking area 2 miles later at GPS N 37° 08.968' W 113° 37.634', altitude 2900 ft.
Snow West Canyon Bike Riding Trail
Snow West Canyon Trail - Graded roadway climbs up West Canyon from the bottom of Snow Canyon, north of Ivins. Easy technical, light climb. Season year-round.
The West Canyon Trail is a double-track trail in beautiful Snow Canyon west of St. George. You'll share this trail with hikers and horses. The trail surface isn't exciting, but -- let's get right to the point -- if you like sandstone, this is the most beautiful trail you'll ever ride.
The trail is fairly straight, wide, and easy to ride. Altitude change is gradual. The trail is actually a hard-packed gravel service road -- the small buildings you see every half-mile are water pumping stations. It's fairly easy to tow a bike trailer, but youngsters with training wheels won't be able to ride here.
Getting there: Heading south, take the Bluff Street exit in St. George. Turn right onto Bluff Street. Keep going straight until Bluff Street starts to leave the city (although the city is rapidly growing out in this direction).
When Bluff Street becomes Highway 18 towards Snow Canyon and Veyo, watch for the intersection with Skyline Drive and Snow Canyon Parkway about a mile later. Turn left onto Snow Canyon Parkway. Continue a couple of miles until you see the sign for Snow Canyon and Tuacahn. Turn right here. A half-mile later, you'll reach the fee station for Snow Canyon ($5 per car). About a half mile after the fee station, you'll see sand dunes on your left, then a parking area for the trail.
The West Canyon Trail is a double-track trail in beautiful Snow Canyon west of St. George. You'll share this trail with hikers and horses. The trail surface isn't exciting, but -- let's get right to the point -- if you like sandstone, this is the most beautiful trail you'll ever ride.
The trail is fairly straight, wide, and easy to ride. Altitude change is gradual. The trail is actually a hard-packed gravel service road -- the small buildings you see every half-mile are water pumping stations. It's fairly easy to tow a bike trailer, but youngsters with training wheels won't be able to ride here.
Getting there: Heading south, take the Bluff Street exit in St. George. Turn right onto Bluff Street. Keep going straight until Bluff Street starts to leave the city (although the city is rapidly growing out in this direction).
When Bluff Street becomes Highway 18 towards Snow Canyon and Veyo, watch for the intersection with Skyline Drive and Snow Canyon Parkway about a mile later. Turn left onto Snow Canyon Parkway. Continue a couple of miles until you see the sign for Snow Canyon and Tuacahn. Turn right here. A half-mile later, you'll reach the fee station for Snow Canyon ($5 per car). About a half mile after the fee station, you'll see sand dunes on your left, then a parking area for the trail.
Sidewinder Bike Riding Trail
Sidewinder Trail - Singletrack trail, 5 miles with options for longer rides using Barrel Roll. Intermediate-plus technical, a mile of moderate climbing. Season year-round.
The Sidewinder Trail is a short but fun upper-intermediate singletrack in the Santa Clara River Preserve. It forks off the Barrel Roll trail. The Precipice Trail is a short (0.8) mile connector between the Cove Wash trailhead and the beginning of the Sidewinder. (As of 4/22/09, the Precipice trail needed to have one 100-yard section finished before it will be joined to the Barrel Roll trailhead.)
The trail is shaped like a lariat, with a small loop at the summit. The name Sidewinder comes from the trail's shape -- it has a zigzag shape like a snake's body, with the small loop forming the head. Out-and-back, the trail is 3.0 miles. Connecting via the shortest route from the trailhead, the total ride will be 4.8 miles.
Getting there: In St. George, head north on Bluff Street and turn left on Sunset Blvd. Drive 3 miles west on Sunset through Santa Clara. As you're reaching the end of Santa Clara, look for a road crossing the river on your left. It's about 200 feet before the Jacob Hamblin Home (which will be on your right if you pass the turn). Turn and cross the river and follow the road as it turns right. About 0.4 miles from Hwy 191, turn left onto the dirt Stucki Springs road.
At mile 0.7, turn right at the sign "Santa Clara Preserve" or "Cove Wash Trailhead." Pass the water tank, and at mile 1.3, turn right again through the fence toward the trailhead. This road will veer left to a log fenced parking area at mile 1.5, N37 07.253 W113 40.508.
The Sidewinder Trail is a short but fun upper-intermediate singletrack in the Santa Clara River Preserve. It forks off the Barrel Roll trail. The Precipice Trail is a short (0.8) mile connector between the Cove Wash trailhead and the beginning of the Sidewinder. (As of 4/22/09, the Precipice trail needed to have one 100-yard section finished before it will be joined to the Barrel Roll trailhead.)
The trail is shaped like a lariat, with a small loop at the summit. The name Sidewinder comes from the trail's shape -- it has a zigzag shape like a snake's body, with the small loop forming the head. Out-and-back, the trail is 3.0 miles. Connecting via the shortest route from the trailhead, the total ride will be 4.8 miles.
Getting there: In St. George, head north on Bluff Street and turn left on Sunset Blvd. Drive 3 miles west on Sunset through Santa Clara. As you're reaching the end of Santa Clara, look for a road crossing the river on your left. It's about 200 feet before the Jacob Hamblin Home (which will be on your right if you pass the turn). Turn and cross the river and follow the road as it turns right. About 0.4 miles from Hwy 191, turn left onto the dirt Stucki Springs road.
At mile 0.7, turn right at the sign "Santa Clara Preserve" or "Cove Wash Trailhead." Pass the water tank, and at mile 1.3, turn right again through the fence toward the trailhead. This road will veer left to a log fenced parking area at mile 1.5, N37 07.253 W113 40.508.
Rim Rock, Rim Runner, Rim Rambler, Rim Reaper Bike Riding Trails
Rim Rock, Rim Runner, Rim Rambler, Rim Reaper Trails - In the Santa Clara River Preserve, this system of trails offers various riding options, including easier or more difficult rides. Ride described is 6.7 miles with 600 feet of climbing. Season year-round.
The Rim Rock trail system is part of the Santa Clara River Preserve, lying across Cove Wash from the more well-known Barrel Roll trail. The riding here is a little more technical, but not overly difficult. Climbing is fairly mild except for the grunt out of Cove Wash. The 4 trails offer options for shorter or longer rides.
Getting there: In St. George, head north on Bluff Street and turn left on Sunset Blvd. Drive 3 miles west on Sunset through Santa Clara. As you're reaching the end of Santa Clara, look for a road crossing the river on your left. It's about 200 feet before the Jacob Hamblin Home (which will be on your right if you pass the turn). Turn and cross the river and follow the road as it turns right. About 0.4 miles from Hwy 191, turn left onto the dirt Stucki Springs road.
At mile 0.7, turn right at the sign "Santa Clara Preserve." Pass the water tank, and at mile 1.3, turn right again through the fence. This road will veer left, then arrive at a log fenced parking area at mile 1.5, N37 07.253 W113 40.508. (For a route to the trailhead from St. George by bicycle, see above.)
Alternate trailhead for beginners: As you leave Santa Clara, you can continue on the Stucki Springs road (instead of turning right at the Preserve sign). After going through Cove Wash, 1.7 miles after turning onto the Stucki Springs road, turn right. Keep straight where a road forks left uphill, then keep left at the next fork and drive another 0.5 miles to the stepover gate. This allows you to ride the Rim Reaper and Rim Rambler trails without the more-difficult descent and climb found in Cove Wash.
The Rim Rock trail system is part of the Santa Clara River Preserve, lying across Cove Wash from the more well-known Barrel Roll trail. The riding here is a little more technical, but not overly difficult. Climbing is fairly mild except for the grunt out of Cove Wash. The 4 trails offer options for shorter or longer rides.
Getting there: In St. George, head north on Bluff Street and turn left on Sunset Blvd. Drive 3 miles west on Sunset through Santa Clara. As you're reaching the end of Santa Clara, look for a road crossing the river on your left. It's about 200 feet before the Jacob Hamblin Home (which will be on your right if you pass the turn). Turn and cross the river and follow the road as it turns right. About 0.4 miles from Hwy 191, turn left onto the dirt Stucki Springs road.
At mile 0.7, turn right at the sign "Santa Clara Preserve." Pass the water tank, and at mile 1.3, turn right again through the fence. This road will veer left, then arrive at a log fenced parking area at mile 1.5, N37 07.253 W113 40.508. (For a route to the trailhead from St. George by bicycle, see above.)
Alternate trailhead for beginners: As you leave Santa Clara, you can continue on the Stucki Springs road (instead of turning right at the Preserve sign). After going through Cove Wash, 1.7 miles after turning onto the Stucki Springs road, turn right. Keep straight where a road forks left uphill, then keep left at the next fork and drive another 0.5 miles to the stepover gate. This allows you to ride the Rim Reaper and Rim Rambler trails without the more-difficult descent and climb found in Cove Wash.
Raceway at GreenValley Bike Riding Trail
Raceway at GreenValley Trail - This race loop starts in the valley between the Bearclaw Poppy trailhead and Green Valley, just southwest of St. George. Moderate climb, intermediate technical. Season year-round.
The Green Valley Raceway Trail is southwest of St. George in Green Valley. It lies just north of the Bearclaw Poppy Trail northern trailhead. It interconnects with the Barrel Trail. It's an upward path to the Stucki Springs Trail. If you follow the route we describe below, you'll do 6.5 miles and about 1400 vertical. (Absolute altitude change is only 650 feet, but you'll drop practically back to the bottom again in the middle of the loop. But there are many different ways you can ride.
Photo above: Dominic Bria fights up a ledge and into a turn on the uphill. Here we're headed UP the downhill race track.
August 4, 2000.
The loop is strenuous aerobic, intermediate technical with a smattering of advanced technical. This trail is the site of a popular Intermountain Cup spring race and of the Huntsman World Senior Games mountain bike race. This is a great trail to play on, anytime.
Getting there: Take the Bluff Street I-15 exit in St. George and turn west. Immediately turn south (left) at the first light. Go over the hill and turn right when you reach Dixie Drive. Drive about two miles. Turn left at the sign for Green Valley Spa. (If you reach a "Green Valley Market" with gas pumps, you just passed it. Turn around and backtrack to the second road on your right.) Drive past the spa onto dirt at the end of the road. Turn right at the top of the mesa, then immediately left to drive down into the deep valley. Park in the open area in the valley bottom and pick your route west uphill. (Note: the staging area is private property with a plan for development into homes. This area may change, making these directions invalid.)
The Green Valley Raceway Trail is southwest of St. George in Green Valley. It lies just north of the Bearclaw Poppy Trail northern trailhead. It interconnects with the Barrel Trail. It's an upward path to the Stucki Springs Trail. If you follow the route we describe below, you'll do 6.5 miles and about 1400 vertical. (Absolute altitude change is only 650 feet, but you'll drop practically back to the bottom again in the middle of the loop. But there are many different ways you can ride.
Photo above: Dominic Bria fights up a ledge and into a turn on the uphill. Here we're headed UP the downhill race track.
August 4, 2000.
The loop is strenuous aerobic, intermediate technical with a smattering of advanced technical. This trail is the site of a popular Intermountain Cup spring race and of the Huntsman World Senior Games mountain bike race. This is a great trail to play on, anytime.
Getting there: Take the Bluff Street I-15 exit in St. George and turn west. Immediately turn south (left) at the first light. Go over the hill and turn right when you reach Dixie Drive. Drive about two miles. Turn left at the sign for Green Valley Spa. (If you reach a "Green Valley Market" with gas pumps, you just passed it. Turn around and backtrack to the second road on your right.) Drive past the spa onto dirt at the end of the road. Turn right at the top of the mesa, then immediately left to drive down into the deep valley. Park in the open area in the valley bottom and pick your route west uphill. (Note: the staging area is private property with a plan for development into homes. This area may change, making these directions invalid.)
Quarry Bike Riding Trail
Quarry Trail - This easy, short trail extends from the St. George airport to a basalt quarry site on Black Hill, where rock was quarried for the Mormon temple foundation. Trivial climbing, easy technical. Season year-round.
The official Temple Quarry Trail runs from the St. George airport to the western side of Black Hill. At the spot where the pioneers quarried volcanic basalt for the foundation and basement of the temple, it turns around for a nice, easy 2.5 mile ride with almost no elevation change and no technical stuff. Then, if you're crazy enough, there's the 2-mile add-on of trials-level technical, heading to the north end of the mesa.
The official trail is a nice easy ride for beginners. It even makes a nice hike with the kiddies, if you can't put wheels under them. At the end of the trail, you can still see the drill-marks where the pioneers split rock. The trail is the original wagon-track built to haul out the rock. Each slab was 10 feet long, 42 inches wide, and 13 inches high, weighing 5500 pounds.
Getting there: From the St. George Avenue Exit, drive straight west. When you hit Bluff Street, go across to climb Airport Road up Black Hill. At the first intersection, turn right, then left, then right into a gravel parking area. The airport is just beginning, across the road from the trailhead. The trailhead is at the northern end of the parking area, GPS N 37° 06.180' W 113° 35.770'.
The official Temple Quarry Trail runs from the St. George airport to the western side of Black Hill. At the spot where the pioneers quarried volcanic basalt for the foundation and basement of the temple, it turns around for a nice, easy 2.5 mile ride with almost no elevation change and no technical stuff. Then, if you're crazy enough, there's the 2-mile add-on of trials-level technical, heading to the north end of the mesa.
The official trail is a nice easy ride for beginners. It even makes a nice hike with the kiddies, if you can't put wheels under them. At the end of the trail, you can still see the drill-marks where the pioneers split rock. The trail is the original wagon-track built to haul out the rock. Each slab was 10 feet long, 42 inches wide, and 13 inches high, weighing 5500 pounds.
Getting there: From the St. George Avenue Exit, drive straight west. When you hit Bluff Street, go across to climb Airport Road up Black Hill. At the first intersection, turn right, then left, then right into a gravel parking area. The airport is just beginning, across the road from the trailhead. The trailhead is at the northern end of the parking area, GPS N 37° 06.180' W 113° 35.770'.
Prospector Bike Riding Trail
Prospector Trail - This intermediate-technical trail runs along cliffs from Leeds to Washington. Dirt singletrack, little climbing. Connects to Church Rocks. Season year-round.
The Prospector Trail is a delightful desert romp near red cliffs of Navajo Sandstone. The trail begins near Leeds, about 15 miles north of St. George, and continues to Washington. The trail is in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve.
The Prospector Trail itself is 6 miles long, but you'll need to add on a few miles to get back to civilization, one of four ways. The trail is an easier-intermediate technical. There's about 300 feet of altitude change, but the up-and-down raises the total climbing to around 600 vertical feet.
Getting there: Take the Leeds exit from I-15. If you're going southbound, drive through Leeds to reach the northbound I-15 Leeds exit. Go south from the southbound I-15 exit 1.8 miles. Turn left on a narrow paved road and go under the freeway. At mile 2.4 (about 0.5 from the turn), there's a trailhead on the left side of the road, with a tiny pullout. GPS N 37° 12.574' W 113° 24.078'. Lift your bike over the step-over to the trail.
Short version, via Cottonwood Trailhead: This is a great ride! Take the UT-9 exit from I-15 (highway 9 goes to Hurricane, Zion Canyon, Grand Canyon) about 15 miles north of St. George. Turn towards Hurricane and pass Coral Canyon. Instead, drive to the traffic light in 0.7 miles. Turn left on Old Highway 91. Now go exactly 2 miles north. Watch on your left for a gravel road that enters a tiny single-lane slot under the freeway, with a sign that says "Cottonwood Trailhead". It will be between a warehouse Winkel Distributing and a Rocky Mountain Power office. Turn left and drive 0.25 miles under both lanes of the freeway to reach the trailhead. Follow the Cottonwood Trail 0.5 miles then veer left at two forks that are about 50 feet apart. The Prospector Trail will parallel the freeway heading south 3 miles. If you want, turn left when it intersects the Church Rocks Loop and ride the loop clockwise. The ride will be about 11 miles.
The Prospector Trail is a delightful desert romp near red cliffs of Navajo Sandstone. The trail begins near Leeds, about 15 miles north of St. George, and continues to Washington. The trail is in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve.
The Prospector Trail itself is 6 miles long, but you'll need to add on a few miles to get back to civilization, one of four ways. The trail is an easier-intermediate technical. There's about 300 feet of altitude change, but the up-and-down raises the total climbing to around 600 vertical feet.
Getting there: Take the Leeds exit from I-15. If you're going southbound, drive through Leeds to reach the northbound I-15 Leeds exit. Go south from the southbound I-15 exit 1.8 miles. Turn left on a narrow paved road and go under the freeway. At mile 2.4 (about 0.5 from the turn), there's a trailhead on the left side of the road, with a tiny pullout. GPS N 37° 12.574' W 113° 24.078'. Lift your bike over the step-over to the trail.
Short version, via Cottonwood Trailhead: This is a great ride! Take the UT-9 exit from I-15 (highway 9 goes to Hurricane, Zion Canyon, Grand Canyon) about 15 miles north of St. George. Turn towards Hurricane and pass Coral Canyon. Instead, drive to the traffic light in 0.7 miles. Turn left on Old Highway 91. Now go exactly 2 miles north. Watch on your left for a gravel road that enters a tiny single-lane slot under the freeway, with a sign that says "Cottonwood Trailhead". It will be between a warehouse Winkel Distributing and a Rocky Mountain Power office. Turn left and drive 0.25 miles under both lanes of the freeway to reach the trailhead. Follow the Cottonwood Trail 0.5 miles then veer left at two forks that are about 50 feet apart. The Prospector Trail will parallel the freeway heading south 3 miles. If you want, turn left when it intersects the Church Rocks Loop and ride the loop clockwise. The ride will be about 11 miles.
Pioneer Park and Pioneer Rim Bike Riding Trail
Pioneer Park and Pioneer Rim Trail - Slickrock area on top of the cliffs north of St. George. Two rides: quick and easy; longer and technical. Pioneer Rim has a little climbing, upper-intermediate to advanced technical. Season year-round.
"Pioneer Park" is used to refer to two trails: Pioneer Rim, an advanced-technical trail skirting the cliff-edge above Pioneer Park, and a short trail within Pioneer Park itself that features a beginner's taste of slickrock.
Pioneer Park is located in the red cliffs on the north side of St. George. Kids love to explore the trails between red hoodoos, and there's some easy slickrock to try your beginning biker skills. Our map shows a short loop within the park that climbs onto a slickrock shelf, heads west, then returns via a slot between hoodoos to the starting point.
The Pioneer Rim trail does NOT start in Pioneer Park. It goes above it. You can get to the trail from the Snow Canyon Parkway about 1/3 mile northwest of the last gravel parking area in Pioneer Park. Or you can climb up a dirt doubletrack to intersect the trail right in the middle. Or, you can drive to the parking lot at top of the hill on the parkway and try to find your way south to the trail.
Getting there: From St. George Blvd (the main drag), head north on Main Street (towards the "Dixie" painted on the big rock above the cliffs). When you reach Hope Street, turn right, then immediately take the left fork and climb Skyline Drive to the top of the cliffs. Turn left on Snow Canyon Parkway (labeled Skyline Drive on some city maps, and called Turtle Road by many locals). 1/2 mile up from the intersection, find a singletrack trail heading off to your right at GPS N 37° 07.261' W 113° 35.011'.
"Pioneer Park" is used to refer to two trails: Pioneer Rim, an advanced-technical trail skirting the cliff-edge above Pioneer Park, and a short trail within Pioneer Park itself that features a beginner's taste of slickrock.
Pioneer Park is located in the red cliffs on the north side of St. George. Kids love to explore the trails between red hoodoos, and there's some easy slickrock to try your beginning biker skills. Our map shows a short loop within the park that climbs onto a slickrock shelf, heads west, then returns via a slot between hoodoos to the starting point.
The Pioneer Rim trail does NOT start in Pioneer Park. It goes above it. You can get to the trail from the Snow Canyon Parkway about 1/3 mile northwest of the last gravel parking area in Pioneer Park. Or you can climb up a dirt doubletrack to intersect the trail right in the middle. Or, you can drive to the parking lot at top of the hill on the parkway and try to find your way south to the trail.
Getting there: From St. George Blvd (the main drag), head north on Main Street (towards the "Dixie" painted on the big rock above the cliffs). When you reach Hope Street, turn right, then immediately take the left fork and climb Skyline Drive to the top of the cliffs. Turn left on Snow Canyon Parkway (labeled Skyline Drive on some city maps, and called Turtle Road by many locals). 1/2 mile up from the intersection, find a singletrack trail heading off to your right at GPS N 37° 07.261' W 113° 35.011'.
Paradise Canyon Bike Riding Trail
Paradise Canyon Trail - Short loop north of St. George. Features the easier Turtle Wall trail along the sandstone. Links to other trails in the Red Cliffs Desert Preserve. A little climbing, intermediate technical overall. Season year-round.
The Paradise Canyon trail is a short singletrack loop right on the border of St. George. Located in the Red Cliffs Desert Preserve, it connects to the paved Snow Canyon Loop and to the singletrack Beck Hill and Gila trails. Formerly a fairly technical ride, the trail has been buffed up. The Halfway Wash trail is an easy ride. The Turtle Wall trail is early-intermediate technical and easy aerobic. The Paradise Rim side of the loop has some advanced tech stuff. Just walk the spots that make you nervous.
This is a good ride for a "quickie," or a nice starting ride for beginners. Hard-core bikers may want to hit the side trails towards the rim of Snow Canyon, or maybe do a couple of loops. The extended trails can be reached via Beck Hill, or by turning right at the summit of the loop. (Maps of the trails in the Desert Reserve are available for sale. I found one at Red Rock Bicycle in St. George.) I'm describing the loop that local residents ride. They come into the Desert Reserve from the south, connecting via the paved Snow Canyon or Halfway Wash trails.
If you're shopping for a parking spot, I'd suggest you start at Chuckwalla, descend to the bottom, cross the wash, then climb Turtle Wall to Paradise Rim. An alternative loop is to ride up Becks Hill trail, turn left onto Paradise Rim, then descent Turtle Wall. Becks Hill has some sand sections, and is an upper-intermediate route.
Getting there, Chuckwalla Trailhead: Go north on Bluff Street until you're leaving down and starting uphill. Go straight through the traffic light at Snow Canyon Parkway. Watch on your left for a log fence and the "Chuckwalla Trailhead" sign. Turn into the parking area. The trailhead is a stepover at the north end. There's another entry in the west trailer parking area.
The Paradise Canyon trail is a short singletrack loop right on the border of St. George. Located in the Red Cliffs Desert Preserve, it connects to the paved Snow Canyon Loop and to the singletrack Beck Hill and Gila trails. Formerly a fairly technical ride, the trail has been buffed up. The Halfway Wash trail is an easy ride. The Turtle Wall trail is early-intermediate technical and easy aerobic. The Paradise Rim side of the loop has some advanced tech stuff. Just walk the spots that make you nervous.
This is a good ride for a "quickie," or a nice starting ride for beginners. Hard-core bikers may want to hit the side trails towards the rim of Snow Canyon, or maybe do a couple of loops. The extended trails can be reached via Beck Hill, or by turning right at the summit of the loop. (Maps of the trails in the Desert Reserve are available for sale. I found one at Red Rock Bicycle in St. George.) I'm describing the loop that local residents ride. They come into the Desert Reserve from the south, connecting via the paved Snow Canyon or Halfway Wash trails.
If you're shopping for a parking spot, I'd suggest you start at Chuckwalla, descend to the bottom, cross the wash, then climb Turtle Wall to Paradise Rim. An alternative loop is to ride up Becks Hill trail, turn left onto Paradise Rim, then descent Turtle Wall. Becks Hill has some sand sections, and is an upper-intermediate route.
Getting there, Chuckwalla Trailhead: Go north on Bluff Street until you're leaving down and starting uphill. Go straight through the traffic light at Snow Canyon Parkway. Watch on your left for a log fence and the "Chuckwalla Trailhead" sign. Turn into the parking area. The trailhead is a stepover at the north end. There's another entry in the west trailer parking area.
Dino Cliffs Bike Riding Trail
Dino Cliffs Trail - Open rock and desert singletrack, as out-and-back, loop ride, or as a route to Church Rocks or Prospector. Eastern end suitable for beginners. Loop is just over 4 miles, minimal climbing. Season year-round.
The Dino Cliffs Trail is a singletrack route along the low red cliffs just north of Washington. The trail itself is short (1.8 miles), but you must ride dirt road to get there. The ride is 4.3 miles as a loop and about the same as an out-and-back.
Total climbing is around 300 feet, with lowest altitude 3000 feet. The ride is intermediate technical with a few short advanced spots, but the eastern end is easy and suitable for beginners. The easiest access is right off the new Washington Parkway I-15 exit.
Getting there, Grapevine Trailhead: On I-15 just north of Washington, take exit 13 for Washington Parkway. Turn north on Washington Parkway toward the mountain (left if you're coming from St.G). The road will end immediately after the northern off-ramp. Continue straight onto dirt (note: will change as area develops). 100 yards later, pass through fence and park. N37 08.981 W113 29.430. The ride starts on the dirt road that's to your right as you go through the fence, heading northeast parallel to the freeway.
The Dino Cliffs Trail is a singletrack route along the low red cliffs just north of Washington. The trail itself is short (1.8 miles), but you must ride dirt road to get there. The ride is 4.3 miles as a loop and about the same as an out-and-back.
Total climbing is around 300 feet, with lowest altitude 3000 feet. The ride is intermediate technical with a few short advanced spots, but the eastern end is easy and suitable for beginners. The easiest access is right off the new Washington Parkway I-15 exit.
Getting there, Grapevine Trailhead: On I-15 just north of Washington, take exit 13 for Washington Parkway. Turn north on Washington Parkway toward the mountain (left if you're coming from St.G). The road will end immediately after the northern off-ramp. Continue straight onto dirt (note: will change as area develops). 100 yards later, pass through fence and park. N37 08.981 W113 29.430. The ride starts on the dirt road that's to your right as you go through the fence, heading northeast parallel to the freeway.
Cove Wash Bike Riding Trail
Cove Wash Trail - Washbottom ride in the Santa Clara Preserve area, shared with ATVs. 4 miles to a viewpoint over the Cottonwood Wash breaks. Connects to alternate ride options and to Stucki Spring. Season year-round.
OK, let's put the bottom line first: this isn't going to be your favorite ride. If you're looking for a few of St. George's best trails, skip this one. But if you've done all the local trails a few times and are ready to try something new, then yes, Cove Wash is worth riding.
Getting there: In St. George, head north on Bluff Street and turn left on Sunset Blvd. Drive 3 miles west on Sunset through Santa Clara. As you're reaching the end of Santa Clara, look for a road crossing the river on your left. It's about 200 feet before the Jacob Hamblin Home (which will be on your right if you pass the turn). Turn and cross the river and follow the road as it turns right. About 0.4 miles from Hwy 191, turn left onto the dirt Stucki Springs road. At mile 0.7, turn right at the sign Preserve" or "Cove Wash Trailhead." Pass the water tank, and at mile 1.3, turn right again through the fence. This road will veer left, then arrive at a log fenced parking area at mile 1.5, N37 07.253 W113 40.508.
Dirt route from Green Valley, 5 miles (plus city streets) each way: Up DH section of GV racecourse (1.8 miles). Step across the fence and go down into the dip facing northwest. Drop down very-steep DT into the next valley, proceed west then northwest and go through the fence to Stucki Springs (1.3 miles). R on Stucki Springs Rd, go another 1.8 miles then left at fork (don't descend into big wash). Pass DT going up to fence on your L about 0.1 mile later, then keep R at the next fork 100 yards later, then L at next fork. Drop into wash and start head uphill in the wash.
OK, let's put the bottom line first: this isn't going to be your favorite ride. If you're looking for a few of St. George's best trails, skip this one. But if you've done all the local trails a few times and are ready to try something new, then yes, Cove Wash is worth riding.
Getting there: In St. George, head north on Bluff Street and turn left on Sunset Blvd. Drive 3 miles west on Sunset through Santa Clara. As you're reaching the end of Santa Clara, look for a road crossing the river on your left. It's about 200 feet before the Jacob Hamblin Home (which will be on your right if you pass the turn). Turn and cross the river and follow the road as it turns right. About 0.4 miles from Hwy 191, turn left onto the dirt Stucki Springs road. At mile 0.7, turn right at the sign Preserve" or "Cove Wash Trailhead." Pass the water tank, and at mile 1.3, turn right again through the fence. This road will veer left, then arrive at a log fenced parking area at mile 1.5, N37 07.253 W113 40.508.
Dirt route from Green Valley, 5 miles (plus city streets) each way: Up DH section of GV racecourse (1.8 miles). Step across the fence and go down into the dip facing northwest. Drop down very-steep DT into the next valley, proceed west then northwest and go through the fence to Stucki Springs (1.3 miles). R on Stucki Springs Rd, go another 1.8 miles then left at fork (don't descend into big wash). Pass DT going up to fence on your L about 0.1 mile later, then keep R at the next fork 100 yards later, then L at next fork. Drop into wash and start head uphill in the wash.
City Creek/Rusty Cliffs Bike Riding Trail
City Creek/Rusty Cliffs Trail - Popular ride from the red cliffs north of St. George to the northern border of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, along the road to Veyo. Mild climb, intermediate technical, alternate route has advanced-technical slickrock. Season year-round.
Beginning on Turtle Road above the red cliffs north of St. George, the City Creek trail offers some rocky options before it drops down and crosses the road, to become the Rusty Cliffs Trail. The combined trail makes a 5-mile (each way) out-and-back with about 300 vertical feet of climbing.
Most of the trail is intermediate technical, with an advanced technical optional side loop on City Creek. The trail begins at the top of Turtle Road, above the red cliffs north of St. George. The trail is across the road from the parking area.
Getting there: From St. George Blvd (the main drag), head north on Main Street (towards the "Dixie" painted on the big rock above the cliffs). When you reach Hope Street, turn right, then immediately take the left fork and climb Skyline Drive to the top of the cliffs. Turn left on Snow Canyon Parkway (labeled Skyline Drive on some city maps, and called Turtle Road by many locals). After the top of the hill, turn right into the parking area. The trail starts across the road, about 150 yards back (south) from the parking lot. Look for the stepover gate.
Alternate: Head north straight up Bluff Street until it leaves town. At the light where Bluff intersects Snow Canyon Parkway, turn right. Drive back about 2 miles to the parking area.
Beginning on Turtle Road above the red cliffs north of St. George, the City Creek trail offers some rocky options before it drops down and crosses the road, to become the Rusty Cliffs Trail. The combined trail makes a 5-mile (each way) out-and-back with about 300 vertical feet of climbing.
Most of the trail is intermediate technical, with an advanced technical optional side loop on City Creek. The trail begins at the top of Turtle Road, above the red cliffs north of St. George. The trail is across the road from the parking area.
Getting there: From St. George Blvd (the main drag), head north on Main Street (towards the "Dixie" painted on the big rock above the cliffs). When you reach Hope Street, turn right, then immediately take the left fork and climb Skyline Drive to the top of the cliffs. Turn left on Snow Canyon Parkway (labeled Skyline Drive on some city maps, and called Turtle Road by many locals). After the top of the hill, turn right into the parking area. The trail starts across the road, about 150 yards back (south) from the parking lot. Look for the stepover gate.
Alternate: Head north straight up Bluff Street until it leaves town. At the light where Bluff intersects Snow Canyon Parkway, turn right. Drive back about 2 miles to the parking area.
Church Rocks Bike Riding Trail
Church Rocks Trail - Loop west of I-15 between Washington and Quail Creek. Slickrock and some singletrack. Mild climb, intermediate technical. Season year-round.
The Church Rocks Loop is an intermediate trail just north of Washington (about 10 miles north of St. George). The loop itself is 3.1 miles of 90% slickrock. It's a fairly rapid ride, with little elevation change (about 150 feet), so you may want to do the loop section a couple of times.
Getting there, via Coral Canyon Trail: Take the UT-9 exit from I-15 (highway 9 goes to Hurricane, Zion Canyon, Grand Canyon) about 15 miles north of St. George. Turn towards Hurricane, but immediately turn right in 0.2 miles onto Coral Canyon Blvd. (If you pass the golf course, you missed it.) Go south through the roundabout and continue 0.6 miles, then right on Territory Canyon Drive. Immediately turn left on Grasslands Parkway. Heritage Park is 0.1 miles. Find a spot to park. On your bike, head north uphill on Grasslands (toward the freeway). Find the cement trail on your right, just before the road turns left and becomes North Bend Drive. Keep straight as you pass two paved trails that fork off. The paved trail will take you to the top of the water tank hill.
Alternate trailhead, Slick Rock Road in Coral Canyon: Go to Heritage Park as above, but as you climb up Grasslands Parkway, turn left on Slick Rock Road. Keep going south until the road turns north toward the freeway. Watch for the cement trail between two homes just before Slick Rock Road turns back east and becomes Sprint Canyon Drive. Once on the trail, fork right uphill, then take the next fork left to climb up Black Ridge toward the water tank.
Alternate trailhead, Grapevine via Washington Parkway: Go to the north end of Washington Parkway (at the new exit 13 off I-15). Keep straight into the dirt road through a two fences, then park. Head east (to your right as you drive through the second fence). Follow the Grapevine Trail to the Prospector connector, then grab Bracken's for 0.1 mile, then fork R to head for Church Rocks. See the Dino Cliffs trail page for specific instructions.
The Church Rocks Loop is an intermediate trail just north of Washington (about 10 miles north of St. George). The loop itself is 3.1 miles of 90% slickrock. It's a fairly rapid ride, with little elevation change (about 150 feet), so you may want to do the loop section a couple of times.
Getting there, via Coral Canyon Trail: Take the UT-9 exit from I-15 (highway 9 goes to Hurricane, Zion Canyon, Grand Canyon) about 15 miles north of St. George. Turn towards Hurricane, but immediately turn right in 0.2 miles onto Coral Canyon Blvd. (If you pass the golf course, you missed it.) Go south through the roundabout and continue 0.6 miles, then right on Territory Canyon Drive. Immediately turn left on Grasslands Parkway. Heritage Park is 0.1 miles. Find a spot to park. On your bike, head north uphill on Grasslands (toward the freeway). Find the cement trail on your right, just before the road turns left and becomes North Bend Drive. Keep straight as you pass two paved trails that fork off. The paved trail will take you to the top of the water tank hill.
Alternate trailhead, Slick Rock Road in Coral Canyon: Go to Heritage Park as above, but as you climb up Grasslands Parkway, turn left on Slick Rock Road. Keep going south until the road turns north toward the freeway. Watch for the cement trail between two homes just before Slick Rock Road turns back east and becomes Sprint Canyon Drive. Once on the trail, fork right uphill, then take the next fork left to climb up Black Ridge toward the water tank.
Alternate trailhead, Grapevine via Washington Parkway: Go to the north end of Washington Parkway (at the new exit 13 off I-15). Keep straight into the dirt road through a two fences, then park. Head east (to your right as you drive through the second fence). Follow the Grapevine Trail to the Prospector connector, then grab Bracken's for 0.1 mile, then fork R to head for Church Rocks. See the Dino Cliffs trail page for specific instructions.
Broken Mesa Rim Bike Riding Trail
Broken Mesa Rim Trail - Awesome technical downhill singletrack. For skilled riders, full suspension recommended. Moderate initial climb then long downhill. Loop or point-to-point with shuttle. Season year-round.
When the guys at the local bike shop say "This is the most fun trail I've ever ridden!" you have to pay attention. Of course, their definition of "fun" includes a tough initial climb, tricky spots involving rough bone-jarring lava boulders, and a half-mile plunge that's truly steep and dangerous.
Located 5 miles north of St. George, the Broken Mesa Rim trail should be reserved for strong and adventurous riders. The trail can be ridden year-round. The downhill singletrack is 7 miles, with an initial uphill mile that climbs 600 vertical feet. It can be done as an 8-mile point-to-point with shuttle, or as a 14.5-mile loop. If you do the loop option, you'll climb a total 1300.
Getting there: From the St. George Blvd exit of I-15, turn towards the city (west), then immediately turn right on 10th East. Zero your odometer here. Take the next right on Highland, then next left onto Industrial Road. Turn left at 0.7 on Red Rock Road. The road will turn to gravel. Keep left at the next fork, continuing north uphill on Cottonwood Road. (At 3.3 miles, you'll pass a water tank on your right. The return trail for the loop option comes back here. You can park here and bike up the road if you want to.) Pavement ends at 3.7. Keep left at the next fork at 5.4. Watch for a sign "Red Cliffs Mesa Rim Trail" at mile 8.8 and turn towards a fenced parking area at a stock watering trough at mile 9.0. GPS N 37° 13.451' W 113° 34.197'
Shuttle option: Leave a car on Buena Vista Blvd, just off I-15's Exit 10 in Washington. As you leave the trail, turn left on powerline doubletrack, right at second pole, then work your way downhill through the golf course and into town.
When the guys at the local bike shop say "This is the most fun trail I've ever ridden!" you have to pay attention. Of course, their definition of "fun" includes a tough initial climb, tricky spots involving rough bone-jarring lava boulders, and a half-mile plunge that's truly steep and dangerous.
Located 5 miles north of St. George, the Broken Mesa Rim trail should be reserved for strong and adventurous riders. The trail can be ridden year-round. The downhill singletrack is 7 miles, with an initial uphill mile that climbs 600 vertical feet. It can be done as an 8-mile point-to-point with shuttle, or as a 14.5-mile loop. If you do the loop option, you'll climb a total 1300.
Getting there: From the St. George Blvd exit of I-15, turn towards the city (west), then immediately turn right on 10th East. Zero your odometer here. Take the next right on Highland, then next left onto Industrial Road. Turn left at 0.7 on Red Rock Road. The road will turn to gravel. Keep left at the next fork, continuing north uphill on Cottonwood Road. (At 3.3 miles, you'll pass a water tank on your right. The return trail for the loop option comes back here. You can park here and bike up the road if you want to.) Pavement ends at 3.7. Keep left at the next fork at 5.4. Watch for a sign "Red Cliffs Mesa Rim Trail" at mile 8.8 and turn towards a fenced parking area at a stock watering trough at mile 9.0. GPS N 37° 13.451' W 113° 34.197'
Shuttle option: Leave a car on Buena Vista Blvd, just off I-15's Exit 10 in Washington. As you leave the trail, turn left on powerline doubletrack, right at second pole, then work your way downhill through the golf course and into town.
Bluff Street Cliffs Bike Riding Trail
Bluff Street Cliffs Trail - Also called Owen's Trail. Short singletrack and slickrock ride on north edge of St. George, climbing along the cliffs. Intermediate technical, mild climb. Season year-round.
The Bluff Street Cliffs trail has been renamed Owen's Trail. This is a short but fun ride on the cliffs along the north edge of St. George. This is a quick out-and-back ride of 3 miles (1.5 miles each way) that features some very nice rock, requiring good technical skills. Because it's within a couple of bicycle-minutes from most of St. George's motels, you can hit this trail during the morning chill and be back before your roommates have shaken off the morning groggies.
Getting there: From St. George Blvd (the main drag), head north on Main Street (towards the "Dixie" painted on the big rock above the cliffs). When you reach Hope Street, turn right, then immediately take the left fork and climb Skyline Drive to the top of the cliffs. Turn left on Snow Canyon Parkway (labeled Skyline Drive on some city maps, and called Turtle Road by many locals before the "great widening"). 1/3 mile up from the intersection, find a singletrack trail heading off to your left at GPS N 37° 07.150' W 113° 34.672'. Follow the trail left around the mountain.
Pioneer Park trailhead: Park on the far west end of the picnic loop in Pioneer Park. (To get on the loop, go east on Skyline Drive past the Pioneer Park parking lot and take the next left.) Head straight west onto the slickrock, keeping on the edge of the small cliffs that are to your right. You'll dump out onto a singletrack that hits Snow Canyon Parkway right across the street from the Bluff Street Cliffs trailhead. This adds about 1/3 mile of rock riding to your trip. And, the Pioneer Park area is a good spot for non-riders to have a little fun while you skin your legs up. (You can also park in one of the two gravel lots and ride west along the road to the Owen's trailhead.)
Via City Creek trailhead: You can also get to Owen's Trail by parking in the big lot at the top of the hill, starting out on City Creek, then forking left on the connector as shown on the map. But you'll miss the fun technical rock-garden on Owen's at mile 0.3 to 0.5.
The Bluff Street Cliffs trail has been renamed Owen's Trail. This is a short but fun ride on the cliffs along the north edge of St. George. This is a quick out-and-back ride of 3 miles (1.5 miles each way) that features some very nice rock, requiring good technical skills. Because it's within a couple of bicycle-minutes from most of St. George's motels, you can hit this trail during the morning chill and be back before your roommates have shaken off the morning groggies.
Getting there: From St. George Blvd (the main drag), head north on Main Street (towards the "Dixie" painted on the big rock above the cliffs). When you reach Hope Street, turn right, then immediately take the left fork and climb Skyline Drive to the top of the cliffs. Turn left on Snow Canyon Parkway (labeled Skyline Drive on some city maps, and called Turtle Road by many locals before the "great widening"). 1/3 mile up from the intersection, find a singletrack trail heading off to your left at GPS N 37° 07.150' W 113° 34.672'. Follow the trail left around the mountain.
Pioneer Park trailhead: Park on the far west end of the picnic loop in Pioneer Park. (To get on the loop, go east on Skyline Drive past the Pioneer Park parking lot and take the next left.) Head straight west onto the slickrock, keeping on the edge of the small cliffs that are to your right. You'll dump out onto a singletrack that hits Snow Canyon Parkway right across the street from the Bluff Street Cliffs trailhead. This adds about 1/3 mile of rock riding to your trip. And, the Pioneer Park area is a good spot for non-riders to have a little fun while you skin your legs up. (You can also park in one of the two gravel lots and ride west along the road to the Owen's trailhead.)
Via City Creek trailhead: You can also get to Owen's Trail by parking in the big lot at the top of the hill, starting out on City Creek, then forking left on the connector as shown on the map. But you'll miss the fun technical rock-garden on Owen's at mile 0.3 to 0.5.
Bloomington Micro-Loop Bike Riding Trail
Bloomington Micro-Loop Trail - Quick 6-mile ride in the desert west of Bloomington, 2/3 singletrack, intermediate technical, very little climbing. Season year-round.
The Bloomington Micro-loop is a quick ride that starts at the Bloomington trailhead for the Bearclaw Poppy trail. It features about 4 miles of nice narrow singletrack, then two miles on gravel road to close the loop. Total length is 6 miles. There's about 200 feet total elevation change. The singletrack is easier intermediate-technical.
The Microloop is designed to be ridden ONE WAY. But many riders use the westbound leg of the loop to connect to the Stucki Springs trail or to the Bearclaw Poppy trail, and ignore the return leg.
Start out like you're going to ride Bearclaw Poppy. Just after you pass the western corner of the fence around the flood basin (about 1/3 mile from the step-over gate), fork left when you see the "Bloomington Micro-loop" sign.
Getting there: Go to the west end of Navajo Drive in Bloomington. Go across the cattle guard. See the low rail on the fence 100 feet to your right? That's the trailhead. N 37° 03.116' W 113° 37.362'. Start out on Bearclaw Poppy, and fork left on the mini-loop about 1/3 mile later.
The Bloomington Micro-loop is a quick ride that starts at the Bloomington trailhead for the Bearclaw Poppy trail. It features about 4 miles of nice narrow singletrack, then two miles on gravel road to close the loop. Total length is 6 miles. There's about 200 feet total elevation change. The singletrack is easier intermediate-technical.
The Microloop is designed to be ridden ONE WAY. But many riders use the westbound leg of the loop to connect to the Stucki Springs trail or to the Bearclaw Poppy trail, and ignore the return leg.
Start out like you're going to ride Bearclaw Poppy. Just after you pass the western corner of the fence around the flood basin (about 1/3 mile from the step-over gate), fork left when you see the "Bloomington Micro-loop" sign.
Getting there: Go to the west end of Navajo Drive in Bloomington. Go across the cattle guard. See the low rail on the fence 100 feet to your right? That's the trailhead. N 37° 03.116' W 113° 37.362'. Start out on Bearclaw Poppy, and fork left on the mini-loop about 1/3 mile later.
Black Brush Bike Riding Trail
Black Brush Trail - Signed for horses and foot traffic, but ridden by cyclists. 4.2-mile lariat loop within the Santa Clara River Preserve. Moderate total climbing with a few stiff pitches. Upper-intermediate technical. Views of area and into Santa Clara River gorge. Season year-round.
This trail starts at the Barrel Roll trailhead. It's marked for horses and foot traffic (not for bikes). But I saw massive bike tire-treads on this trail, so obviously somebody is riding it, which is why I checked it out. My suggestion is, have a nice 80-minute hike (or 30-minute run) and enjoy some nice views into the Santa Clara gorge. But if you're determined to ride it, here's the report.
Above: We're at the lowest elevation of the ride, in the loop over the Santa Clara River gorge. It's January 10 and it's 50 degrees. Perfect weather for a bike ride. Gotta love St. George!
The Black Brush trail is 4.2 miles in length, with a lariat configuration. It's a bit more technical than the Barrel Roll trail, although it won't feel that way for the first little bit. There are more ledges and hard-to-clean spots. There's a fair amount of up-and-down that makes the ride seem like more work. The loop at the end has fairly steep grades, more horse-friendly than bike-friendly, and the surface is a bit more grainy-soft than Barrel Roll.
Total climbing will be about 900 feet, even though the ride's high point is only 200 feet higher than the trailhead. The small loop at the end has 400 feet of climbing (and 400 feet of descending). Whereas Barrel Roll climbs at an easy grade through switchbacks, Black Brush has more of a horseman's "let's just get there" approach to its climbing.
Getting there: In St. George, head north on Bluff Street and turn left on Sunset Blvd. Drive 3 miles west on Sunset through Santa Clara. As you're reaching the end of Santa Clara, look for a road crossing the river on your left. It's about 200 feet before the Jacob Hamblin Home (which will be on your right if you pass the turn). Turn and cross the river and follow the road as it turns right. About 0.4 miles from Hwy 191, turn left onto the dirt Stucki Springs road. At mile 0.7, turn right at the sign "Santa Clara Preserve" or "Cove Wash Trailhead." Pass the water tank, and at mile 1.3, turn right again through the fence. This road will veer left to at a log-fence parking area at mile 1.5, N37 07.253 W113 40.508.
This trail starts at the Barrel Roll trailhead. It's marked for horses and foot traffic (not for bikes). But I saw massive bike tire-treads on this trail, so obviously somebody is riding it, which is why I checked it out. My suggestion is, have a nice 80-minute hike (or 30-minute run) and enjoy some nice views into the Santa Clara gorge. But if you're determined to ride it, here's the report.
Above: We're at the lowest elevation of the ride, in the loop over the Santa Clara River gorge. It's January 10 and it's 50 degrees. Perfect weather for a bike ride. Gotta love St. George!
The Black Brush trail is 4.2 miles in length, with a lariat configuration. It's a bit more technical than the Barrel Roll trail, although it won't feel that way for the first little bit. There are more ledges and hard-to-clean spots. There's a fair amount of up-and-down that makes the ride seem like more work. The loop at the end has fairly steep grades, more horse-friendly than bike-friendly, and the surface is a bit more grainy-soft than Barrel Roll.
Total climbing will be about 900 feet, even though the ride's high point is only 200 feet higher than the trailhead. The small loop at the end has 400 feet of climbing (and 400 feet of descending). Whereas Barrel Roll climbs at an easy grade through switchbacks, Black Brush has more of a horseman's "let's just get there" approach to its climbing.
Getting there: In St. George, head north on Bluff Street and turn left on Sunset Blvd. Drive 3 miles west on Sunset through Santa Clara. As you're reaching the end of Santa Clara, look for a road crossing the river on your left. It's about 200 feet before the Jacob Hamblin Home (which will be on your right if you pass the turn). Turn and cross the river and follow the road as it turns right. About 0.4 miles from Hwy 191, turn left onto the dirt Stucki Springs road. At mile 0.7, turn right at the sign "Santa Clara Preserve" or "Cove Wash Trailhead." Pass the water tank, and at mile 1.3, turn right again through the fence. This road will veer left to at a log-fence parking area at mile 1.5, N37 07.253 W113 40.508.
Bearclaw Poppy Bike Riding Trail (Green Valley Trail)
Bearclaw Poppy Trail(Green Valley Trail) - A Must-Ride Classic! Singletrack winds around the mesa from Green Valley to Bloomington. Famous Three Fingers of Death, acid drops with Clavicle Hill, and Roller Coaster. Easier technical with some short "walkable" sections of advanced technical. Light climb. Season year-round.
The Bearclaw Poppy Trail lies southwest of St. George. It joins Green Valley to the west side of Bloomington, curving scenically around Bloomington Hill. You can ride it from either end as an out-and-back (11 miles round trip), or grab a few city streets to make a 11.5-mile loop. You can also use this trail as a piece of a much larger ride including Stucki Springs (around 20 miles), or throw in the one-way westbound Bloomington Microloop for variety on an out-and-back.
This trail is a blast to ride. Highlights include a not-too-tough aerobic one-mile hill climb, a run down a desert wash, a series of short "scary but not too hairy" drop-offs, and a roller coaster hard-pack BMX course. And you can ride it year-round -- at an elevation of 2700 feet down near the Arizona border, this trail never sees snow. We'd rate the trail moderate aerobic and intermediate technical. If you don't stop to play, it's very quick ride -- one you can easily hammer in the morning before work or golf.
Getting there, Green Valley: Take the Bluff Street I-15 exit in St. George and turn west. Immediately turn south (left) at the first light. Go over the hill and at the T intersection at the bottom of the hill turn right. Head northwest about two miles on Dixie Drive. Turn left at Canyon View Road, heading uphill toward the Green Valley Spa. (If you reach a "Green Valley Market" with gas pumps, you just passed it. Turn around and backtrack to the second road on your right.) Drive past the spa onto dirt at the end of the road. Turn right at the top of the mesa, then immediately left to drive down into the deep valley. You can park here and ride to the road that climbs the RIGHT side of the little sandstone canyon. Or, you can stay in your car and turn right on dirt, then drop left down into the valley 100 yards later. Follow the improved gravel road up to the parking area about 3/4 mile later. Trailhead N 37° 05.509' W 113° 37.689'
Bloomington: I recommend that youngsters go to the Bloomington end of the trail! Go to the west end of Navajo Drive in Bloomington. Go across the cattle guard. See the low rail on the fence 100 feet to your right? That's the trailhead. Bloomington N 37° 03.116' W 113° 37.362'
The Bearclaw Poppy Trail lies southwest of St. George. It joins Green Valley to the west side of Bloomington, curving scenically around Bloomington Hill. You can ride it from either end as an out-and-back (11 miles round trip), or grab a few city streets to make a 11.5-mile loop. You can also use this trail as a piece of a much larger ride including Stucki Springs (around 20 miles), or throw in the one-way westbound Bloomington Microloop for variety on an out-and-back.
This trail is a blast to ride. Highlights include a not-too-tough aerobic one-mile hill climb, a run down a desert wash, a series of short "scary but not too hairy" drop-offs, and a roller coaster hard-pack BMX course. And you can ride it year-round -- at an elevation of 2700 feet down near the Arizona border, this trail never sees snow. We'd rate the trail moderate aerobic and intermediate technical. If you don't stop to play, it's very quick ride -- one you can easily hammer in the morning before work or golf.
Getting there, Green Valley: Take the Bluff Street I-15 exit in St. George and turn west. Immediately turn south (left) at the first light. Go over the hill and at the T intersection at the bottom of the hill turn right. Head northwest about two miles on Dixie Drive. Turn left at Canyon View Road, heading uphill toward the Green Valley Spa. (If you reach a "Green Valley Market" with gas pumps, you just passed it. Turn around and backtrack to the second road on your right.) Drive past the spa onto dirt at the end of the road. Turn right at the top of the mesa, then immediately left to drive down into the deep valley. You can park here and ride to the road that climbs the RIGHT side of the little sandstone canyon. Or, you can stay in your car and turn right on dirt, then drop left down into the valley 100 yards later. Follow the improved gravel road up to the parking area about 3/4 mile later. Trailhead N 37° 05.509' W 113° 37.689'
Bloomington: I recommend that youngsters go to the Bloomington end of the trail! Go to the west end of Navajo Drive in Bloomington. Go across the cattle guard. See the low rail on the fence 100 feet to your right? That's the trailhead. Bloomington N 37° 03.116' W 113° 37.362'
Barrel Bike Riding Trail
Barrel Trail - Trail links top of Green Valley raceway DH course (or hillclimb) to the Bearclaw Poppy trailhead, with multiple riding options. Some easily-accessed (but hard to do) off-trail stunt areas including gap jumps and drops. Season year-round.
This trail lies just south of the Green Valley Race Loop, and connects to the downhill limb of that trail in two places. The Barrel Trail starts across from the north end of the Bearclaw Poppy Trail.
Named for the many huge barrel cacti along the trail, the Barrel Trail lies on the slope of a cuesta just southwest of St.George. There are multiple riding options including longer loops with significant climbing and quick excursions. The southern end, in fact, might seem confusing if you don't have a solid travel plan.
Getting there, Green Valley Trailhead: Take the Bluff Street I-15 exit in St. George and turn west. Immediately turn south (left) at the first light. Go over the hill and at the T intersection at the bottom of the hill turn right. Head northwest about two miles on Dixie Drive. Turn left at Canyon View Road, heading uphill toward the Green Valley Spa. (If you reach a "Green Valley Market" with gas pumps, you just passed it. Turn around and backtrack to the second road on your right.) Drive past the spa onto dirt at the end of the road. Turn right at the top of the mesa, then immediately left to drive down into the deep valley. Park in the open area in the valley bottom (N37 05.542 W113 37.967) and pick your route west uphill. (Note: the staging area is private property with a plan for development into homes. This area may change, making these directions invalid.)
Bearclaw Trailhead: Follow the directions above. But as you drop into the valley, aim for the big gravel road heading straight up the cuesta (just to the right of the sandstone canyon). When you reach the gate, turn R into the parking area (N37 05.340 W113 38.457). Start your ride by continuing up the doubletrack.
This trail lies just south of the Green Valley Race Loop, and connects to the downhill limb of that trail in two places. The Barrel Trail starts across from the north end of the Bearclaw Poppy Trail.
Named for the many huge barrel cacti along the trail, the Barrel Trail lies on the slope of a cuesta just southwest of St.George. There are multiple riding options including longer loops with significant climbing and quick excursions. The southern end, in fact, might seem confusing if you don't have a solid travel plan.
Getting there, Green Valley Trailhead: Take the Bluff Street I-15 exit in St. George and turn west. Immediately turn south (left) at the first light. Go over the hill and at the T intersection at the bottom of the hill turn right. Head northwest about two miles on Dixie Drive. Turn left at Canyon View Road, heading uphill toward the Green Valley Spa. (If you reach a "Green Valley Market" with gas pumps, you just passed it. Turn around and backtrack to the second road on your right.) Drive past the spa onto dirt at the end of the road. Turn right at the top of the mesa, then immediately left to drive down into the deep valley. Park in the open area in the valley bottom (N37 05.542 W113 37.967) and pick your route west uphill. (Note: the staging area is private property with a plan for development into homes. This area may change, making these directions invalid.)
Bearclaw Trailhead: Follow the directions above. But as you drop into the valley, aim for the big gravel road heading straight up the cuesta (just to the right of the sandstone canyon). When you reach the gate, turn R into the parking area (N37 05.340 W113 38.457). Start your ride by continuing up the doubletrack.
Barrel Roll Bike Riding Trail
Barrel Roll Trail - 6-mile loop within the Santa Clara River Preserve. Moderate total climbing but gentle and steady. Views of area. Intermediate technical. Season year-round.
The Barrel Roll Trail is an intermediate-level trail in the Santa Clara River Preserve, just west of Santa Clara. It's a loop ride 6 miles in length. Starting altitude is 3100 feet, top 3500. The trail undulates up and down, making total climbing around 700. You'll like this ride. It's quick and close to civilization, not too brutal, with nice views. It shares a trailhead with the Black Brush and Rim Rock trails.
Getting there: In St. George, head north on Bluff Street and turn left on Sunset Blvd. Drive 3 miles west on Sunset through Santa Clara. As you're reaching the end of Santa Clara, look for a road crossing the river on your left. It's about 200 feet before the Jacob Hamblin Home (which will be on your right if you pass the turn). Turn and cross the river and follow the road as it turns right. About 0.4 miles from Hwy 191, turn left onto the dirt Stucki Springs road. At mile 0.7, turn right at the sign "Santa Clara Preserve" or "Cove Wash Trailhead." Pass the water tank, and at mile 1.3, turn right again through the fence. This road will veer left to a log-fence parking area at mile 1.5, N37 07.253 W113 40.508.
The Barrel Roll Trail is an intermediate-level trail in the Santa Clara River Preserve, just west of Santa Clara. It's a loop ride 6 miles in length. Starting altitude is 3100 feet, top 3500. The trail undulates up and down, making total climbing around 700. You'll like this ride. It's quick and close to civilization, not too brutal, with nice views. It shares a trailhead with the Black Brush and Rim Rock trails.
Getting there: In St. George, head north on Bluff Street and turn left on Sunset Blvd. Drive 3 miles west on Sunset through Santa Clara. As you're reaching the end of Santa Clara, look for a road crossing the river on your left. It's about 200 feet before the Jacob Hamblin Home (which will be on your right if you pass the turn). Turn and cross the river and follow the road as it turns right. About 0.4 miles from Hwy 191, turn left onto the dirt Stucki Springs road. At mile 0.7, turn right at the sign "Santa Clara Preserve" or "Cove Wash Trailhead." Pass the water tank, and at mile 1.3, turn right again through the fence. This road will veer left to a log-fence parking area at mile 1.5, N37 07.253 W113 40.508.
Anasazi Bike Riding Trail
Anasazi Trail - This is a trail complex within the Santa Clara River Preserve. Multiple riding options, from easy to technical. Petroglyphs, views of the river gorge. Out-and-back on main trail 6.6 miles. Some cliff-side riding. From Anasazi Valley TH, easy family ride to native American farm site and rock art. Season year-round.
The north side of the Santa Clara River Preserve features a trail system under development. It's brand new, and changing quickly. The highlight is a trail that runs the length of the preserve from east to west, called Tempi'po'op, which I believe is Piute for "Rock Writing".
The trail offers multiple views into the Santa Clara River gorge.
Many locals call this the Anasazi Trail. It flirts with the cliff edge as you look for Native American rock carvings, then turns into singletrack for a mile of very fun semi-technical riding. This central trail connects to other trail options. So your ride can be a quick hit-the-highlights (from one end to the other and back is 6.6 miles), or you can easily run up 12 to 18 miles exploring the side trails.
Getting there:
Graveyard Trailhead: In St. George, head north on Bluff Street and turn left on Sunset Blvd. Drive 3 miles west on Sunset through Santa Clara. As you leave Santa Clara and begin climbing the hill, look for a road on the left. It will turn to gravel. Pass the first step-over trail access (no parking here) and drive a little further. Parking is contained inside a wooden rail fence on your left (N37 08.125 W113 40.317). Directly across the road is a step-over to the Fishhook Trail.
Anasazi Valley Trailhead: Drive all the way through Santa Clara and continue on 191 past Ivins. Just after a gentle descent, watch for the Anasazi Valley Trailhead sign. Turn left into the dirt road where the stone thingy is holding an iron gate. Drive 0.4 miles and turn into the parking area surrounded by a wooden fence (N37 09.748 W113 42.379). The trail starts at the break in the fence.
View Larger Map
The north side of the Santa Clara River Preserve features a trail system under development. It's brand new, and changing quickly. The highlight is a trail that runs the length of the preserve from east to west, called Tempi'po'op, which I believe is Piute for "Rock Writing".
The trail offers multiple views into the Santa Clara River gorge.
Many locals call this the Anasazi Trail. It flirts with the cliff edge as you look for Native American rock carvings, then turns into singletrack for a mile of very fun semi-technical riding. This central trail connects to other trail options. So your ride can be a quick hit-the-highlights (from one end to the other and back is 6.6 miles), or you can easily run up 12 to 18 miles exploring the side trails.
Getting there:
Graveyard Trailhead: In St. George, head north on Bluff Street and turn left on Sunset Blvd. Drive 3 miles west on Sunset through Santa Clara. As you leave Santa Clara and begin climbing the hill, look for a road on the left. It will turn to gravel. Pass the first step-over trail access (no parking here) and drive a little further. Parking is contained inside a wooden rail fence on your left (N37 08.125 W113 40.317). Directly across the road is a step-over to the Fishhook Trail.
Anasazi Valley Trailhead: Drive all the way through Santa Clara and continue on 191 past Ivins. Just after a gentle descent, watch for the Anasazi Valley Trailhead sign. Turn left into the dirt road where the stone thingy is holding an iron gate. Drive 0.4 miles and turn into the parking area surrounded by a wooden fence (N37 09.748 W113 42.379). The trail starts at the break in the fence.
View Larger Map
Laser Mania
Family fun center offering Laser Force Laser Tag, Blacklight Miniature Golf, the Lazer Maze, Battle Tanks, and the largest arcade in town.
Address:
67 E Saint George Blvd
St. George, UT
Address:
67 E Saint George Blvd
St. George, UT
Jumpin Jacks
Jumpin Jacks has fun blow up slides, obstacle courses, and bounce houses. Come in anytime to bounce.
Address:
314 North 3050 East
St. George, UT
Address:
314 North 3050 East
St. George, UT
Tuacahn
Tuacahn is a 1500-foot spectacular red rock cliff Amphitheatre and Center for the Arts featuring Theatrical and Musical performances.
St. George, (800) 746-9882.
"Tuacahn" comes from a Mayan word meaning "Canyon of the Gods." Built in the shadow of 1500-foot spectacular red rock cliffs, the Tuacahn Amphitheatre and Center for the Arts was created to awaken the nobility of the human soul and transmit light and hope to people everywhere through the arts and education.
The Tuacahn Theatre brings "Broadway in the Desert" to southern Utah! Throughout the warm months, this theatre company features Utah's finest actors (new and seasoned), in some of Broadway's greatest productions! The intimate, outdoor theatre is always enhanced by the brilliant, natural redrock backdrop. A night out at Tuacahn is a night not soon forgotten! Click for this year's production schedule.
Orval Hafen was awestruck upon first seeing the area that is now home to the Tuacahn Center for the Arts. He and his wife, Ruth, bought an eighty-acre parcel in the box canyon and built a cabin, the remnants of which can still be seen behind the Tuacahn High School for the Performing Arts. He desired that others might one day share this beauty.
Doug Stewart, noted playwright and St. George resident, shared Hafen¹s vision. He had been hiking through southwestern Utah in search of a suitable location for an outdoor theatre, when he spied the spot that was once Orval Hafen's cabin. The plan was more than ambitious. Stewart planned to build a 42,000 square foot facility featuring a 330 seat indoor theater, a dance studio, a black-box theater, a recital hall, a costume shop and scene shop, studios and classrooms, and a gift shop, all of which were built to complement the jewel of Tuacahn - a 1920-seat outdoor amphitheatre, which was designed as the home of the original musical Utah! The grounds were landscaped to compliment the magnificence of the surrounding canyon.
Tuacahn Utah! ran for four seasons and was attended by over 250,000 patrons. However, in 1999, it became clear that Tuacahn needed to shift it's strategy and pursue a new direction. Ironically, "something new" came in the form of two musicals that have been performed throughout the state for years. Instead of offering just one production for summer patrons, Tuacahn created their first "Summer Festival of Theatre," which featured a double bill of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. The shows ran from mid-June to Labor Day weekend, and the amphitheatre found itself in the enviable position of dealing with huge crowds and sold-out houses. Over 100,000 people from every state in the Union and twenty-five countries attended the festival's 70 performances.
The changes at Tuacahn weren't limited to the summer shows, either. On August 22, 1999, Tuacahn began operation of the Tuacahn High School for the Performing Arts. The first charter school in the state of Utah, Tuacahn High School is a fully-accredited college preparatory high school with an emphasis on singing, dancing, acting, and instrumental performance.
Today, Tuacahn continues to thrill audiences with Utah's greatest productions. New performances, actors, and surprises await theatre-goers each year.
For those who have enjoyed this facility, Tuacahn has fulfilled the vision that left Orval Hafen awestruck over a century ago. It continues to grow and to thrive, as "others share this beauty and drink of the inspiration that is here."
St. George, (800) 746-9882.
"Tuacahn" comes from a Mayan word meaning "Canyon of the Gods." Built in the shadow of 1500-foot spectacular red rock cliffs, the Tuacahn Amphitheatre and Center for the Arts was created to awaken the nobility of the human soul and transmit light and hope to people everywhere through the arts and education.
The Tuacahn Theatre brings "Broadway in the Desert" to southern Utah! Throughout the warm months, this theatre company features Utah's finest actors (new and seasoned), in some of Broadway's greatest productions! The intimate, outdoor theatre is always enhanced by the brilliant, natural redrock backdrop. A night out at Tuacahn is a night not soon forgotten! Click for this year's production schedule.
Orval Hafen was awestruck upon first seeing the area that is now home to the Tuacahn Center for the Arts. He and his wife, Ruth, bought an eighty-acre parcel in the box canyon and built a cabin, the remnants of which can still be seen behind the Tuacahn High School for the Performing Arts. He desired that others might one day share this beauty.
Doug Stewart, noted playwright and St. George resident, shared Hafen¹s vision. He had been hiking through southwestern Utah in search of a suitable location for an outdoor theatre, when he spied the spot that was once Orval Hafen's cabin. The plan was more than ambitious. Stewart planned to build a 42,000 square foot facility featuring a 330 seat indoor theater, a dance studio, a black-box theater, a recital hall, a costume shop and scene shop, studios and classrooms, and a gift shop, all of which were built to complement the jewel of Tuacahn - a 1920-seat outdoor amphitheatre, which was designed as the home of the original musical Utah! The grounds were landscaped to compliment the magnificence of the surrounding canyon.
Tuacahn Utah! ran for four seasons and was attended by over 250,000 patrons. However, in 1999, it became clear that Tuacahn needed to shift it's strategy and pursue a new direction. Ironically, "something new" came in the form of two musicals that have been performed throughout the state for years. Instead of offering just one production for summer patrons, Tuacahn created their first "Summer Festival of Theatre," which featured a double bill of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. The shows ran from mid-June to Labor Day weekend, and the amphitheatre found itself in the enviable position of dealing with huge crowds and sold-out houses. Over 100,000 people from every state in the Union and twenty-five countries attended the festival's 70 performances.
The changes at Tuacahn weren't limited to the summer shows, either. On August 22, 1999, Tuacahn began operation of the Tuacahn High School for the Performing Arts. The first charter school in the state of Utah, Tuacahn High School is a fully-accredited college preparatory high school with an emphasis on singing, dancing, acting, and instrumental performance.
Today, Tuacahn continues to thrill audiences with Utah's greatest productions. New performances, actors, and surprises await theatre-goers each year.
For those who have enjoyed this facility, Tuacahn has fulfilled the vision that left Orval Hafen awestruck over a century ago. It continues to grow and to thrive, as "others share this beauty and drink of the inspiration that is here."
Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum
This building was constructed for the express purpose of housing pioneer relics. Next to the Pioneer Courthouse, the museum is staffed by volunteers and is usually open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. No admission fee.
Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum
435-628-7274
Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum
435-628-7274
Historic St. George LIVE! Tour
If you are in the area between Memorial Day and Labor Day, don’t miss the opportunity to acquaint yourself with the history and culture of the area. Travel to six historic sites where volunteer actors in authentic costumes relate the history of the buildings. Tours are 9 and 10:30 am Tuesday through Saturday and begin at the St. George Art Museum. Cost is $3 per person. Group discounts available.
Historic St. George LIVE! Tour
St. George Art Museum
435-634-5942
Historic St. George LIVE! Tour
St. George Art Museum
435-634-5942
Sand Hollow Aquatic Center
This multi-million-dollar facility offers year-round fun. It is comprised of 25,000 square feet enclosed by a fabric exo-skeleton with a heating and ventilation system. This unique design makes for great swimming year-round. The center offers two pools, a competition/diving pool and a leisure pool, which is a zero-depth children’s pool. It features water walks, slides, sprays and moving water devices. Hours are scheduled for open swimming as well as family and lap swimming.
Sand Hollow Aquatic Center
435-634-5938
www.sgcity.org/swimming/
1144 Lava Flow Drive, St. George
Sand Hollow Aquatic Center
435-634-5938
www.sgcity.org/swimming/
1144 Lava Flow Drive, St. George
Skate Park
Open daily until dark, the skate park is one of the most kid-popular parks around.
Skate Park
400 E. 900 South, St. George
(next to Fiesta Fun Family Center)
Skate Park
400 E. 900 South, St. George
(next to Fiesta Fun Family Center)
Tonaquint Nature Center
Located on the Santa Clara River banks off Dixie Drive, this nature center gives outdoor education programs for all ages.
Tonaquint Nature Center
435-634-5860
Dixie Drive, St George, UT
Tonaquint Nature Center
435-634-5860
Dixie Drive, St George, UT
Rosenbruch Wildlife Museum & Gift Shop
Nearly 300 animals are displayed in their natural habitats. Almost a quarter mile of mountain pathway winds through the plains of Africa, forests of North America and mountains of Asia. A two-story mountain with two waterfalls and periodic thunder and lighting storms, provide an experience to be remembered. Open noon to 9 p.m. Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Cost: children $4, seniors $6, and adults $8.
Rosenbruch Wildlife Museum & Gift Shop
1835 Convention Center Drive (adjacent to the Dixie Center)
435-656-0033
www.rosenbruch.org
Rosenbruch Wildlife Museum & Gift Shop
1835 Convention Center Drive (adjacent to the Dixie Center)
435-656-0033
www.rosenbruch.org
Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm
Take a journey back in time to the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm. This world-class dinosaur site includes a rare combination of fossilized bones and footprints of dinosaurs and many other ancient animals. St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm is a must see for anyone interested in dinosaurs, geology and the ancient Jurassic world. At the site you may observe more than 2,000 tracks made by dinosaurs and other animals. You can also see the world’s largest collection of dinosaur swim tracks and see one of only six tracks in the world made by a sitting dinosaur. Bus tours are welcome.
The St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm displays some of the oldest and best-preserved tracks in the world. Dinosaur tracks were discovered on the farm in February, 2000, and it has become quite an attraction. The site is in the early stages of scientific study - so far more than 1,000 tracks have been found within a 10-acre area. Most were made by Dilophosaurus-like creatures and are three-toed, 13-18 inches long. There are also some smaller tracks and researchers have identified skin prints and impressions made by tail drags and swimming movements.
The tracks were found in large slabs of sandstone from the Moenave Formation, dating back some 205 million years to the beginning of the dinosaur era. Residents tromped over that very sandstone for years, never realizing it sheltered such treasures. Nobody knew, until Dr. Sheldon Johnson flipped over a slab while trying to level his land. There, on the underside, the tracks were clearly visible.
Most of the tracks are actually "negative impression" casts that appear as bumps on the stone. The area was the bottom of an ancient freshwater lake in the center of the super-continent Pangea. Footprints left in the mud filled with silt and sand, and more sand was deposited over the top. The mixture eventually solidified into sandstone and mudstone, forming the casts. Now, when the slabs are flipped over, the casts appear, much like Jell-O popping out of a mold.
Dr. Johnson donated his land to the city of St. George and the U.S. Congress recently appropriated funds to help construct a science and visitor center. Volunteers do most of the work at the site.
Small groups can just show up during open hours. Larger groups should schedule a tour.
It is easy to find. Take Exit 10 from I-15 onto 3050 East (Pineview Drive). Follow it south until it swings to the southwest and becomes Riverside Drive. Just continue driving until you reach the site, which is marked by a sign.
* Open hours: 10 am until 6 pm
* Days of operation: Monday through Saturday
* Closed Sundays
* Open every holiday except Christmas & Thanksgiving
* Address: 2180 E. Riverside Drive
* Phone: 435-574-DINO (3466)
* To schedule tours or to volunteer, please contact Janice Evans, the Volunteer Coordinator
Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm
2180 E. Riverside Drive, St George
435-574-DINO (3466)
www.sgcity.org/dinotrax/
The St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm displays some of the oldest and best-preserved tracks in the world. Dinosaur tracks were discovered on the farm in February, 2000, and it has become quite an attraction. The site is in the early stages of scientific study - so far more than 1,000 tracks have been found within a 10-acre area. Most were made by Dilophosaurus-like creatures and are three-toed, 13-18 inches long. There are also some smaller tracks and researchers have identified skin prints and impressions made by tail drags and swimming movements.
The tracks were found in large slabs of sandstone from the Moenave Formation, dating back some 205 million years to the beginning of the dinosaur era. Residents tromped over that very sandstone for years, never realizing it sheltered such treasures. Nobody knew, until Dr. Sheldon Johnson flipped over a slab while trying to level his land. There, on the underside, the tracks were clearly visible.
Most of the tracks are actually "negative impression" casts that appear as bumps on the stone. The area was the bottom of an ancient freshwater lake in the center of the super-continent Pangea. Footprints left in the mud filled with silt and sand, and more sand was deposited over the top. The mixture eventually solidified into sandstone and mudstone, forming the casts. Now, when the slabs are flipped over, the casts appear, much like Jell-O popping out of a mold.
Dr. Johnson donated his land to the city of St. George and the U.S. Congress recently appropriated funds to help construct a science and visitor center. Volunteers do most of the work at the site.
Small groups can just show up during open hours. Larger groups should schedule a tour.
It is easy to find. Take Exit 10 from I-15 onto 3050 East (Pineview Drive). Follow it south until it swings to the southwest and becomes Riverside Drive. Just continue driving until you reach the site, which is marked by a sign.
* Open hours: 10 am until 6 pm
* Days of operation: Monday through Saturday
* Closed Sundays
* Open every holiday except Christmas & Thanksgiving
* Address: 2180 E. Riverside Drive
* Phone: 435-574-DINO (3466)
* To schedule tours or to volunteer, please contact Janice Evans, the Volunteer Coordinator
Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm
2180 E. Riverside Drive, St George
435-574-DINO (3466)
www.sgcity.org/dinotrax/
Fiesta Fun Family Center
Kids of all ages will find fun aplenty. The center offers a video arcade, batting cages, miniature golf, bumper boats, go-carts, kiddie karts, soft play and a restaurant.
Fiesta Fun Family Center
171 East 1160 South, St George
435-628-1818
www.fiestafuncenter.com
Fiesta Fun Family Center
171 East 1160 South, St George
435-628-1818
www.fiestafuncenter.com
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Places to ride in St. George Utah
The following is a list of Mt. Bike trails around the st. George area. Have fun and be safe!
Anasazi Bike Riding Trail. This is a trail complex within the Santa Clara River Preserve with multiple riding options, from easy to technical. Some of the highlights are petroglyphs and views of the river gorge. The main trail is a 6.6 mile out-and-back with some cliff-side riding. From Anasazi Valley TH, it is an easy family ride to a native American farm site and rock art.
Barrel Roll Bike Riding Trail. This ride is a 6-mile loop within the Santa Clara River Preserve. It consists of moderate total climbing but it's gentle and steady. It offers some nice views of area and would be classified as a intermediate technical ride.
Barrel Bike Riding Trail. This trail links the top of the Green Valley raceway DH course (or hillclimb) to the Bearclaw Poppy trailhead, and has multiple riding options. It has some easily-accessed (but hard to do) off-trail stunt areas including gap jumps and drops.
Bearclaw Poppy Bike Riding Trail. This is a singletrack trail that winds around the mesa from Green Valley to Bloomington. Highlights include the Famous Three Fingers of Death, acid drops with Clavicle Hill, and the Roller Coaster. This trail is a light climb and would be classified as easier technical with some short "walkable" sections of advanced technical.
Black Brush Bike Riding Trail. This trail is signed for horses and foot traffic, but often ridden by cyclists. It is a 4.2-mile lariat loop within the Santa Clara River Preserve. It consists of moderate total climbing with a few stiff pitches. This ride would be classified as upper-intermediate technical. It offers great views of the area and the Santa Clara River gorge.
Bloomington Micro-Loop Bike Riding Trail. This is a quick 6-mile ride in the desert west of Bloomington. Difficulty is intermediate technical with very little climbing.
Bluff Street Cliffs Bike Riding Trail. This trail is also called Owen's Trail. It is a short singletrack and slickrock ride on the north edge of St. George, climbing along the cliffs. Difficulty is intermediate technical with a mild climb.
Broken Mesa Rim Bike Riding Trail. This is an awesome technical downhill singletrack. This trail is for skilled riders and full suspension recommended. The trail consists of a moderate initial climb then a long downhill. It can be riden as a loop or point-to-point with a shuttle.
Church Rocks Bike Riding Trail. This is a loop trail west of I-15 between Washington and Quail Creek. It consists of some slickrock and some singletrack. It's difficulty is intermediate technical with a mild climb.
City Creek - Rusty Cliffs Bike Riding Trail. This is a popular ride from the red cliffs north of St. George to the northern border of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, along the road to Veyo. Difficulty is intermediate technical with a mild climb. There is also an alternate route which has a difficulty of advanced-technical with slickrock.
Cove Wash Bike Riding Trail. This is a wash bottom ride in the Santa Clara Preserve area, shared with ATVs. The ride covers 4 miles to a viewpoint over the Cottonwood Wash breaks. This trail also connects to alternate ride options and to Stucki Spring.
Dino Cliffs Bike Riding Trail. This is an open rock and desert singletrack and can be ridden several different ways. It can be ridden as an out-and-back, a loop ride, or as a route to Church Rocks or Prospector. The eastern end is suitable for beginners. The loop is just over 4 miles with minimal climbing.
Owens Bike Riding Trail. Also called Bluff Street Cliffs Trail. It is a short singletrack and slickrock ride on the north edge of St. George, climbing along the cliffs. Difficulty is intermediate technical with a mild climb.
Paradise Canyon Bike Riding Trail. This is a short loop trail north of St. George. It features the easier Turtle Wall trail along the sandstone. It contains links to several other trails in the Red Cliffs Desert Preserve. There is a little climbing and has a difficulty level of intermediate technical.
Pioneer Park and Pioneer Rim Bike Riding Trail. This is a slickrock area on top of the cliffs north of St. George. There are two rides; a quick and easy one and a longer and more technical ride. Pioneer Rim has a little climbing and a difficulty level of upper-intermediate to advanced technical.
Prospector Bike Riding Trail. This intermediate-technical trail runs along cliffs from Leeds to Washington. It is a singletrack dirt trail with a little climbing. It connects to Church Rocks.
Quarry Bike Riding Trail. This easy, short trail extends from the St. George airport to a basalt quarry site on Black Hill, where rock was quarried for the Mormon temple foundation. There is some minimal climbing and has a difficulty level of easy technical.
Raceway at Green Valley Bike Riding Trail. This race loop starts in the valley between the Bearclaw Poppy trailhead and Green Valley, just southwest of St. George. it is a moderate climb and has a difficulty of intermediate technical.
Rim Rock, Rim Runner, Rim Rambler, Rim Reaper Bike Riding Trails. In the Santa Clara River Preserve, this system of trails offers various riding options, including easier or more difficult rides.
Sidewinder Bike Riding Trail. This is a singletrack trail. The main trail is 5 miles with options for longer rides using Barrel Roll. Difficulty level is intermediate-plus technical, with about a mile of moderate climbing.
Snow West Canyon Bike Riding Trail. This graded roadway climbs up West Canyon from the bottom of Snow Canyon, north of Ivins. It is an easy technical ride with a light climb.
Snow Canyon Loop Bike Riding Trail. This is a paved bike trail that loops from the northwest corner of St. George, through Ivins, and Snow Canyon. Difficulty level is easy technical, with a moderate climb.
Stucki Springs Bike Riding Trail. This singletrack trail goes through the desert south of Santa Clara, to join the Bearclaw Poppy trail at Clavicle Hill. There is a loop option using the Raceway. There is some climbing with a difficulty level of intermediate technical.
Sunshine Loop Bike Riding Trail. This is a gravel road with a singletrack that forms a loop right at the Arizona border southeast of St. George. It is classified as easier-intermediate technical with some light climbing.
Virgin River Parkway Bike Riding Trail. This is a paved bike trail from Bloomington into St. George, following the Virgin River. it is a very easy technical ride with no climbing.
Zen Bike Riding Trail. This 6-mile loop in Green Valley on the southwest corner of St. George offers quite a bit of advanced-technical challenges and moderate climbing.
Anasazi Bike Riding Trail. This is a trail complex within the Santa Clara River Preserve with multiple riding options, from easy to technical. Some of the highlights are petroglyphs and views of the river gorge. The main trail is a 6.6 mile out-and-back with some cliff-side riding. From Anasazi Valley TH, it is an easy family ride to a native American farm site and rock art.
Barrel Roll Bike Riding Trail. This ride is a 6-mile loop within the Santa Clara River Preserve. It consists of moderate total climbing but it's gentle and steady. It offers some nice views of area and would be classified as a intermediate technical ride.
Barrel Bike Riding Trail. This trail links the top of the Green Valley raceway DH course (or hillclimb) to the Bearclaw Poppy trailhead, and has multiple riding options. It has some easily-accessed (but hard to do) off-trail stunt areas including gap jumps and drops.
Bearclaw Poppy Bike Riding Trail. This is a singletrack trail that winds around the mesa from Green Valley to Bloomington. Highlights include the Famous Three Fingers of Death, acid drops with Clavicle Hill, and the Roller Coaster. This trail is a light climb and would be classified as easier technical with some short "walkable" sections of advanced technical.
Black Brush Bike Riding Trail. This trail is signed for horses and foot traffic, but often ridden by cyclists. It is a 4.2-mile lariat loop within the Santa Clara River Preserve. It consists of moderate total climbing with a few stiff pitches. This ride would be classified as upper-intermediate technical. It offers great views of the area and the Santa Clara River gorge.
Bloomington Micro-Loop Bike Riding Trail. This is a quick 6-mile ride in the desert west of Bloomington. Difficulty is intermediate technical with very little climbing.
Bluff Street Cliffs Bike Riding Trail. This trail is also called Owen's Trail. It is a short singletrack and slickrock ride on the north edge of St. George, climbing along the cliffs. Difficulty is intermediate technical with a mild climb.
Broken Mesa Rim Bike Riding Trail. This is an awesome technical downhill singletrack. This trail is for skilled riders and full suspension recommended. The trail consists of a moderate initial climb then a long downhill. It can be riden as a loop or point-to-point with a shuttle.
Church Rocks Bike Riding Trail. This is a loop trail west of I-15 between Washington and Quail Creek. It consists of some slickrock and some singletrack. It's difficulty is intermediate technical with a mild climb.
City Creek - Rusty Cliffs Bike Riding Trail. This is a popular ride from the red cliffs north of St. George to the northern border of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, along the road to Veyo. Difficulty is intermediate technical with a mild climb. There is also an alternate route which has a difficulty of advanced-technical with slickrock.
Cove Wash Bike Riding Trail. This is a wash bottom ride in the Santa Clara Preserve area, shared with ATVs. The ride covers 4 miles to a viewpoint over the Cottonwood Wash breaks. This trail also connects to alternate ride options and to Stucki Spring.
Dino Cliffs Bike Riding Trail. This is an open rock and desert singletrack and can be ridden several different ways. It can be ridden as an out-and-back, a loop ride, or as a route to Church Rocks or Prospector. The eastern end is suitable for beginners. The loop is just over 4 miles with minimal climbing.
Owens Bike Riding Trail. Also called Bluff Street Cliffs Trail. It is a short singletrack and slickrock ride on the north edge of St. George, climbing along the cliffs. Difficulty is intermediate technical with a mild climb.
Paradise Canyon Bike Riding Trail. This is a short loop trail north of St. George. It features the easier Turtle Wall trail along the sandstone. It contains links to several other trails in the Red Cliffs Desert Preserve. There is a little climbing and has a difficulty level of intermediate technical.
Pioneer Park and Pioneer Rim Bike Riding Trail. This is a slickrock area on top of the cliffs north of St. George. There are two rides; a quick and easy one and a longer and more technical ride. Pioneer Rim has a little climbing and a difficulty level of upper-intermediate to advanced technical.
Prospector Bike Riding Trail. This intermediate-technical trail runs along cliffs from Leeds to Washington. It is a singletrack dirt trail with a little climbing. It connects to Church Rocks.
Quarry Bike Riding Trail. This easy, short trail extends from the St. George airport to a basalt quarry site on Black Hill, where rock was quarried for the Mormon temple foundation. There is some minimal climbing and has a difficulty level of easy technical.
Raceway at Green Valley Bike Riding Trail. This race loop starts in the valley between the Bearclaw Poppy trailhead and Green Valley, just southwest of St. George. it is a moderate climb and has a difficulty of intermediate technical.
Rim Rock, Rim Runner, Rim Rambler, Rim Reaper Bike Riding Trails. In the Santa Clara River Preserve, this system of trails offers various riding options, including easier or more difficult rides.
Sidewinder Bike Riding Trail. This is a singletrack trail. The main trail is 5 miles with options for longer rides using Barrel Roll. Difficulty level is intermediate-plus technical, with about a mile of moderate climbing.
Snow West Canyon Bike Riding Trail. This graded roadway climbs up West Canyon from the bottom of Snow Canyon, north of Ivins. It is an easy technical ride with a light climb.
Snow Canyon Loop Bike Riding Trail. This is a paved bike trail that loops from the northwest corner of St. George, through Ivins, and Snow Canyon. Difficulty level is easy technical, with a moderate climb.
Stucki Springs Bike Riding Trail. This singletrack trail goes through the desert south of Santa Clara, to join the Bearclaw Poppy trail at Clavicle Hill. There is a loop option using the Raceway. There is some climbing with a difficulty level of intermediate technical.
Sunshine Loop Bike Riding Trail. This is a gravel road with a singletrack that forms a loop right at the Arizona border southeast of St. George. It is classified as easier-intermediate technical with some light climbing.
Virgin River Parkway Bike Riding Trail. This is a paved bike trail from Bloomington into St. George, following the Virgin River. it is a very easy technical ride with no climbing.
Zen Bike Riding Trail. This 6-mile loop in Green Valley on the southwest corner of St. George offers quite a bit of advanced-technical challenges and moderate climbing.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Places to stay in St. George Utah
The following is a list of places to stay in St. George and the surrounding areas.
America's Best Inns & Suites
245 N. Red Cliffs Dr.
St. George UT 84790
(435) 652-3030
Best Western Abbey Inn
1129 S. Bluff St.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 652-1234
Best Western Travel Inn
316 E. St. George Blvd.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 673-3541
Best Western Coral Hills
125 E. St. George Blvd.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 673-4844
Best Western Zion Park Inn
1215 Zion Park Blvd.
Springdale UT 84767
(435) 772-3200
Budget Inn & Suites
1221 S. Main St.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 673-6661
Crystal Inn
1450 S. Hilton Dr.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 688-7477
Clarion Suites
1239 S. Main St.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 673-7000
Courtyard by Marriott
185 South 1470 East
St. George UT 84790
(435) 986-0555
Comfort Inn
138 E. Riverside Dr.
St. George UT 84790
(435) 628-8544
Cedar Breaks Lodge
223 Hunter Ridge Rd.
Brian Head UT 84719
(435) 677-3000
Coronada Inn & Suites
559 E. St. George Blvd.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 628-4436
Days Inn Thunderbird
150 North 1000 East
St. George UT 84770
(435) 673-6123
Eureka Casino Hotel
275 Mesa Blvd.
Mesquite NV 89027
(702) 346-4600
Econo Lodge
460 E. St. George Blvd.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 673-4861
Falcon Ridge Hotel
1030 W. Pioneer Blvd.
Mesquite NV 89027
(702) 346-2200
Grand Lodge at Brian Head, The
314 Hunter Ridge Dr.
Brian Head UT 84719
(435) 677-9000
Hampton Inn
53 N. River Rd.
St. George UT 84790
(435) 652-1200
Hilton Garden Inn
1731 S. Convention Center Dr.
St. George UT 84790
(435) 634-4100
Holiday Inn of St. George
850 S. Bluff St.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 628-4235
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
2450 N. Town Center Dr.
Washington UT 84780
(435) 986-131335
Howard Johnson Express Inn & Suites
1040 S. Main St.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 628-8000
Inn at Entrada, The
2588 W. Sinagua Trail
St. George UT 84770
(435) 634-7100
La Quinta Inn & Suites
91 East 2680 South
St. George UT 84790
(435) 674-2664
Ocotillo Resorts
2152 S. Sandia Dr.
Washington UT 84780
(866) 984-2008
Rodeway Inn- Hurricane
650 W. State St.
Hurricane UT 84737
(435) 635-4010
Super 8 Motel
260 E St. George Blvd.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 673-6161
TownePlace Suites by Marriott
251 South 1470 East
St. George UT 84790
(435) 986-9955
Travelodge Hurricane
280 W. State St.
Hurricane UT 84737
(435) 635-4647
Zion Lodge-Xanterra
#1 Zion Lodge
Springdale UT 84767
(435) 772-7771
America's Best Inns & Suites
245 N. Red Cliffs Dr.
St. George UT 84790
(435) 652-3030
Best Western Abbey Inn
1129 S. Bluff St.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 652-1234
Best Western Travel Inn
316 E. St. George Blvd.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 673-3541
Best Western Coral Hills
125 E. St. George Blvd.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 673-4844
Best Western Zion Park Inn
1215 Zion Park Blvd.
Springdale UT 84767
(435) 772-3200
Budget Inn & Suites
1221 S. Main St.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 673-6661
Crystal Inn
1450 S. Hilton Dr.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 688-7477
Clarion Suites
1239 S. Main St.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 673-7000
Courtyard by Marriott
185 South 1470 East
St. George UT 84790
(435) 986-0555
Comfort Inn
138 E. Riverside Dr.
St. George UT 84790
(435) 628-8544
Cedar Breaks Lodge
223 Hunter Ridge Rd.
Brian Head UT 84719
(435) 677-3000
Coronada Inn & Suites
559 E. St. George Blvd.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 628-4436
Days Inn Thunderbird
150 North 1000 East
St. George UT 84770
(435) 673-6123
Eureka Casino Hotel
275 Mesa Blvd.
Mesquite NV 89027
(702) 346-4600
Econo Lodge
460 E. St. George Blvd.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 673-4861
Falcon Ridge Hotel
1030 W. Pioneer Blvd.
Mesquite NV 89027
(702) 346-2200
Grand Lodge at Brian Head, The
314 Hunter Ridge Dr.
Brian Head UT 84719
(435) 677-9000
Hampton Inn
53 N. River Rd.
St. George UT 84790
(435) 652-1200
Hilton Garden Inn
1731 S. Convention Center Dr.
St. George UT 84790
(435) 634-4100
Holiday Inn of St. George
850 S. Bluff St.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 628-4235
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
2450 N. Town Center Dr.
Washington UT 84780
(435) 986-131335
Howard Johnson Express Inn & Suites
1040 S. Main St.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 628-8000
Inn at Entrada, The
2588 W. Sinagua Trail
St. George UT 84770
(435) 634-7100
La Quinta Inn & Suites
91 East 2680 South
St. George UT 84790
(435) 674-2664
Ocotillo Resorts
2152 S. Sandia Dr.
Washington UT 84780
(866) 984-2008
Rodeway Inn- Hurricane
650 W. State St.
Hurricane UT 84737
(435) 635-4010
Super 8 Motel
260 E St. George Blvd.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 673-6161
TownePlace Suites by Marriott
251 South 1470 East
St. George UT 84790
(435) 986-9955
Travelodge Hurricane
280 W. State St.
Hurricane UT 84737
(435) 635-4647
Zion Lodge-Xanterra
#1 Zion Lodge
Springdale UT 84767
(435) 772-7771
Places to eat in St. George Utah
The following is a list of place to eat in St. George and the surrounding area.
Ahi's Taste of Asia
157 E. Riverside Drive, St. George
(435) 673-6604
Anasazi Steakhouse and Gallery
1234 Sunset Blvd., St. George
(435) 674-0095
Arkansas Al's
2400 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale
(435) 772-0665
Boulevard Diner
390 N. Mall Drive, St. George
(435) 986-3115
Bajio Mexican Grill
1091 N. Bluff St.
(435) 688-0707
2376 E. Red Cliffs Drive, St. George
(435) 986-1122
Bear Paw Cafe
75 N. Main St., St. George
(435) 634-0126
Bella Marie's Pizzeria
1487 S. Silicon Way
(435) 628-3336
Benja Thai and Sushi
2 W. St. George Blvd. #12
St. George UT 84770
(435) 628-9538
Benja's Thai Garden
435 North 1680 East #14
St. George UT 84790
(435) 251-9301
Bent Fork Italia Southwest Grill
757 N. Bluff St., St. George
(435) 673-2755
Bit and Spur Saloon
1212 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale
(435) 772-3498
Brandin' Iron Steakhouse & Saloon
939 E. Main St. Pine Valley
(435) 574-0440
Brick Oven
1410 E. St. George Blvd.
St. George UT 84790
(435) 628-5800
Cafe Rio Mexican Grill
471 E. St. George Blvd.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 656-0200
Cafe Soleil
205 Zion Park Blvd. Springdale
(435) 772-0505
Carl's Jr.
136 N. Red Cliffs Dr.
St. George UT 84790
(435) 674-5622
Casa Dona Maria Mexican Grill
720 East 700 South
St. George UT 84790
(435) 673-4944
Claim Jumper Steak House
1110 S. Bluff St.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 674-7800
Croshaw's Gourmet Pies
175 W. 900 South, St. George
(435) 628-1700
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
1736 Convention Center Dr.
St. George UT 84790
(435) 688-1200
Dairy Queen of St. George
1088 S. Bluff St.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 674-1480
Denny's Restaurants
1215 S. Main St.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 628-6607
Desert Dove Tea Room
157 E. Riverside Dr. #3B
St. George UT 84790
(435) 628-3683
Dickey's Barbecue Pit
2610 Pioneer Road #4
St. George UT 84790
(435) 674-1206
Domino's Pizza
994 E. St. George Blvd.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 632-9040
Durango's Mexican Grill
245 N. Red Cliffs Dr. #8
St. George UT 84790
(435) 688-2200
Egg and I Restaurant, The
1091 N. Bluff St. #313
St. George UT 84770
(435) 628-0368
Ernesto's Mexican Restaurant
939 E. St. George Blvd., St. George
(435) 652-9300
Fish Rock Grille at the Ledges
1585 W. Ledges Parkway, St. George
(435) 634-4650
Golden Corral
42 S. River Rd.
St. George UT 84790
(435) 673-5700
The Gun Barrel Steak & Game House
1091 N. Bluff St., Suite 1400, St. George
(435) 652-0550
Historic Pioneer Lodge Restaurant
838 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale
(435) 772-3223
Honeybaked Ham and Cafe
740 W. Telegraph St. Washington City
(435) 688-1441
Hungry Howies Pizza
144 Brigham Rd. #4
St. George UT 84790
(435) 656-0011
Ichiban Gourmet Sushi & Seafood Buffet
969 N. 3050 East, St. George
(435) 652-6868
Iggy's Sports Grill
148 South 1470 East
St. George UT 84790
(435) 673-3344
McDonald's Restaurant-Bluff
1235 S. Bluff St.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 673-1422
McDonald's Restaurant-Sunset
1911 W. Sunset Blvd.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 688-2199
McDonald's Restaurant-Blvd.
798 E. St. George Blvd.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 673-5938
Olive Garden
1340 East 170 South
St. George UT 84790
(435) 656-8940
Orchids Restaurant
850 S. Bluff St. (Inside Holiday Inn) St. George
(435) 656-1889
The Orange Peel - Bubble Tea & Smoothies
42 S. River Rd. Suite 13
St. George UT 84790
(435) 628-2232
Osaka Japanese Bistro
42 S. River Rd. #11
St. George UT 84790
(435) 656-1314
Oscar's Café
948 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale
(435) 772-3232
Outback Steakhouse
250 N. Red Cliff Drive, No. 40, St. George
(435) 674-7788
Painted Pony
2 W. St. George Blvd., Ancestor Square, Tower Building
(435) 634-1700
Parallel Eighty-Eight
1515 Zion Park Blvd. Springdale
(435) 772-3588
Pasta Factory
2 W. St. George Blvd., in Ancestor Square, St. George
(435) 674-3753
Paula's Cazuela
745 Ridge View Dr.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 673-6568
Peppers Cantina
144 W. Brigham Rd.
St. George UT 84790
(435) 628-4660
The Pizza Factory
2 W. St. George Blvd. in Ancestor Square, St. George
(435) 628-1234
Pizza Hut
932 S. Bluff St.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 628-2822
Port Of Subs
875 W. Red Cliffs Dr. #1
Washington UT 84780
(435) 656-0103
Red Dog Cafe
1090 N. Highway 18
Dammeron Valley UT 84783
(435) 574-3600
Red Lobster
263 N. Red Cliffs Dr.
St. George UT 84790
(435) 656-2811
Royal Thai Cuisine
568 W. Telegraph Rd. #1
Washington UT 84780
(435) 251-9393
Samurai 21
245 N. Red Cliffs Drive, St. George
(435) 656-8628
Smashburger
158 N. Red Cliffs Dr. #2
St. George UT 84790
(435) 656-9815
Sol Foods
95 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale
(435) 772-0277
Spoon Me
2376 E. Red Cliffs Dr. #309A
St. George UT 84790
(435) 674-0900
Spotted Dog Café
428 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale
(435) 772-3244
St. Helen's Restaurant & Sports Bar
395 E. Telegraph Road, Washington City
(435) 652-8487
The Steak and Seafood Company
Located next to the Red Cliffs Mall
(435) 251-9301
Ted & Allen's Sports Grill Sports
980 W. State Street, Hurricane
(435) 635-3264
Texas RoadHouse
2654 E. Red Cliffs Drive, St. George
(435) 986-1776
Thai Sapa
145 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale
(435) 772-0510
Troy's BBQ
95 West 700 South
St. George UT 84770
(435) 272-4444
Twentyfive Main Cafe and Cupcakes
25 N. Main St. St. George
(435) 628-7110
Wildcat Willies
897 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale
(435) 772-0115
Wing Nutz
1091 N. Bluff St. #311
St. George UT 84770
(435) 767-0209
Xeteva Gardens Café
815 Coyote Gulch Court, Kayenta
(435) 656-0165
Zion Pizza & Noodle Co.
868 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale
(435) 772-3815
Ahi's Taste of Asia
157 E. Riverside Drive, St. George
(435) 673-6604
Anasazi Steakhouse and Gallery
1234 Sunset Blvd., St. George
(435) 674-0095
Arkansas Al's
2400 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale
(435) 772-0665
Boulevard Diner
390 N. Mall Drive, St. George
(435) 986-3115
Bajio Mexican Grill
1091 N. Bluff St.
(435) 688-0707
2376 E. Red Cliffs Drive, St. George
(435) 986-1122
Bear Paw Cafe
75 N. Main St., St. George
(435) 634-0126
Bella Marie's Pizzeria
1487 S. Silicon Way
(435) 628-3336
Benja Thai and Sushi
2 W. St. George Blvd. #12
St. George UT 84770
(435) 628-9538
Benja's Thai Garden
435 North 1680 East #14
St. George UT 84790
(435) 251-9301
Bent Fork Italia Southwest Grill
757 N. Bluff St., St. George
(435) 673-2755
Bit and Spur Saloon
1212 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale
(435) 772-3498
Brandin' Iron Steakhouse & Saloon
939 E. Main St. Pine Valley
(435) 574-0440
Brick Oven
1410 E. St. George Blvd.
St. George UT 84790
(435) 628-5800
Cafe Rio Mexican Grill
471 E. St. George Blvd.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 656-0200
Cafe Soleil
205 Zion Park Blvd. Springdale
(435) 772-0505
Carl's Jr.
136 N. Red Cliffs Dr.
St. George UT 84790
(435) 674-5622
Casa Dona Maria Mexican Grill
720 East 700 South
St. George UT 84790
(435) 673-4944
Claim Jumper Steak House
1110 S. Bluff St.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 674-7800
Croshaw's Gourmet Pies
175 W. 900 South, St. George
(435) 628-1700
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
1736 Convention Center Dr.
St. George UT 84790
(435) 688-1200
Dairy Queen of St. George
1088 S. Bluff St.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 674-1480
Denny's Restaurants
1215 S. Main St.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 628-6607
Desert Dove Tea Room
157 E. Riverside Dr. #3B
St. George UT 84790
(435) 628-3683
Dickey's Barbecue Pit
2610 Pioneer Road #4
St. George UT 84790
(435) 674-1206
Domino's Pizza
994 E. St. George Blvd.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 632-9040
Durango's Mexican Grill
245 N. Red Cliffs Dr. #8
St. George UT 84790
(435) 688-2200
Egg and I Restaurant, The
1091 N. Bluff St. #313
St. George UT 84770
(435) 628-0368
Ernesto's Mexican Restaurant
939 E. St. George Blvd., St. George
(435) 652-9300
Fish Rock Grille at the Ledges
1585 W. Ledges Parkway, St. George
(435) 634-4650
Golden Corral
42 S. River Rd.
St. George UT 84790
(435) 673-5700
The Gun Barrel Steak & Game House
1091 N. Bluff St., Suite 1400, St. George
(435) 652-0550
Historic Pioneer Lodge Restaurant
838 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale
(435) 772-3223
Honeybaked Ham and Cafe
740 W. Telegraph St. Washington City
(435) 688-1441
Hungry Howies Pizza
144 Brigham Rd. #4
St. George UT 84790
(435) 656-0011
Ichiban Gourmet Sushi & Seafood Buffet
969 N. 3050 East, St. George
(435) 652-6868
Iggy's Sports Grill
148 South 1470 East
St. George UT 84790
(435) 673-3344
McDonald's Restaurant-Bluff
1235 S. Bluff St.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 673-1422
McDonald's Restaurant-Sunset
1911 W. Sunset Blvd.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 688-2199
McDonald's Restaurant-Blvd.
798 E. St. George Blvd.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 673-5938
Olive Garden
1340 East 170 South
St. George UT 84790
(435) 656-8940
Orchids Restaurant
850 S. Bluff St. (Inside Holiday Inn) St. George
(435) 656-1889
The Orange Peel - Bubble Tea & Smoothies
42 S. River Rd. Suite 13
St. George UT 84790
(435) 628-2232
Osaka Japanese Bistro
42 S. River Rd. #11
St. George UT 84790
(435) 656-1314
Oscar's Café
948 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale
(435) 772-3232
Outback Steakhouse
250 N. Red Cliff Drive, No. 40, St. George
(435) 674-7788
Painted Pony
2 W. St. George Blvd., Ancestor Square, Tower Building
(435) 634-1700
Parallel Eighty-Eight
1515 Zion Park Blvd. Springdale
(435) 772-3588
Pasta Factory
2 W. St. George Blvd., in Ancestor Square, St. George
(435) 674-3753
Paula's Cazuela
745 Ridge View Dr.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 673-6568
Peppers Cantina
144 W. Brigham Rd.
St. George UT 84790
(435) 628-4660
The Pizza Factory
2 W. St. George Blvd. in Ancestor Square, St. George
(435) 628-1234
Pizza Hut
932 S. Bluff St.
St. George UT 84770
(435) 628-2822
Port Of Subs
875 W. Red Cliffs Dr. #1
Washington UT 84780
(435) 656-0103
Red Dog Cafe
1090 N. Highway 18
Dammeron Valley UT 84783
(435) 574-3600
Red Lobster
263 N. Red Cliffs Dr.
St. George UT 84790
(435) 656-2811
Royal Thai Cuisine
568 W. Telegraph Rd. #1
Washington UT 84780
(435) 251-9393
Samurai 21
245 N. Red Cliffs Drive, St. George
(435) 656-8628
Smashburger
158 N. Red Cliffs Dr. #2
St. George UT 84790
(435) 656-9815
Sol Foods
95 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale
(435) 772-0277
Spoon Me
2376 E. Red Cliffs Dr. #309A
St. George UT 84790
(435) 674-0900
Spotted Dog Café
428 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale
(435) 772-3244
St. Helen's Restaurant & Sports Bar
395 E. Telegraph Road, Washington City
(435) 652-8487
The Steak and Seafood Company
Located next to the Red Cliffs Mall
(435) 251-9301
Ted & Allen's Sports Grill Sports
980 W. State Street, Hurricane
(435) 635-3264
Texas RoadHouse
2654 E. Red Cliffs Drive, St. George
(435) 986-1776
Thai Sapa
145 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale
(435) 772-0510
Troy's BBQ
95 West 700 South
St. George UT 84770
(435) 272-4444
Twentyfive Main Cafe and Cupcakes
25 N. Main St. St. George
(435) 628-7110
Wildcat Willies
897 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale
(435) 772-0115
Wing Nutz
1091 N. Bluff St. #311
St. George UT 84770
(435) 767-0209
Xeteva Gardens Café
815 Coyote Gulch Court, Kayenta
(435) 656-0165
Zion Pizza & Noodle Co.
868 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale
(435) 772-3815
Places to go in St. George Utah
The following is a list of places you can go and hike in and around the St. George Area
The Sugar Loaf
The St. George Temple Quarry
Shinob Kibe
Elephant Arch
Snow Canyon
Red Cliffs
Zion
The Sugar Loaf
The St. George Temple Quarry
Shinob Kibe
Elephant Arch
Snow Canyon
Red Cliffs
Zion
Things to do in St. George Utah
The Following is a list of things and activities to do in St. George and the surrounding areas.
Bowling
Dinosaur Discovery at Johnson Farm
The Electric Theater
Fiesta Fun Family Fun Center
Historic St. George LIVE! Tour
Jumpin Jacks
Laser Mania
Movies
Rosenbruch Wildlife Museum & Gift Shop
Skate Park
Tuacahn
Bowling
Dinosaur Discovery at Johnson Farm
The Electric Theater
Fiesta Fun Family Fun Center
Historic St. George LIVE! Tour
Jumpin Jacks
Laser Mania
Movies
Rosenbruch Wildlife Museum & Gift Shop
Skate Park
Tuacahn
Things to see in St. George Utah
The following is a list of things to see in St. George and the surrounding area. Have Fun!!!!
The Brigham Young Home
The Jacob Hamblin Home
The St. George Temple
The Cannon (St. George Temple)
The St. George Tabernacle
The Old Washington County Courthouse
Dixie Academy (St. George Art Center)
St. George Social Hall (Opera House)
Silver Reef
Historic Old Jail House (Ancestor Square)
Pine Valley Chapel
The Green Gate
Judds Store
The Woodward Building
The Orson Pratt House
Fort Pearce
The Encampment Mall
Atkinville
The Washington City Relief Society Building
The Cotton Mill
The Washington Fields Dam
The Virgin River
Adair Springs
Washington City Veterans Memorial
Old Washington Schoolhouse
The Brigham Young Home
The Jacob Hamblin Home
The St. George Temple
The Cannon (St. George Temple)
The St. George Tabernacle
The Old Washington County Courthouse
Dixie Academy (St. George Art Center)
St. George Social Hall (Opera House)
Silver Reef
Historic Old Jail House (Ancestor Square)
Pine Valley Chapel
The Green Gate
Judds Store
The Woodward Building
The Orson Pratt House
Fort Pearce
The Encampment Mall
Atkinville
The Washington City Relief Society Building
The Cotton Mill
The Washington Fields Dam
The Virgin River
Adair Springs
Washington City Veterans Memorial
Old Washington Schoolhouse
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Things to see - The Old Washington Schoolhouse
Using the town’s school district funds and donated labor this school was finished in the spring of 1909. Its first graduating class in 1910 consisted of nine girls and no boys. Willard Nisson was the principal.
More on the Old Washington Schoolhouse
Immediately after the final organizational meeting held on May 7, 1857 to start the city of Washington the town was surveyed and the lot where the old school stands was set apart for the building of a bowery. It was used for meetings both religious and civil. In 1863 a relatively large adobe school building was built on this location and was used until the stone school and church was built in 1877. In 1907 or 1908 the school-chapel was overcrowded and it was decided to build this school. Using the town’s school district funds and donated labor this school was finished in the spring of 1909. Its first graduating class in 1910 consisted of nine girls and no boys. Willard Nisson was the principal.
We read from the Washington City Homecoming July 2,3,4,1983. “Rock was quarried by Julius Hannig and Charlie Hall from the quarry in the area south of the present new school on 300 East. Teams and wagons hauled the rocks to the school site where they were dressed by 10 to 15 of our local men.
The masons who laid the rock walls were Herman Tegan and Ira S. McMullin, with John Tanner doing most of the hod-carrying, although Neils Sandburg was a smaller part of that effort. When the height of the walls became too great, James (Shorty) Watters used an “A” frame with a little sorrel mare for power to hoist the rocks to the necessary level – quite an achievement that high. Carpenter work was contracted to Charles Stoney who had been principal for two years prior to this project. Some of the lumber he used was hauled by Elisha Iverson and could have come from any of several mills around here.
This building looks today much as it did at the time of completion, except for the gymnasium which was added onto the original in 1924.
In the spring of 1910 as the first term taught in the school was ending, planting on the grounds were made.
More on the Old Washington Schoolhouse
Immediately after the final organizational meeting held on May 7, 1857 to start the city of Washington the town was surveyed and the lot where the old school stands was set apart for the building of a bowery. It was used for meetings both religious and civil. In 1863 a relatively large adobe school building was built on this location and was used until the stone school and church was built in 1877. In 1907 or 1908 the school-chapel was overcrowded and it was decided to build this school. Using the town’s school district funds and donated labor this school was finished in the spring of 1909. Its first graduating class in 1910 consisted of nine girls and no boys. Willard Nisson was the principal.
We read from the Washington City Homecoming July 2,3,4,1983. “Rock was quarried by Julius Hannig and Charlie Hall from the quarry in the area south of the present new school on 300 East. Teams and wagons hauled the rocks to the school site where they were dressed by 10 to 15 of our local men.
The masons who laid the rock walls were Herman Tegan and Ira S. McMullin, with John Tanner doing most of the hod-carrying, although Neils Sandburg was a smaller part of that effort. When the height of the walls became too great, James (Shorty) Watters used an “A” frame with a little sorrel mare for power to hoist the rocks to the necessary level – quite an achievement that high. Carpenter work was contracted to Charles Stoney who had been principal for two years prior to this project. Some of the lumber he used was hauled by Elisha Iverson and could have come from any of several mills around here.
This building looks today much as it did at the time of completion, except for the gymnasium which was added onto the original in 1924.
In the spring of 1910 as the first term taught in the school was ending, planting on the grounds were made.
Things to see - Washington City Veteran’s Memorial
A monument dedicated to Washington City veterans with a plaque that reads
Dedicated to our Washington City Heroes“Take up our quarrel with the foe;
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.”
-Lieut.-Colonel John McCrae.
There is also a walkway containing bricks with the names of Washington City Veterans carved on them.To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.”
-Lieut.-Colonel John McCrae.
Things to see - Adair Springs
In early 1857 Brigham Young called a group of Southerners on a cotton mission to Southern Utah to raise cotton. Samuel Jefferson Adair, the leader of ten families, arrived at Adair Springs on April 15, 1857, after leaving Payson, Utah on March 3. They camped here a short time and then moved down near the Virgin River on what became known as the Sand Plot. Apostle Amasa M. Lyman who was passing through the area recommended they move back to the spring area which they did. Robert Dockery Covington arrived here May 5 or 6, 1857, with 28 more Southern families. They left the Salt Lake area shortly after the LDS Spring Conference held around April 6. On May 6 or 7 a two day meeting was held at this site under the direction of Isaac C. Haight, President of the Parowan Stake. They sang songs, prayed and selected Robert D. Covington to be the President of the LDS branch, and Harrison Pearce and James B. Reagan as assistants. Wm. R. Slade and James D. McCullough were appointed Justices of the Peace, John Hawley and James Matthews as constables, G.R. Coley as stray pound keeper and Wm. R. Slade, Geo. Hawley and G.W.Spencer as school trustees. They named their city Washington. It was too late to plant wheat, so they prepared the ground for corn and went right to work making dams and ditches to water their crops. Their homes were their wagon boxes, willow and mud huts and dugouts dug in the bank east of the Adair Springs monument. Their new home soon was called 'Dixie'.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Things to see - The Virgin River
Winding and carving through numerous steep, sandstone canyons, the Virgin River descends over 7,500 feet from its headwaters high in the Cedar Mountains down 160 miles to its termination in Lake Mead. The Virgin winds through Utah, Arizona and Nevada and supplies sustenance for all who live
The early inhabitants of the region, the Anasazi and later, the Paiutes, diverted the Virgin to cultivate their crops and to survive in the harsh and arid climate. The Mormon pioneers were the next to try to harness the wealth of the Virgin. By 1857 the area became known as “Utah’s Dixie.” The pioneers had learned through trial and error the power of the Virgin. They constructed dams that were destroyed by floods. They diverted the river and caused it to dry up for miles. But the early pioneers learned enough about the river to establish lasting settlements all along it. Springdale, Rockville, Virgin, La Verkin, Hurricane, Washington, St. George, and Bloomington were all settled along the Virgin by the early 1900s and relied on its water for survival.
More on the Virgin River
In the very early history of this area the river was called the Rio Vergen. Later the spelling was changed to Virgen and then to Virgin as it is known today. It has been a blessing and curse to people who settled this area in may of 1857 when the town of Washington was Established. These early pioneers were called by Brigham Young to come and grow cotton. This was the Beginning of the cotton mission, also known as the southern mission. Thirty-Eight families came in 1857, all selected because they were southerners. Brigham Young knew they had grown cotton or at least had seen it grown. There was a lot of water around the city that came from springs but not a lot of flat farmable land. They knew they had to control the Virgin so that water could be diverted onto the flat land south of the river known as the Washington Fields to produce the crops that were needed. It appeared to be relatively easy to divert this water since the water needed to be raised only a few feet. Just north of Shinob Kiab mesa they built a brush dam to divert this water into a canal which then carried it to the various farms along its path supplying water for the crops. The dam washed out twice the first year they were here, twice more in ’58, three times in ’59 and at least once every year thereafter until the Washington Fields Dam was built in 1891. This was an extremely difficult time and undertaking for these early pioneers. The water was cold and some had to stand in it waist deep for hours as they put brush and rocks in the river. The hardships of working on the dam, plus poor food and the rampant spread of malaria almost caused the cotton mission to fail. The people’s complexions actually had a bluish cast because of the effects of malaria. The river was full of quicksand which cased the dams to wash out when the excess water spilled over the spillway, and quickly washed away the sand the dam was built on. In 1886 they started a pile dam that was to solve all their problems. Four rows of wooden piles were driven into the river to form an anchor on which the pile dam could be built. In 1889 it was completed and water was diverted onto the farms. On December 7, 1889, a flood came down the river and washed out half of the dam. They called a meeting to solve this problem and on the same day, December 15, another flood came down the river and washed the dam completely away. The people were discouraged and devastated. Half of the population left the area. Half of the homes were vacant. Those remaining were too poor to leave. It was decided to find a new and better location for a dam. John P. Chidester was the engineer for both of these dams and was a longtime resident of Washington. It was completed in 1891 and all of the new canal was finished in 1893. Five tunnels (Whitehead-Morris-Clark, Schlappi, Beard, Picket, and Sproul) were dug along the course of this canal using a star drill, single jack, shovel and wheelbarrow. This dam made it possible to farm more than twice the amount of land than the previous dams. This dam tamed the unruly Rio Virgin. The river went from a curse to a blessing by providing water for the farms insuring the success of this area.
The Virgin River is no less important today. And we are continuing to learn through trial and error how to control its power and volatility. It still floods. And lack of water is an especially pressing issue with the rapid growth the area is experiencing.
The early inhabitants of the region, the Anasazi and later, the Paiutes, diverted the Virgin to cultivate their crops and to survive in the harsh and arid climate. The Mormon pioneers were the next to try to harness the wealth of the Virgin. By 1857 the area became known as “Utah’s Dixie.” The pioneers had learned through trial and error the power of the Virgin. They constructed dams that were destroyed by floods. They diverted the river and caused it to dry up for miles. But the early pioneers learned enough about the river to establish lasting settlements all along it. Springdale, Rockville, Virgin, La Verkin, Hurricane, Washington, St. George, and Bloomington were all settled along the Virgin by the early 1900s and relied on its water for survival.
More on the Virgin River
In the very early history of this area the river was called the Rio Vergen. Later the spelling was changed to Virgen and then to Virgin as it is known today. It has been a blessing and curse to people who settled this area in may of 1857 when the town of Washington was Established. These early pioneers were called by Brigham Young to come and grow cotton. This was the Beginning of the cotton mission, also known as the southern mission. Thirty-Eight families came in 1857, all selected because they were southerners. Brigham Young knew they had grown cotton or at least had seen it grown. There was a lot of water around the city that came from springs but not a lot of flat farmable land. They knew they had to control the Virgin so that water could be diverted onto the flat land south of the river known as the Washington Fields to produce the crops that were needed. It appeared to be relatively easy to divert this water since the water needed to be raised only a few feet. Just north of Shinob Kiab mesa they built a brush dam to divert this water into a canal which then carried it to the various farms along its path supplying water for the crops. The dam washed out twice the first year they were here, twice more in ’58, three times in ’59 and at least once every year thereafter until the Washington Fields Dam was built in 1891. This was an extremely difficult time and undertaking for these early pioneers. The water was cold and some had to stand in it waist deep for hours as they put brush and rocks in the river. The hardships of working on the dam, plus poor food and the rampant spread of malaria almost caused the cotton mission to fail. The people’s complexions actually had a bluish cast because of the effects of malaria. The river was full of quicksand which cased the dams to wash out when the excess water spilled over the spillway, and quickly washed away the sand the dam was built on. In 1886 they started a pile dam that was to solve all their problems. Four rows of wooden piles were driven into the river to form an anchor on which the pile dam could be built. In 1889 it was completed and water was diverted onto the farms. On December 7, 1889, a flood came down the river and washed out half of the dam. They called a meeting to solve this problem and on the same day, December 15, another flood came down the river and washed the dam completely away. The people were discouraged and devastated. Half of the population left the area. Half of the homes were vacant. Those remaining were too poor to leave. It was decided to find a new and better location for a dam. John P. Chidester was the engineer for both of these dams and was a longtime resident of Washington. It was completed in 1891 and all of the new canal was finished in 1893. Five tunnels (Whitehead-Morris-Clark, Schlappi, Beard, Picket, and Sproul) were dug along the course of this canal using a star drill, single jack, shovel and wheelbarrow. This dam made it possible to farm more than twice the amount of land than the previous dams. This dam tamed the unruly Rio Virgin. The river went from a curse to a blessing by providing water for the farms insuring the success of this area.
The Virgin River is no less important today. And we are continuing to learn through trial and error how to control its power and volatility. It still floods. And lack of water is an especially pressing issue with the rapid growth the area is experiencing.
Things to see - The Washington Fields Dam
Because the Washington Fields Dam is built on a natural rock foundation with a natural rock spillway, it has served well for over a hundred years since its completion in the early1890’s. For over 30 years prior to its construction, the pioneers fought a losing battle with the Virgin River. Many dams were constructed downstream, only to wash out and cause crops to wilt. Rebuilding these dams was very, very discouraging and expensive.
Things to see - The Cotton Mill
From 1868 to 1869 this was the largest producing cotton factory west of the Mississippi. The factory operated off and on for over 50 years, but on a whole it was a very poor venture. The Dixie Mission was created to produce cotton and although not a successful venture the historian A.K. Larsen said : "had it not been for the erection of the cotton factory, the Dixie Mission would have failed.". It seemed to be the one catalyst that held the people in Utah's Dixie together.
More on the Cotton Mill
In December 1852 John D. Lee and Elisha H. Groves founded Harmony Utah. Santa Clara was settled in 1854 and was the center for the Indian Mission. Jacob Hamblin became ill and A. P. Hardy was sent to Harmony to obtain medicine for him. Hardy also went to Parowan and there he received a quart of cotton seed from Nancy Anderson, a Southerner, which he took back to Santa Clara. The seed was planted in 1855 and a crop was harvested. The new seeds where saved and planted in 1856 and enough cotton was raised so that thirty yards of cotton cloth was produced. Some was sent to Brigham Young. President Young then knew for sure that cotton could be grown successfully in the area.
Brigham Young then called 38 Southern families to the Cotton or Southern Mission. They were to grow cotton in the Rio Virgin basin area. Only a very few of the 38 families were Yankees but they had also lived in the South so they all had seen cotton grown or had grown it themselves. On the 15 of April 1857 ten families under the leader ship of Samuel Jefferson Adair arrived in the Washington area and camped at a spring that became known as Adair Spring. The group explored the area and were down by the Virgin River on what is now called the sand plot when Apostle Aniasa M. Lyman, who was passing through advised the group to move back where the city of Washington is now located. On May 6, twenty eight families under the leader ship of Robert D. Covington came to Washington and camped with the Adair group at Adair Spring. On May 7 they had a meeting with Pres. Haight from Cedar City and named the new city Washington after George Washington the first president of the United States. The city was laid out, surveyed and put into a workable city. They immediately started to dig ditches, clear land and build a dam on the Rio Virgin to divert water onto what was called the Washington Fields so that they could plant crops. Cotton and corn were the main crops planted that first summer. They thought it was too late in the season to plant wheat. Since they were Southerners, they started to call their new home "Dixie" after their home lands in the South. This name soon spread to the rest of the area so Washington City is Utah’s "Dixie" Birthplace. This was natural for them because they all started their journeys in the South. The colonization and the beginning of the Cotton or Southern Mission started at Washington City by Southerners, called by Brigham Young, that had seen or grown cotton themselves.
The first mill built on Machine Creek (Mill Creek) was Thomas Washington Smith's Corn-Cracker Mill. "According to the record compiled by Andrew Jenson, former Assistant Church Historian, Thomas W Smith built a corn-cracker on the creek in 1857, the year of arrival of the Covington company, of which he was a member. In May 1858 James Richey built a cotton gin mill just north of the present cement bridge over Mill Creek and was used to remove the seeds from the cotton grown in the area. Brigham Young knew that there was going to be trouble even war between the North and South, which would disrupt the availability of cotton. He also wanted the pioneers to be self-sufficient. "Do not buy anything if possible from the Gentiles so the money we have will remain with us". Brigham assigned Erastus Snow the job of selecting a site for a cotton factory. He also bought the water rights of Machine Creek (Mill Creek) from John M. Chidester. The site was selected for three reasons. 1-It was centrally located for the growing areas. 2-Most land to grow cotton was located around the Washington area. 3-There was water available to supply the power for the factory.
The factory was started in 1865 and finished one story high in 1866. It was soon learned that the different stages of producing the goods could not be coordinated so that the factory could not run continuously on each phase of the production of cloth. So in 1868 they started to add the higher stories. These were finished in 1870 and new equipment installed. The small addition to the west side of the Factory was added where much of the bartering of goods took place. It was known as the ZCMI store. It was not a true ZCMI store but items were sold or traded (bartered) there. Many of the items that were bartered came from the ZCMI store in Salt Lake therefore it was known as the ZCMI store.
Water was the source to produce the power to run the Factory. The water was brought by ditch to the millponds that were located west of the factory on the hill. This gave the water the fall required to produce the power for the factory. The building on the South end of the factory was the wheel house where the water wheel was located that generated the power for the building.
Construction on the Factory began immediately after the site was selected and water rights were purchased. John M. Chidester sold his water rights on Machine Creek to Brigham Young. The main supervisor of construction was Appleton Milo Harmon, for a fee of $1000. John P. Chidester was the chief carpenter or timber foreman who was responsible for all of the structural timbers. Elijah and Elisha Averett along with Charles L. Walker were stone masons. Hyrum Walker and August Mackelprang hauled the first lumber and timbers to the factory from Cedar Mountain. The dedication of the factory when one story high was recorded in Charles Walker's diary dated 24 July 1866. He states: "P.M went over to Washington. The citizens met us before we got there and welcomed us to the town. We all went to the President*s Factory that Br. Snow dedicated, after which the remainder of the time until near midnight was spent in dancing, singing, etc. So ended the 19th anniversary of the saints entering these peaceful valleys of the mountains. Got home a little before daylight."
Part of the machinery for the factory came from Brigham Youngs factory in Parley's Canyon near Salt Lake City. The factory started operations under John Birch, supervisor with Hames Davidson in charge of the machines.The mill shipped 1,100 pounds of cotton cloth to California in 1868 and kept 1,600 pounds for stock. The selling price was $1.25 per pound.
The Civil War began in 1861 and ended in 1865. A few years later, the continental railroad was finished in northern Utah in 1869.
The end of the Civil War and the completion of the continental railroad meant that the Cotton Factory could not compete with cheap cotton from the South. The factory did not operate after the late 1890s and remained empty or was used as a building to house other projects. The machinery was sold, and with the exception of being used for miscellaneous purposes, the Factory stood vacant for many years. Norma Cannizzaro purchased the factory from the Washington Savings Bank in the 1985 with the intention of restoring it for operation as a community use facility. In her words, as related to George Staheli was as follows: "Several times as I traveled from California to the east on old Highway 911 ‘de see the Old Factory, falling more and more into distress each time I came through. I loved that Mill. I’d stop and walk a round and had a feeling for the place. Several times I ‘de receive a feeling that, that old cotton factory needed restoring. One night, in the middle of the night, I heard a voice telling me, "You ‘ye got to save the old Cotton Factory in Washington. I got up, got dressed, started for Utah. I made an offer on the Factory that next day."
Norma obtained the Factory, moved to Washington and began restoration. She poured all her life savings, abilities and energies in the restoration of the Factory. She took the proper steps in restoring it to its original state and stature. She saved the Cotton Factory. She moved into the Factory and was the steward over it and loved it. Norma opened it up to the community as a social community center, as she desired it to be. The city of Washington should be deeply appreciative for her love, care, and efforts in saving this monument for their town. Norma cared for the Factory, as she always called it, for years. Her health weakened and it was needful for her to move and live with her family. As much as she hated to leave the Factory, she did as her family requested and put the Factory up for sale. Hyrum and Gail Smith's family purchased the Factory in August 1993 where it was continued to be used for social events. They renamed it "The Rio Virgin Cotton Mill. They made a few changes inside and restored an additional lean-to-wing onto the north east corner of the building, and added hitching posts to the outside parking area. The family decided that they couldn't do with the Mill as they had intended so they put it up for sale in 1996. 13 August 1998 the Cotton mill was purchased by Craig Keough,, owner of Star Nursery. Craig started his business in 1983 with one store in Las Vegas, Nevada. As a young man he had worked with his father in a landscaping business where he gained much of his experience. Besides the nursery business, Craig is an avid race car driver and loves western music and line dancing. While searching for more property one day, he and his Vice President, Mark Gill drove by the Cotton mill and noticed the "For Sale sign. "As they walked around the property, Craig had a real feeling come over him about the Mill, he envisioned how he could turn this into a viable business along with keeping the beautiful Cotton mill facility alive. Immediately after purchasing the Mill in August 1998, Craig got to work and opened the doors the day after Thanksgiving of that same year. Star Nursery is a Corporation, but Craig Keough is the sole owner. He owns 7 stores in Utah, Nevada, and Arizona. Craig visions this Cotton mill store as being a real "Show Place", with its property, setting. and, building. Again, Washington City should be very grateful and proud of what has been done to their Cotton mill by another individual who can vision the future for this Historic building and who has made entrance into their town a true beautiful "Show Place
The Cotton Factory was always known to the pioneers of Washington City as the Factory. Snow's Gristmill was located a few hundred yards down the creek and it was known as the Mill. If one said they were going to the Mill they went to Snow's Gristmill and they said the Factory they went to the Cotton Factory. The only references that the Factory was called a Mill are when some one wrote in their diaries that they were moving to Washington to work in the Cotton Mill. This was natural since technically it was a mill. Soon as they arrived in Washington to work it became the Cotton Factory. After Snow's mill was moved to St. George in the 1920s it started to be called the Mill. You can tell your age if you call it a Factory or Mill.
More on the Cotton Mill
In December 1852 John D. Lee and Elisha H. Groves founded Harmony Utah. Santa Clara was settled in 1854 and was the center for the Indian Mission. Jacob Hamblin became ill and A. P. Hardy was sent to Harmony to obtain medicine for him. Hardy also went to Parowan and there he received a quart of cotton seed from Nancy Anderson, a Southerner, which he took back to Santa Clara. The seed was planted in 1855 and a crop was harvested. The new seeds where saved and planted in 1856 and enough cotton was raised so that thirty yards of cotton cloth was produced. Some was sent to Brigham Young. President Young then knew for sure that cotton could be grown successfully in the area.
Brigham Young then called 38 Southern families to the Cotton or Southern Mission. They were to grow cotton in the Rio Virgin basin area. Only a very few of the 38 families were Yankees but they had also lived in the South so they all had seen cotton grown or had grown it themselves. On the 15 of April 1857 ten families under the leader ship of Samuel Jefferson Adair arrived in the Washington area and camped at a spring that became known as Adair Spring. The group explored the area and were down by the Virgin River on what is now called the sand plot when Apostle Aniasa M. Lyman, who was passing through advised the group to move back where the city of Washington is now located. On May 6, twenty eight families under the leader ship of Robert D. Covington came to Washington and camped with the Adair group at Adair Spring. On May 7 they had a meeting with Pres. Haight from Cedar City and named the new city Washington after George Washington the first president of the United States. The city was laid out, surveyed and put into a workable city. They immediately started to dig ditches, clear land and build a dam on the Rio Virgin to divert water onto what was called the Washington Fields so that they could plant crops. Cotton and corn were the main crops planted that first summer. They thought it was too late in the season to plant wheat. Since they were Southerners, they started to call their new home "Dixie" after their home lands in the South. This name soon spread to the rest of the area so Washington City is Utah’s "Dixie" Birthplace. This was natural for them because they all started their journeys in the South. The colonization and the beginning of the Cotton or Southern Mission started at Washington City by Southerners, called by Brigham Young, that had seen or grown cotton themselves.
The first mill built on Machine Creek (Mill Creek) was Thomas Washington Smith's Corn-Cracker Mill. "According to the record compiled by Andrew Jenson, former Assistant Church Historian, Thomas W Smith built a corn-cracker on the creek in 1857, the year of arrival of the Covington company, of which he was a member. In May 1858 James Richey built a cotton gin mill just north of the present cement bridge over Mill Creek and was used to remove the seeds from the cotton grown in the area. Brigham Young knew that there was going to be trouble even war between the North and South, which would disrupt the availability of cotton. He also wanted the pioneers to be self-sufficient. "Do not buy anything if possible from the Gentiles so the money we have will remain with us". Brigham assigned Erastus Snow the job of selecting a site for a cotton factory. He also bought the water rights of Machine Creek (Mill Creek) from John M. Chidester. The site was selected for three reasons. 1-It was centrally located for the growing areas. 2-Most land to grow cotton was located around the Washington area. 3-There was water available to supply the power for the factory.
The factory was started in 1865 and finished one story high in 1866. It was soon learned that the different stages of producing the goods could not be coordinated so that the factory could not run continuously on each phase of the production of cloth. So in 1868 they started to add the higher stories. These were finished in 1870 and new equipment installed. The small addition to the west side of the Factory was added where much of the bartering of goods took place. It was known as the ZCMI store. It was not a true ZCMI store but items were sold or traded (bartered) there. Many of the items that were bartered came from the ZCMI store in Salt Lake therefore it was known as the ZCMI store.
Water was the source to produce the power to run the Factory. The water was brought by ditch to the millponds that were located west of the factory on the hill. This gave the water the fall required to produce the power for the factory. The building on the South end of the factory was the wheel house where the water wheel was located that generated the power for the building.
Construction on the Factory began immediately after the site was selected and water rights were purchased. John M. Chidester sold his water rights on Machine Creek to Brigham Young. The main supervisor of construction was Appleton Milo Harmon, for a fee of $1000. John P. Chidester was the chief carpenter or timber foreman who was responsible for all of the structural timbers. Elijah and Elisha Averett along with Charles L. Walker were stone masons. Hyrum Walker and August Mackelprang hauled the first lumber and timbers to the factory from Cedar Mountain. The dedication of the factory when one story high was recorded in Charles Walker's diary dated 24 July 1866. He states: "P.M went over to Washington. The citizens met us before we got there and welcomed us to the town. We all went to the President*s Factory that Br. Snow dedicated, after which the remainder of the time until near midnight was spent in dancing, singing, etc. So ended the 19th anniversary of the saints entering these peaceful valleys of the mountains. Got home a little before daylight."
Part of the machinery for the factory came from Brigham Youngs factory in Parley's Canyon near Salt Lake City. The factory started operations under John Birch, supervisor with Hames Davidson in charge of the machines.The mill shipped 1,100 pounds of cotton cloth to California in 1868 and kept 1,600 pounds for stock. The selling price was $1.25 per pound.
The Civil War began in 1861 and ended in 1865. A few years later, the continental railroad was finished in northern Utah in 1869.
The end of the Civil War and the completion of the continental railroad meant that the Cotton Factory could not compete with cheap cotton from the South. The factory did not operate after the late 1890s and remained empty or was used as a building to house other projects. The machinery was sold, and with the exception of being used for miscellaneous purposes, the Factory stood vacant for many years. Norma Cannizzaro purchased the factory from the Washington Savings Bank in the 1985 with the intention of restoring it for operation as a community use facility. In her words, as related to George Staheli was as follows: "Several times as I traveled from California to the east on old Highway 911 ‘de see the Old Factory, falling more and more into distress each time I came through. I loved that Mill. I’d stop and walk a round and had a feeling for the place. Several times I ‘de receive a feeling that, that old cotton factory needed restoring. One night, in the middle of the night, I heard a voice telling me, "You ‘ye got to save the old Cotton Factory in Washington. I got up, got dressed, started for Utah. I made an offer on the Factory that next day."
Norma obtained the Factory, moved to Washington and began restoration. She poured all her life savings, abilities and energies in the restoration of the Factory. She took the proper steps in restoring it to its original state and stature. She saved the Cotton Factory. She moved into the Factory and was the steward over it and loved it. Norma opened it up to the community as a social community center, as she desired it to be. The city of Washington should be deeply appreciative for her love, care, and efforts in saving this monument for their town. Norma cared for the Factory, as she always called it, for years. Her health weakened and it was needful for her to move and live with her family. As much as she hated to leave the Factory, she did as her family requested and put the Factory up for sale. Hyrum and Gail Smith's family purchased the Factory in August 1993 where it was continued to be used for social events. They renamed it "The Rio Virgin Cotton Mill. They made a few changes inside and restored an additional lean-to-wing onto the north east corner of the building, and added hitching posts to the outside parking area. The family decided that they couldn't do with the Mill as they had intended so they put it up for sale in 1996. 13 August 1998 the Cotton mill was purchased by Craig Keough,, owner of Star Nursery. Craig started his business in 1983 with one store in Las Vegas, Nevada. As a young man he had worked with his father in a landscaping business where he gained much of his experience. Besides the nursery business, Craig is an avid race car driver and loves western music and line dancing. While searching for more property one day, he and his Vice President, Mark Gill drove by the Cotton mill and noticed the "For Sale sign. "As they walked around the property, Craig had a real feeling come over him about the Mill, he envisioned how he could turn this into a viable business along with keeping the beautiful Cotton mill facility alive. Immediately after purchasing the Mill in August 1998, Craig got to work and opened the doors the day after Thanksgiving of that same year. Star Nursery is a Corporation, but Craig Keough is the sole owner. He owns 7 stores in Utah, Nevada, and Arizona. Craig visions this Cotton mill store as being a real "Show Place", with its property, setting. and, building. Again, Washington City should be very grateful and proud of what has been done to their Cotton mill by another individual who can vision the future for this Historic building and who has made entrance into their town a true beautiful "Show Place
The Cotton Factory was always known to the pioneers of Washington City as the Factory. Snow's Gristmill was located a few hundred yards down the creek and it was known as the Mill. If one said they were going to the Mill they went to Snow's Gristmill and they said the Factory they went to the Cotton Factory. The only references that the Factory was called a Mill are when some one wrote in their diaries that they were moving to Washington to work in the Cotton Mill. This was natural since technically it was a mill. Soon as they arrived in Washington to work it became the Cotton Factory. After Snow's mill was moved to St. George in the 1920s it started to be called the Mill. You can tell your age if you call it a Factory or Mill.
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