Mount Trumbull To St George

A previous article features the Mt Trumbull Wilderness in Grand Canyon Parashant National Monument and an alternate way back to civilization was mentioned. Today's blurb describes the lengthy 65 mile trip from Mt Trumbull to St George, Utah, which ends near Sand Hollow State Park in Zion country. A world of adventure awaits at the end of the line, since two Utah State Parks and Zion National Park can easily be accessed. There are also several points of interest to experience in the BLM territory before arriving at Sand Hollow, which includes a few hiking trailheads, Flintstone House, Nelson's Arch, Cliffs Of Insanity, Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site and the Warner Valley Dinosaur Track Site. BLM dispersed camping is permitted at sanctioned spots in this region, which is like the icing on the cake for those who crave setting up yet another basecamp for adventure!

From the Mt Trumbull Wilderness Ranger Station and campground complex, the directional signage to St George is easy to spot. Basically there is only one main road that goes in that direction and as long as a traveler does not stray onto the side roads, there will be no worries about getting lost. Using a GPS or map to ensure staying on track is advisable, because there are places where the old ranch road intersections can be confusing. From Mt Trumbull, AZ County Road 5 is the travel rout to look for, which goes to the border of Utah, near St George. Utah State Road 7 will come into view shortly after crossing the border, which goes west to St George or northeast toward Zion National Park. The long dirt roads are fairly smooth through this desolate region, but a high ground clearance vehicle is recommended because the dirt road conditions can change dramatically after a recent rain storm.

From the wilderness area, the first point of interest along the way is the old historic Mt Trumbull Schoolhouse. The population of Mt Trumbull is tiny in modern times, but this community was much more active way back when the local sawmills were running full force. Ranching has now taken over this region, so the old Mt Trumbull Schoolhouse has turned into a relic of the past. This historic site offers some good photo opportunities and a chance to learn about this area, so be sure to check it out before heading down the long dusty trail.

From the old schoolhouse, the dirt road to St George passes through endless miles of sagebrush ranch country till it reaches the mountains on the distant horizon. The wildlife viewing opportunities happen quickly in sagebrush country, so it pays to keep to keep a powerful lens handy when traveling through this area. Pronghorn Antelope and Mule Deer are most commonly seen in sagebrush country, while the birding can be good too.

The further one goes, the more interesting the landscape becomes during the trip to St George. The road eventually winds its way through Evanelle Pass through the mountains and the panoramic views from the high ground certainly are memorable. Several desert mountain ridge lines, volcanic peaks and the vast sagebrush wilderness down below all add up to some great picture taking opportunities, so be sure to pack a camera for the ride. The geology becomes even more extreme as the dirt road passes through several picturesque canyons on the way downhill to Sand Hollow at the end of the line. As can be imagined, the 65 mile trail from Mt Trumbull to St George is worth taking on and this long dirt road adventure definitely is a good option for completing a tour of the Grand Canyon Parashant!