Red Pocket & Paiute Wilderness

00:00     Title
00:17     Aravada Springs To Red Pocket
04:13     To Kelly Point Road
06:13     Paiute Wilderness
13:04     Fin

The Grand Canyon Parashant National Monument is one of the most desolate remote wilderness areas in the southwest. There are no paved roads anywhere near this this destination and a high ground clearance vehicle or 4x4 will be needed for a safe return. There are several ways to get to the Grand Canyon Parashant and each requires over 35 miles of dirt road riding, so it is best to be well prepared. 

For this trip to Red Pockets and the Paiute Wilderness, the easiest access is via Whitney Pockets Road in Gold Butte National Monument. This road goes up and over the mountains to Aravada Springs. Aravada Springs is a private resort and it is an important landmark. The dirt road from Aravada Springs to Kelly Point Road is well marked and it passes through the Red Pocket scenic area. Hiking through Red Pocket is an option that requires a few hours and the beautiful views are nothing less than stunning. The roads that go to Lime Kiln Canyon and Mesquite, Nevada or St George, Utah are located near the intersection of Kelly Point Road, so there are more touring options.

For those who want to see the Paiute Wilderness heading east on Kelly Point Road is the way to go. This road runs all the way to the Mt Trumbull area and it is easy to get to Tuweep and the Toroweap Cliffs from there. The Paiute Wilderness covers a vast area in Grand Canyon Parashant and this slow going scenic drive takes a few hours to complete. This is a very remote area with very little traffic, so there is no better place to experience the true nature of the picturesque desert environment.

Kelly Point Road is only open seasonally from spring through autumn, so be sure to mark it on the calendar. Spring is best for the Paiute Wilderness tour, because this long dirt road passes through several super bloom areas. A wide variety of desert wildflowers and cactus flowers can be viewed in the Paiute Wilderness after a wet winter, so chalking up the trip for the spring season is best to do. There is wildlife in the Paiute Wilderness and large raptors rule the skies, so taking it slow will present more viewing opportunities. Deer and elk frequent the pine woods in the high elevations, while wild burros can be spotted too. A trip through the Paiute Wilderness is guaranteed to be a peaceful fulfilling experience and if the conditions are right, there will be plenty bright color wildflowers to liven up the day!