The Anticline Overlook is named for the curved, uplifted Kane Creek Anticline visible across the Colorado River to the north. About 5200 feet of salt-baring rocks, remnants from ancient seas, lie beneath the Kane Creek anticline in the Paradox Member of the Hermosa Formation. The Intrepid Potash mining facility and solar evaporation ponds are visible from the overlook.” The site has picnic tables, small shade shelters, interpretive signs, and a pit toilet. There is no water or camping at the Anticline Overlook.

Directions

Drive 32 miles south of Moab on U.S. HIghway 191. Turn right (west) on the Canyon Rims Road. Proceed 8 miles on this paved road, and then turn right on the gravelled road marked “Anticline Overlook”. The overlook is 9 miles north on the gravelled road.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 38° 27′ 53.2800″ N

Longitude 109° 37′ 38.2800″ W

The Butler Wash day use site is located along the Green River Daily, north of the town of Green River, UT. The day use site provides access to whitewater rapids along the Green River. This section of the river is the last few miles of the primitive Desolation Canyon River Trip.

Directions

From the town of Green River head north along Hastings Road for 6 miles.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 39° 9′ 28.0900″ N

Longitude 110° 6′ 47.4199″ W

The Mule Canyon Interpretive Site is a complex of ancestral Puebloan structures located on Cedar Mesa in Southeastern Utah. Well preserved Pueblo structures found at this site are over 700 years old. The complex includes above-ground and underground dwellings: a kiva and tower which have been excavated and stabilized as well as a block of twelve rooms.

The BLM has constructed a canopy to protect the kiva. Interpretive signing and vault toilets are provided. The site is accessible and well signed on the highway. The site is open year round and there is no admission fee.

Gallery

Directions

The Mule Canyon Interpretive Site is located about 20 miles south and west of Blanding, UT. It may be accessed from State Route 95. It has a paved parking area which is well signed on the north side of the highway.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 37° 32′ 25.0188″ N

Longitude 109° 44′ 34.5120″ W

Little Sahara Recreation Area Temporarily Closed

The BLM closed the Little Sahara Recreation Area (LSRA) on March 26, after working closely with state and local governments to address public health concerns related to COVID-19. This closure is also consistent with the State Public Health Order issued by the Utah Department of Health. The closure is effective immediately and will remain in effect until such time as conditions allow for safe use of the recreation area. The BLM’s number one priority is to protect the health and safety of staff and visitors to our recreation areas and facilities.

The BLM continues to collaborate with state and local governments to plan and implement the closure and to help reduce the potential spread of COVID-19. On busy weekends in the spring, LSRA may receive up to 30,000 visitors, large camping groups, heavy use of public facilities, and significant employee-public contact. During the weekend of March 20-22, the LSRA received approximately 15,000 visitors.

The temporary safety closure order can be viewed online at: https://www.blm.gov/learn/interpretive-centers/little-sahara-recreation-area

For more information on the status of recreation and visitor services across BLM-managed public lands in Utah, please visit: www.blm.gov/alert/utah-operations

Directions

From the visitor center approximately 4 miles to the junction, then 4 miles down to sand mountain.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 39° 38′ 34.5516″ N

Longitude 112° 23′ 6.9216″ W

Little Sahara Recreation Area Temporarily Closed

The BLM closed the Little Sahara Recreation Area (LSRA) on March 26, after working closely with state and local governments to address public health concerns related to COVID-19. This closure is also consistent with the State Public Health Order issued by the Utah Department of Health. The closure is effective immediately and will remain in effect until such time as conditions allow for safe use of the recreation area. The BLM’s number one priority is to protect the health and safety of staff and visitors to our recreation areas and facilities.

The BLM continues to collaborate with state and local governments to plan and implement the closure and to help reduce the potential spread of COVID-19. On busy weekends in the spring, LSRA may receive up to 30,000 visitors, large camping groups, heavy use of public facilities, and significant employee-public contact. During the weekend of March 20-22, the LSRA received approximately 15,000 visitors.

The temporary safety closure order can be viewed online at: https://www.blm.gov/learn/interpretive-centers/little-sahara-recreation-area

For more information on the status of recreation and visitor services across BLM-managed public lands in Utah, please visit: www.blm.gov/alert/utah-operations

Directions

After leaving the visitor center, travel southwest along the main road for about 4 miles and signs will direct you into the Jericho Picnic Area.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 39° 41′ 13.1208″ N

Longitude 112° 22′ 1.3908″ W

Recommended Users: Mountain Bikers, Hikers, OHVers. Two-track/Singletrack. 3.09 miles in length. Difficulty: Easiest. This trail is an old 4×4 road that bisects the Gooseberry Mesa. It’s has a few sandy patches, but nothing particularly deep.Like the entire mesa, the White Trail gradually slopes up 2% to the west, making it easier and faster to ride back to the trailhead after riding the other trails. Many mountain bikers ride out to the west rim on singletrack and loop back to the trailhead using the White Trail. At 2.4 miles (just about at the intersection with the Yellow Trail), the White Trail becomes sandy, and narrow; OVHs are not allowed to continue beyond this point.* Since this is a mixed user trail, all users should exercise caution and keep a sharp eye out for others.*NOTE: This trail is open to motorized users for only a portion of its length. Motorized users cannot reach the west rim and should not attempt to do so. Motorized users cannot use any other trails unless the trails are specifically designated “open” for motorized use.

Directions

Gooseberry Trailhead—From I-15 Exit 16, head southwest to Hurricane City on State Route 9. Follow SR 9 into Hurricane and turn right on Main Street. Take the first left onto State Route 59. Turn left on Smithsonian Butte National Backcountry Byway. At 2.8 miles from the SR 59, turn left and travel northwest 3.3 miles until reaching the trailhead. (During or shortly after inclement weather, Smithsonian Butte and the trailhead access road may be impassable.)

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 37° 8′ 26.4174″ N

Longitude 113° 13′ 2.8319″ W

Recommended Users: Mountain Bikers, Hikers. Singletrack trail. 1.3 miles in length. Difficulty: More Difficult. The Practice Trail starts and ends on the White Trail and makes a nice 2.35 mile loop ride from the White Trailhead for beginning slick rock riders. Ride the Practice Trail for the sheer fun of it or to test your bike handling skills. Since Gooseberry offers a variety of technical riding, it is best to use this trail to gauge your riding ability and fitness if you are new to the experience.

Directions

White Trailhead – From City of St. George travel north on Interstate 15. Take exit 16 to Hurricane City. Turn right on Main Street. Take the first left onto State Route 59. Turn left on Smithsonian Butte National Backcountry Byway. At 2.8 miles from the SR 59, turn left and travel northwest 3.3 miles until reaching the Gooseberry Trailhead. Turn left at the Gooseberry Trailhead and travel west for 1.3 miles to reach the White Trailhead.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 37° 8′ 28.5756″ N

Longitude 113° 11′ 5.6375″ W

Recommended Users: Mountain Bikers, Hikers. Singletrack trail. 0.54 miles in length. Difficulty: Most Difficult. Although this trail is entirely on SITLA (School Institutional Trust Lands), it is listed here in order to describe all the Gooseberry Mesa trails in their entirety. The Yellow Trail was user created as a means to avoid the sandy sections of the White Trail. If you choose to use this trail, please respect private property and stay on the trail.

Directions

White Trailhead – From City of St. George travel north on Interstate 15. Take exit 16 to Hurricane City. Turn right on Main Street. Take the first left onto State Route 59. Turn left on Smithsonian Butte National Backcountry Byway. At 2.8 miles from the SR 59, turn left and travel northwest 3.3 miles until reaching the Gooseberry Trailhead. Turn left at the Gooseberry Trailhead and travel west for 1.3 miles to reach the White Trailhead.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 37° 8′ 21.3112″ N

Longitude 113° 12′ 41.1264″ W

Recommended Users: Mountain Bikers, Hikers. Singletrack trail. 5.9 miles in length. Difficulty: Extreme. The South Rim Trail is demanding. From steep drop-offs, difficult climbs, sharp turns, and narrow ledges, this trail offers a lot of challenges for the experienced rider. Sections of this trail are known as “God’s Skateboard Park,” “Cattle Grate,” and “Rattlesnake Rim,” which all tell a little something about the conditions. We give it an Extreme rating for its exposure along the rim and the potential to get into serious trouble (or fun). There are a couple of bail-outs spots at 1.55 miles to the White Trail and again at 2.65 miles on a gravel road that leads back to the White Trail.

Directions

White Trailhead – From City of St. George travel north on Interstate 15. Take exit 16 to Hurricane City. Turn right on Main Street. Take the first left onto State Route 59. Turn left on Smithsonian Butte National Backcountry Byway. At 2.8 miles from the SR 59, turn left and travel northwest 3.3 miles until reaching the Gooseberry Trailhead. Turn left at the Gooseberry Trailhead and travel west for 1.3 miles to reach the White Trailhead.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 37° 8′ 29.8339″ N

Longitude 113° 10′ 17.2254″ W

Recommended Users: Mountain Bikers, Hikers. Singletrack trail. 2.1 miles in length. Difficulty: More Difficult. A classic single track with a mix of dirt, rock, trees, and exposure. Like the Windmill Trail, the rim offers great views.

Directions

White Trailhead or Windmill Trailhead – From City of St. George travel north on Interstate 15. Take exit 16 to Hurricane City. Turn right on Main Street. Take the first left onto State Route 59. Turn left on Smithsonian Butte National Backcountry Byway. At 2.8 miles from the SR 59, turn left and travel northwest 3.3 miles until reaching the Gooseberry Trailhead. Turn left at the Gooseberry Trailhead and travel west for 1.3 miles to reach the White Trailhead or continue straight, traveling northwest for 1.2 miles to reach the Windmill Trailhead.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 37° 8′ 18.3413″ N

Longitude 113° 12′ 28.5264″ W