1 Review
5
out of
5
This road winds through semiarid mountains in the region where the Mojave Desert, Great Basin and Colorado Plateau meet. Here, not far from Utah’s lowest point (Beaver Dam Wash, 2,350 feet, southwest of the Beaver Dam Mountains) is the northernmost place where Joshua trees grow in large numbers. In fact, 1,000 acres in this area have been designated a national landmark. The road also passes the Woodbury Desert Study Area, set aside for the birds, desert tortoises, rattlesnakes (watch your step!) and other desert life. You will want to stop to take in the fantastic views of the brilliant red cliffs in the distance as well as those of Zion National Park.
Drive up a broad valley bordered by desert mountains vegetated with sagebrush, pinyon pines and junipers. Deep shades of gray mixed with hues of red make these metamorphic mountains quite pretty. By mile 5, as you skirt the base of Jarvis Peak, you will have outstanding views to the north of vaulting red cliffs made of Jurassic (144–208 million years ago) desert sands.
DESCRIPTION FROM:
Utah Byways
by Tony Huegel (Wilderness Press)
This road winds through semiarid mountains in the region where the Mojave Desert, Great Basin and Colorado Plateau meet. Here, not far from Utah’s lowest point (Beaver Dam Wash, 2,350 feet, southwest of the Beaver Dam Mountains) is the northernmost place where Joshua trees grow in large numbers. In fact, 1,000 acres in this area have been designated a national landmark. The road also passes the Woodbury Desert Study Area, set aside for the birds, desert tortoises, rattlesnakes (watch your step!) and other desert life. You will want to stop to take in the fantastic views of the brilliant red cliffs in the distance as well as those of Zion National Park.
Drive up a broad valley bordered by desert mountains vegetated with sagebrush, pinyon pines and junipers. Deep shades of gray mixed with hues of red make these metamorphic mountains quite pretty. By mile 5, as you skirt the base of Jarvis Peak, you will have outstanding views to the north of vaulting red cliffs made of Jurassic (144–208 million years ago) desert sands.
© Tony Huegel/Wilderness Press. All Rights Reserved.
