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Hiking Southern Utah: Pioneer Park" Photos by Don GilmanHiking Southern Utah: Pioneer ParkTrail Name: MultipleLocation: Pioneer ParkDifficulty: Varied, none more than moderateLength: All of the hikes are very shortElevation Gain: Again, varied depending on the hike, but no single hike will gain more than 50 feet of elevation.Average Time: 2 hoursFamily-Friendly: Yes, The Narrows can be extremely claustrophobic and not as appropriate for really young children.Dog-friendly: Yes, but there are spots where dogs can (and have) gotten stuck.Pioneer Park is a red rock playground sitting like a crown above the city of St. George. With numerous points of interest, Pioneer Park is a perfect spot for an afternoon of easy diversion and is an ideal location for curious young explorers. With slot canyons, a historic boy scout "cave", climbable rocks, two arches, and a newly-opened desert garden, the park packs plenty of options in its small space. It is also a convenient entry point into the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve.Access: To find the park, from the junction of Bluff Street and St. George Boulevard, drive west on St. George Boulevard for 0.8 miles, turn left onto East 200 North. Drive up the hill for 0.6 miles. At the junction at the top of the hill, turn right onto Red Hills Parkway for only 0.1 miles to the first parking area, on the left. A larger parking area is another .4 miles away. All the trails will be described from the larger parking area.The SugarloafWith one of the best views of the city, the Sugarloaf is an exciting hike/scramble that is thronged with tourists (and locals) on weekends. The Sugarloaf is the big dome-like rock looming over Red Hills Parkway with the word "Dixie" painted on it. To find the easiest route to the summit, head northwest out of the parking lot, passing the wooden gazebo. Easy hiking/scrambling leads through the rocks. Look for the second east-west canyon and follow it west. At the end of the short canyon is a trough. Look for carved steps on the edge of the rock to the right. Scramble steeply up the steps and walk across the top of the rock to the steel footbridge spanning a gap to the larger expanse of sandstone. Wander around on top of the rock, enjoying the view, but be careful near the extremely steep edges. This is a popular rappelling spot.The Boy Scout CaveThe Boy Scout Cave is found just north of the big parking lot. Head north from the parking lot towards the maze of rocks. The cave is a walled-in slot canyon with a fireplace at the far end. Look for railing on the rocks above, and it will guide you to the cave. The cave is a cool respite during the summer months. Young children will love exploring the "cave" and letting their imaginations run.The NarrowsThis narrows, unlike its more famous version in Zion, is short, sweet and is truly, extremely narrow. From the parking lot, head northeast, following the one-way road that snakes through the park. Where the road loops back on itself, look for a deep cleft in the rock. Walk into this beautiful chasm and as you continue forward, the walls close in, and soon a short step requires some scrambling to continue. Be warned, the slot gets extremely narrow, and won't accommodate anyone with a waist size greater than perhaps 34 inches. The slot is enjoyable if comfortable with very tight spaces. About halfway through the chasm, a side slot leads to another tight squeeze chimney feature that provides an early exit from the slot. Or, continue up the main, extremely narrow chasm for a few more yards where ledges provide an exit to the sunlit world above.Beyond the features listed above, there are numerous domes, towers, and several small arches scattered throughout the park. Pioneer Park is a fun place to spend several hours, a great spot for wandering and exploring. This is also a popular climbing spot, with several well-known bouldering traverses scattered among the rocks. Red Hills Desert GardenAdjacent from Pioneer Park is the recently-completed Red Hills Desert Garden. This unique park has a looping, artificial stream and meandering trails with stepping stones across the watercourse. There are several bench swings, multiple kiosks, an arched bridge, and a submerged gazebo with fish-viewing windows. Virtually every plant and fish in the garden is labeled, and all of them are native species. There are also sections dedicated to Sage plants, Cacti and Agave. Despite the traffic noise from Red Hills Parkway, this is still a surprisingly peaceful place.Other Trails: To the northeast of the parking area, the Pioneer Park Trailhead (which is also the T-Bone trail) leads north 0.2 miles towards a junction with the Pioneer Rim trail, which leads east for 0.7 miles and west for one mile. The trail also continues north for a little over a mile, leading to the base of T-Bone Hill.Articles related to "Hiking Southern Utah: Pioneer Park"http://suindependent.com/pioneer-park-st-george/http://suindependent.com/hiking-southern-utah-snow-canyon-state-park/http://suindependent.com/hiking-southern-utah-owens-loop/..."Read the rest of story at link below Read the full article

Hiking Southern Utah: Mt. Belknap"Hiking Southern Utah: Mt. Belknap Mt. BelknapTrail Name: Mt. Belknap (unofficial trail)Location: Tushar Mountain Range near BeaverDifficulty: Very strenuousLength: 2.5 miles roundtripElevation Gain: 1400 feetAverage Time: 3 to 4 hours roundtripFamily-Friendly: Not suited for young children but makes a wonderful hike for older kidsDog-Friendly: YesThe Tushar Mountain range, just east of the town of Beaver, is the third-highest mountain range in the state of Utah, with 3 peaks topping 12,000 feet (and one that is just one foot shy of the 12,000 mark). Mt. Belknap, the second-highest of the Tushar peaks, makes for a relatively easy ascent of a mountain of this size. An added bonus is that the road that leads to its base is the highest road in the state. There is also the possibility of seeing both elk and mountain goats.Access: From St. George, drive north on Interstate 15, approximately 100 miles to exit 109. Follow Utah State Route 160 2.1 miles to the small town of Beaver. Head east on Utah State Route 153 for a little over 16 miles. Turn left onto Big John Flats Road. Drive for just under ten miles until a hairpin turn is reached. There is parking for several cars. Blue LakeFrom the switchback on the road, head west to pick up the old mining road (just a faint track). The mining road leads northeast initially, but then it switchbacks to the southwest, contouring around the slopes of a tall knoll (often mistaken for Mt. Belknap) to reach a broad saddle. Pick up a faint trail heading northwest, passing under the west side of the knoll. Soon a second saddle is reached, and Belknap Peak towers above. Walk to the base of the southeast face, and follow the trail through several hundred feet of aggravating scree. Eventually, the scree gives way to a talus slope, and the trail becomes more defined. Follow the zigzagging path as it works up the face, eventually contouring around the south face of the mountain to the west side. As the trail reaches the summit dome, a short jaunt back to the east leads to the summit. There is a sign, a waterproof register, and the remains of a cast-iron stove on the summit. There are also several old stone ruins, the remains of old surveyor's huts. Baldy PeakSpecial considerations: Although the trail is not long, and the elevation gain not extreme, the fact that the mountain is 12,000 feet high means that the threat of altitude sickness is a very real possibility. If any of the signs of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) begin to occur — headache, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, or fatigue — descend immediately. AMS can become serious very quickly and can be deadly if not dealt with.Extra credit: For an extremely strenuous day, drop down the west face of Mt. Belknap and follow the west ridge for over a mile to the base of Baldy Peak, another 12,000-foot peak. Climb up the east face (on extremely loose scree and talus) to the summit. To return, climb back over the summit of Belknap (making for three 12,000-foot peaks in a day!) and return to the parking area. Collapse. Adding this wrinkle to the hike pushes the total elevation gain for the day to just under 5,000 feet in a roundtrip of approximately seven miles.Articles related to "Hiking Southern Utah: Mt. Belknap"http://suindependent.com/hiking-southern-utah-yellow-knolls-trail/http://suindependent.com/exploring-southern-utah-hiking-lady-mountain-with-bo-beck/http://suindependent.com/hiking-southern-utah-beaver-dam-mountains/ ..."Read the rest of story at link below Read the full article

Hiking Southern Utah: Whiterocks Amphitheater Trail" Photos by Don GilmanHiking Southern Utah: Whiterocks Amphitheater TrailTrail Name: Whiterocks TrailLocation: Snow Canyon State ParkDifficulty: ModerateLength: Option one, approximately 5.5 miles roundtrip; option two, one-mile roundtripElevation Gain: option one, approximately 500’; option two, 100’, with bonus peak, add 250’Average Time: 1--3 hours, depending upon optionsFamily-friendly: Yes, with varying levels for all family membersDog-friendly: No, dogs are not allowed on this trailThe Whiterocks trail is a scenic trail with multiple options for hikers of all abilities. In this hike description, there are two different routes with several challenges presented to allow for a variety of routes. Both options lead to the Whiterocks Amphitheater, a spectacular hollow surrounded by towering sandstone peaks. Option one begins in Snow Canyon State Park proper and is the longest route to the amphitheater. Option two begins just north of the northern entrance to the park and is ideal for hikers with small children. The bonus peak option is the most challenging route of all, but the ascent can be made even by confident, sure-footed younger scramblers.Access for option one: From the junction of St. George Boulevard and Bluff Street, head north on Bluff for 9.1 miles (going past the turnoff at Snow Canyon Parkway and continuing as Bluff becomes State Route 18) to the North Entrance of Snow Canyon State Park. Turn right (making sure to pay the fees at the entrance station) and drive down the park road for another 0.8 miles until the Lava Flow trailhead parking area is reached on the right.Access for option two: Instead of turning into Snow Canyon State Park, continue north on state Route 18 for another 0.5 miles. Look for a parking area on the left.Hiking option one: The trail (which is also the Lava Flow trail for the first 0.4 miles of the trek) begins with a gentle descent towards the mixed plain of lava, scrub, and sandy desert environments. The trail initially arcs in a southwesterly direction as it curves towards its junction with the Whiterocks trail. Several interpretive signs explain the area’s volcanic past.Continue until the junction with the Whiterocks trail is reached. Turn right and head north. The trail passes by several collapsed lava tubes and then begins trending in a northwesterly direction. After another half mile or so, an outcropping of white sandstone is reached. Take the time to walk out to the west, and enjoy the startling vista of the canyon spread out below and before you.Return to the trail and continue on. The path will remain headed in a northern direction, but as the trail gets closer to the mountains that mark the north end of Snow Canyon, it will turn towards the east and then northeast. Eventually, the path reaches a steep slope where the trail carves short switchbacks to reach a saddle between two sandstone outcroppings. From here, the trail heads north to meet with the shorter trail of option two. Turn left and head west, contouring around a rock wall to reach the entrance to the amphitheater. At this point, there is no trail, but the way is obvious. Follow the canyon south to its head where a seasonal pool is surrounded by towering walls and a small section of sandstone. Take time to explore the nooks and crannies of the amphitheater. When ready, return to the parking lot for the Lava Flow Trail.Hiking option two: Head west and descend into a jumbled plain of lava rocks, shallow draws, and sand. After a quarter mile, the junction with option one is reached. Continue on towards and into the amphitheater as described before. This hike is perfect for little legs and short attention spans. Again, return to the parking area when done.Extra credit: For an exciting, not-as-hard-as-it-looks option, climb the small peak that makes up the eastern wall of the amphitheater. While not appropriate for really young kids, confident hikers and scramblers can easily and safely make the ascent. There are numerous means of gaining the summit, but by far the easiest route is the north ridge. As the trail turns south into the canyon of the amphitheater, divert to the west and begin hiking and scrambling up the broad, gentle ridge. Take time to find the easiest route. Eventually, the summit knob is reached where the only challenging section is found. Picking the right route can be a little difficult, but there are multiple options on all sides of the block. The views from the summit are spectacular. When ready to descend, head north back down the ridge.Articles related to "Hiking Southern Utah: Whiterocks Amphitheater Trail"http://suindependent.com/hiking-southern-utah-canal-trail-pine-valley-recreation-area/http://suindependent.com/hiking-southern-utah-tempipoop-trail-anasazi-trail-st-george/http://suindependent.com/hiking-southern-utah-the-maze/..."Read the rest of story at link below Read the full article

Hiking Southern Utah: The Maze" Photos by Don GilmanHiking Southern Utah: The MazeTrail name: The MazeLocation: Near Upper Sand Cove Reservoir, just south of VeyoDifficulty: ModerateLength: 2 milesElevation gain: 400 feetAverage time: 2--3 hoursFamily-friendly: Yes, but several short, steep sections of rock scrambling require care, in addition to proximity to cliffs and the ubiquitous desert dangers.The Maze in an off-the-radar hiking spot that is scenic, intriguing, entertaining, and easy to get to. While the overall hike itself is fairly easy, route-finding can be challenging. The path starts out with a steep pitch of switchbacks and bare stone, passes over a section of nearly level pinion-juniper forest, drops into a magical slot canyon and finally, as an option, ascends out of the ravine and onto the southern end of the tall plateau with stately views towards the rarely-seen northern side of the Red Mountain Wilderness.Access: To find The Maze, start from the intersection of Bluff Street and St. George Boulevard. Head north on Bluff, continuing as it turns into Utah State Route 18, driving for just over 16 miles to Lower Sand Cove Road. This dirt road can be a little difficult to spot, but it appears on the left just as the highway reaches the base of the Veyo Volcano. Follow this road for a mile and a half. The Upper Sand Cove Reservoir appears on the right, while a depression appears on the left. Follow a dirt road down into the depression and find a place to park. Note that this is a common area for target practice, and sportsmen will occasionally be shooting firearms here.The hike: Head up a scramble path at the southeast corner of the overflow dam, and once on top of the wide earthen berm, head east up the hillside, looking for a well-worn path making very short switchbacks up the rocky slope. This is the steepest section of the entire hike with the majority of the elevation gain, but it doesn’t last long. Soon, the trail flattens out and heads in a southeastern direction again, this time through a pinion-juniper forest. Here, the trail can be somewhat difficult to follow as multiple use and game trails zigzag through the mail trail and can lead the hiker the wrong direction. Caution should also be exercised in this section as social trails sometimes cut right through large patches of cryptobiotic soil, and care must be taken not to disturb this living matrix of cyanobacteria, algae, mosses, and lichens. The main trail continues for approximately a quarter mile, arriving at a shallow, rocky saddle with lovely views of Signal Peak and the Pine Valley Mountains.From here, the path descends down into the canyon that leads to the main part of The Maze. Flagging occasionally marks the route, the trail following a southerly direction while descending to soon reach the canyon floor. Continue south along the bottom of the draw. The canyon walls will get narrower and taller, and small alcoves, side canyons, and slots will appear. This place is aptly named. There are lots of nooks and crannies to explore along the way, but continue on the (obvious) main trail. After approximately a quarter mile from the saddle, the canyon splits. Take the left-hand fork.Soon after the fork, the trail reaches a seeming impasse where the path dead-ends. This is the most interesting portion of the journey. Look for a large boulder with an opening beneath it. Scramble up and through this opening, into a small slot and out the other side, where the main canyon continues. There are often pools of water here (and in other spots in the canyon.) Shortly after popping out of the slot, the canyon dead-ends. From here, there are two options. The first is to return back through the canyon on the same trail (probably the best option for hikers with young children) to the parking area, while the second is to look for a way out of the canyon, an easy scramble up and out of The Maze on the eastern side of the ravine (on the left, facing up-canyon).The top of the plateau is a flat expanse of pinion-juniper forest, cacti, and sage with few landmarks and no established trail to use. Instead, numerous game and social trails crisscross the top of the mesa. Continue on toward the south. Soon, the cliff-top rim will appear on the right, and numerous stellar viewpoints make themselves available. The Veyo Volcano, the Red Mountain Wilderness, and the Camelbacks provide a stunning backdrop. These viewpoints make excellent spots for picnic or a rest stop. When ready, carefully return to the exit from The Maze, and scramble back down into its depths. Return down-canyon and back to the parking area.Articles related to "Hiking Southern Utah: The Maze"http://suindependent.com/hiking-southern-utah-spectra-point-trail-cedar-breaks-national-monument/http://suindependent.com/hiking-southern-utah-buckskin-gulch/http://suindependent.com/hiking-southern-utah-vermillion-castle-trail/..."Read the rest of story at link below Read the full article

Hiking Southern Utah: Blake-Gubler Trail"Hiking Southern Utah: Blake-Gubler TrailVideo and photos by Don GilmanTrail Name: Blake-GublerLocation: Pine Valley MountainsDifficulty: StrenuousLength: Approximately 8.8 miles roundtripElevation gain: 1,900 feetFamily-friendly: The initial section to the first rocky spot would make for a great hike with little ones, but the trail in its entirety is too strenuous for all but older children who are ambitious, energetic hikersDog-friendly: YesSpecial considerations: At the very minimum, a high-clearance vehicle is required for the rough road to the trailhead, but a 4WD is greatly beneficialEditors Note: This was first written and submitted a few years ago. With winter behind us as of the reposting of this piece, trail should be open and accessible. If you investigate this hike and find things have changed, please let us know!Winter's snows will soon make it difficult to access this trail's higher reaches, so get out there while you still can. In an area blessed with an abundance of hiking riches, the B-G stands out as one of the most beautiful spots in Washington County. Despite this, the trail is infrequently trodden and provides not only spectacular scenic beauty but solitude and peace as well. While gaining nearly 2,000 feet in elevation, the trail is very well-graded, maintaining a consistent upward pace before topping out at around 9,000 feet. The B-G also passes through a variety of ecosystems, beginning in the upland desert zone and ending in the alpine forests that the Pine Valley Mountains are known for. Another notable aspect of the Pine Valley Mountains is that the range is a laccolith, a lens of granite intruded between layers of sandstone. In fact, it is considered to be one of the largest laccoliths in the United States. All photos and video by Don GilmanAccess: The road to the trailhead is rough but relatively easy to follow. A high-clearance 2WD vehicle will most likely be sufficient, but a 4WD is recommended. In wet weather, the road, which is composed of clay in sections, would likely be impassable.From the junction of Bluff Street and St. George Boulevard, drive north on Bluff Street/State Route 18 for 11.5 miles. Pass by the town of Diamond Valley, and turn right onto West 8500 North. From here on out, the road will become increasingly rough. After 0.8 miles, turn left onto Forest Road 33. Follow this rugged but decent road for 8.7 miles to the trailhead. Some care is required to be sure you don't turn onto the wrong forest road, but the route is generally well-signed the entire distance to the trail. A small parking area and a wooden fence mark the beginning of the trail.The trail starts out through a forest of scrub oak and mountain mahogany and quickly ascends up a gentle ridge. Views of the contact zone of the Clarion Formation—where the Pine Valley Laccolith rests atop the sandstone beneath—appears at around 0.13 miles as a dramatic orange scar in the mountainside to the northeast. After a distance of around half a mile, the trail enters the first dramatic outcropping of jagged rocks, traversing between domes and pinnacles. Huge cairns mark the way towards the mouth of the massive canyon that the trail enters at around one mile.The path follows a well-defined route up the west side of the huge canyon, occasionally traversing around fallen trees and boulders. After 1.15 miles, the trail veers east, across the head of the canyon. The route becomes rockier as it progresses, with numerous large boulders lining the trail. The route continues to divert around big deadfalls and hikers will have to pay close attention to routefinding to stay on track. At around 1.7 miles, the trail enters a wondrous spot of pinnacles, towers, and slender fingers of rock that resembles a scene from a fantasy movie. The otherworldly appearance of this spot has to be seen to be believed. The route through this section is circuitous and winding, and the large rock cairns keep the traveler on route. This would be an exceptional spot to spend an afternoon, wandering through all the nooks and crannies. However, the trail continues on, beckoning mountain pilgrims to the alpine terrain that lies ahead.Once past the fantasy towers, the trail diverts back to the west, heading at a steady incline up the final slope that leads to a high saddle. This point marks a dramatic change from the scrub oak and brushy environment of the lower slopes of the Pine Valley Mountains to the truly alpine terrain of evergreens and aspens of the upper mountains. Upon reaching the saddle at around the 2.25-mile mark, hikers have a couple of options. The first is to make this the turnaround point, an excellent option if you have expended all your energy hiking 1,500 feet to the saddle. However, if you have time and energy, the trail continues on to the north-northwest, making a gradual ascent through a valley of pines and aspens and tranquil meadows. At just under 4.5 miles, the Blake-Gubler Trail ends at the junction with the Forsythe and Summit Trails. From here, the Forsythe Trail leads north to the town of Pine Valley, while the Summit Trail heads south and east. Peakbaggers, take note of this latter option. In a few miles, the Summit Trail leads to within a short distance of the summits of the two highest points in the Pine Valley Mountains: Burger Peak (10,322') and Signal Peak (10,364').To return to the parking area, head back on the trail the way you came.Articles related to "Hiking Southern Utah: Blake-Gubler Trail"http://suindependent.com/hiking-southern-utah-stoddard-mountain/http://suindependent.com/hiking-southern-utah-mill-canyon-trail/http://suindependent.com/hiking-southern-utah-t-bone-hill/..."Read the rest of story at link below Read the full article

Hiking Southern Utah: Cinder Cone Trail"Written by Don GilmanHiking Southern Utah: Cinder Cone TrailTrail name: Cinder ConeDifficulty: ModerateLength: 1.5–2.5 miles, with optionsElevation gain: 250 feetTime required: 2 hoursFamily-friendly: Yes, with some loose rock, especially near the summit which may be difficult for children still developing coordinationVisitors to St. George and the surrounding areas are often struck by the sheer enormous rock architecture of our landscape: towering sandstone cliffs, lofty mountains of limestone and granite, and crumpled fields of black lava. While the limestone and sandstone are ancient sentinels from a time long past, the dark flows of basalt are relative newcomers to the area. One of the primary sources for this rock is the volcano in Diamond Valley, just north of St. George. A short but steep path spirals around and up to the summit of this lofty perch.Access: The Cinder Cone Trail is easily accessible from St. George. Simply follow Bluff Street north out of town, driving 10.25 miles from the junction of Bluff and St. George Boulevard. Snow Canyon will pass on the left, and as the road makes a steep rise, look for the volcano to appear on the right, abutted against a sandstone ridge. Parking can be found at the junction of West Diamond Valley Drive (the entrance to the community of Diamond Valley) and State Route 18.The hike begins by following the highway before veering into the lava beds, traversing over jumbled blocks of black basalt. In a very short time, however, the trail diverts to the east and onto the side of the cinder cone itself. From here, the trail begins its sinuous wrap around the volcano, passing from the north side to the west and eventually the south in a little over a half-mile. For the most part, the trail is well-packed, easy to follow, and of a moderate grade. However, loose cinders on the lower part of the trail occasionally make the footing treacherous, and the final slope to the summit is very loose. Caution should be exercised.When the trail turns back toward the west, the path becomes more difficult, with more loose rock as it makes the final rise to the saddle that separates the cinder cone from the sandstone ridge to the south. A short spur path leads to better views to the west. To the north, the last short stretch of trail leads to the summit. Unfortunately, it is a very eroded, loose, and tedious ascent across a shifting slope of black and red cinder rock.In less than a quarter-mile, the broad summit is reached, a huge crater yawning beneath the rim with views stretching north to Signal Peak and the Pine Valley Mountains, east into the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, and south toward Ivins and Santa Clara. The vast majority of the view to the west is taken up by the stunning landscape of Snow Canyon, and the perspective from the top of the volcano is stunning. Below, SR-18 and the passing vehicles look like a child’s playset.From here, there are multiple options for extending this hike. The first is to walk around the lip of the crater and even descend down into it. A well-traveled path makes a loop around the top of the cinder cone and at the lowest point, descends down into the cool recesses of the crater.To reach the second option, descend the trail back to the saddle with the sandstone ridge and head southwest along an obvious trail. Soon the trail traverses along the spine of the sandstone, weaving in and out of outcroppings and stands of pinyon and juniper trees. The path reaches a suitable turnaround spot at a high point on the ridge in a little over a half-mile. When ready, return to the saddle by the volcano and descend the Cinder Cone Trail back to the car park.Articles related to "Hiking Southern Utah: Cinder Cone Trail"http://suindependent.com/hiking-southern-utah-temple-quarry-trail/http://suindependent.com/hiking-southern-utah-whiterocks-amphitheater-awesome-chasm/http://suindependent.com/hiking-southern-utah-snow-canyon-state-park/..."Read the rest of story at link below Read the full article

Hiking Southern Utah: T-Bone Hill" Photos by Don GilmanHiking Southern Utah: T-Bone HillTrail Name: T-BoneLocation: Red Hills National Conservation Area, north of Pioneer ParkDifficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on the route taken T-Bone HillElevation Gain: Over 200 feetAverage Time: One to 1.5 hoursFamily-friendly: Yes, depending on the route takenDog-friendly: Leashed dogs are permittedT-Bone Mesa is a semi-prominent landmark of the St. George area, visible primarily from the eastern portion of Red Hills Parkway. The T-Bone trail that runs from Pioneer Park and ends at the Cottonwood-Turkey Farm Road is named for this interesting mesa. As a hiking destination, T-Bone Mesa provides stellar views, fun scrambling, and surprising isolation despite being close to civilization.Access: There are multiple means of accessing T-Bone Mesa. The easiest is from Cottonwood Road. To find the trailhead, drive west from the junction of Green Springs Drive and Red Hills Parkway in Washington City 1.6 miles to Twin Lakes Drive-Cottonwood Springs Road (aka Cottonwood Road). Turn right and drive for 1.7 miles. Look for a power substation on the right. The trailhead will be on the left opposite this station. Park here.The trail strikes out towards the west, zig-zagging as it follows an old road. T-Bone Mesa is the black-rock formation due north of the trail. Initially, the path passes through a protected area where no off-trail travel is permitted, but as the trail crests a small rise, a side path appears heading towards the northwest. Take this trail. From here there are two options for climbing to the summit of T-Bone Mesa.Option No. 1At the junction of the main T-Bone trail and the junction of the side trail, head north, away from both trails, and up the basalt rocks that lead toward the southern arm of the mesa. This is the most challenging option. As the slope steepens, the scrambling also increases in difficulty. There are numerous options for reaching the summit, but the most enjoyable (for those who appreciate steep rock and exposure) is to aim for a distinct notch in the south ridge, about 3/4 of the way to the top. Scramble up and through this notch. On the other side, continue gaining elevation, seeking the path of least resistance through the basalt. Soon the summit plateau will be reached. From here walk north, and then west to reach the far western arm of the mountain, where a flag and summit register await. For option #1, total roundtrip distance to the summit register and back is approximately 1.8 miles.Option No. 2The second option is the easiest. Follow the side trail as it heads northwest. When the trail bends towards the southwest, head off-trail upwards towards where the western and southern arms of the mesa meet. Try to remain on the bare rock as much as possible as you ascend. Once on top of the mesa, head west to the flag and register.Descent: The most enjoyable way to descend is to continue west from the register, dropping down the ridge, but as the south ridge, it can be steep scrambling with some exposure and will not be suited to everyone's tastes. If this option is chosen, descend until a faint trail running north-south is intersected. This is the same side trail that was taken from the main T-Bone trail. Follow it south, then northwest to the parking area. Taking this loop version adds approximately 0.1 miles to the hike.Articles related to "Hiking Southern Utah: T-Bone Hill"http://suindependent.com/hiking-southern-utah-pine-park/http://suindependent.com/hiking-southern-utah-confluence-park/http://suindependent.com/hiking-southern-utah-the-kayenta-hellhole/..."Read the rest of story at link below Read the full article

Hiking Southern Utah: Mill Canyon Trail"Hiking Southern Utah: Mill Canyon Trail All photos by Don GilmanTrail Name: Mill Canyon TrailLocation: Pine Valley MountainsDifficulty: strenuous Length: 10 miles roundtripElevation gain: approximately 1,500 feetFamily-friendly: noDog-friendly: yes With the fall colors peaking and winter's snow right around the corner, this is the perfect time to visit this isolated corner of the Pine Valley Mountains.Access: To find the trailhead for the Mill Canyon Trail, drive north 22.7 miles from the junction of Bluff Street and St. George Boulevard. At the town of Central, turn right onto East Center Street-Pine Valley Highway east. Drive for just under seven miles until Forest Service Road 011 is reached. Turn left and continue for 4.3 miles. At a signed junction, turn right onto Forest Service Road 255, and follow it for a little less than 1.5 miles until it ends at the parking lot for the Mill Canyon and White Rocks trails.The rocks, combined with the dense forest and the intermittent stream, give the place a magical atmosphere.The rocks, combined with the dense forest and the intermittent stream, give the place a magical atmosphere. The trail begins by heading due east, following a fence line belonging to the nearby ranch. Walk east for approximately 0.75 miles to where the path reaches the junction with the White Rocks Trail. Take the right-hand fork, which abruptly jogs south. Continue hiking as the path gradually curves back towards the east. In about 0.6 miles, the trail will enter the canyon proper. From here, the trail increases in beauty and ruggedness, following the canyon floor. The stream at the bottom of the canyon is often little more than a trickle, but in late spring it can sustain a more consistent flow.The trail, while narrow and brush-lined, is easy to follow and maintains a fairly even pace of ascent, although there are occasional steps where its steepness increases. Towering cliffs and crags line both sides of the canyon, and the trail maneuvers around the occasional boulder. The rocks, combined with the dense forest and the intermittent stream, give the place a magical atmosphere. With the canyon as narrow as it is, it does not receive a lot of direct sun. Hiking in the Pine Valley Mountains is a completely different experience than the nearby desert. The scent of wet pine and the feel of moisture is reminiscent of hiking in the Northwest.At around the four-mile mark, the trail turns south again and begins to make a more earnest ascent up the canyon. Look for the remnants of the old mill equipment on the east side of the trail. This was once a heavily logged area back in the late 1800s. There are an old boiler and scattered parts of other equipment here.The aspens are a brilliant splash of color if timed right, and combining that with the verdant green of the firs and the craggy splendor of the surrounding peaks makes this a spot one wants to linger in for a long time.The last mile of the trail before Mill Flats is definitely the most challenging, with about 500 feet of elevation gain in that stretch. The final flat section before the flats passes through a dying forest of ghostly fir snags (victims of a previous fire) and young aspen trees rising to fill in the void.Upon arriving at Mill Flats, a grassy meadow with a small stream running through its center, all the toil and work to get here seems worth it, especially if you are visiting in autumn. The aspens are a brilliant splash of color if timed right, and combining that with the verdant green of the firs and the craggy splendor of the surrounding peaks makes this a spot one wants to linger in for a long time. It is truly spectacular, and makes for an excellent spot to eat lunch or, if one has the time and inclination, to make a backpacking base camp. Several trails branch out from here, allowing for a multi-day exploration of the vast Pine Valley Mountains.When ready, return back down the trail for the long walk back to the parking area.Articles related to "Hiking Southern Utah: Mill Canyon Trail"http://suindependent.com/hiking-southern-utah-t-bone-hill/http://suindependent.com/hiking-southern-utah-pine-park/http://suindependent.com/hiking-southern-utah-confluence-park/..."Read the rest of story at link below Read the full article