Recreation Guide to the San Rafael Area – Moab Area Travel Council - 7/11/06 Page 1

include tent pads, picnic tables, toilets, Areas South of 1-70 and fire rings. No drinking water is Recreation Guide to the available. When camping at other areas, 5. Head of Sinbad / Swasey's Cabin San Rafael Area please use existing undeveloped campsites to avoid impacting new areas. Just off 1-70, the Head of Sinbad area invites camping, , and exploring. 2. Wedge Overlook The elements have molded the buff- colored sandstone into pocketed The Wedge Overlook provides a striking watchtowers and other fanciful shapes. Moab Area Travel Council view of the Little Grand , the San Internet Brochure Series Rafael River, and the Sid's Mountain Members of the Swasey family first Available from: Wilderness Study Area. To protect the grazed livestock in the area in the late fragile resources, notably an endangered 1800's. Today visitors may see the log discovermoab.com cactus species, use of motorized vehicles cabin they built in 1921. Listed on the

and mountain bikes is limited to State Register of Historic Sites, the

designated roads and camping is limited cabin can be reached from 1-70 from to designated sites. To visit the overlook, ranch exit 129. Head west and south from INTRODUCTION drive from the town of Cleveland south exit 129 for four miles. Turn right and towards the San Rafael Recreation Site. continue for 1.1 miles. Turn right again Continue beyond the Buckhorn Reservoir and travel in a northwesterly direction for The , 2,000 square miles just over four miles to the water tank at about four miles. Continue along the road of public land, is known for its scenic the Buckhorn Flat Well. After passing the in a southerly direction for two miles. sandstone formations, deep , tank, go left at the next intersection and Then turn right (west) and drive 0.6 miles desert streams, and expansive panoramas. continue six miles to the overlook. An to the cabin. Site facilities are limited to a Aside from Interstate (1-70), only old information board marks this canyon rim toilet. uranium mines, dirt roads, livestock overlook. improvements, and simple recreation 6. Hidden Splendor facilities are evident. Visitors should 3. Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry bring maps as many roads are not signed. The Hidden Splendor uranium mine was The Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry, a famous in Utah. Originally named the No permits are required for individuals National Natural Landmark, is one of the Delta, it was started by Vernon Pick in and small groups for non-commercial, world's foremost dinosaur fossil sources. 1952. He extracted a million dollars of ore non-competitive use. Outfitters, guides, Recognized as the primary source of before selling the mine. It closed in 1957 other commercial users and competitive skeletons of the flesh-eating Allosaurus, without reaching its estimated potential. event proponents should contact the the site features a visitor center, guided The site of the old mine is tucked away in Bureau of Land Management's Price Field tours, dinosaur walks, and a picnic area. a canyon, at the southern end of the Swell. Office regarding permits. The Quarry is 30 miles south of Price. This remote, undeveloped area is best explored on foot. Hidden Splendor is 44 Areas North of 1-70 From Highway 10, about 12 miles south miles south by graded road from 1-70 of Price, follow the "dinosaur" signs at ranch exit 129. road intersections. The Quarry operates 1. Buckhorn Draw / San Rafael Bridge spring through summer. A visitor use fee 7. Hondu Arch and Tomsich Butte is charged to visit the quarry. Contact the Once the scene of outlaw chases, BLM or visitor center in Price for a Buckhorn Draw, a long, steep-walled Hondu Arch is a large natural opening brochure and to confirm opening times canyon, is the main northern gateway to that rests high above Muddy Creek. The and dates. the Swell. A canyon highlight is the abandoned Dirty Devil uranium mines at interpreted Buckhorn Draw Native Tomsich Butte were started by W. J. 4. Cedar Mountain Recreation Area American rock art site. These striking Hanret and John Tomsich in 1951. The figures were restored as Emery County's undeveloped Hondu Arch / Tomsich Butte Cedar Mountain towers over the northern Utah Centennial Project in 1996. From the area is rich in opportunities for hiking, San Rafael Swell and is ideal for getting a south, the Buckhorn Draw area is camping, mountain biking and exploring. "bird's eye" view. An exhibit at this cliff- accessible from the south from 1-70, Exit To reach this area, drive 29 miles south on top overlook summarizes area . 129. graded roads from 1-70 ranch exit 129. Picnic tables and toilets are available.

Cedar Mountain is southeast of the town Camping facilities are provided at the San 8. Goblin State Park / Little of Cleveland. Rafael Bridge Recreation Site adjacent to Wild Horse Canyon the . The recreation site is bordered by a lofty escarpment to the Goblin Valley is famous for its large north and large buttes to the east and west. collection of fancifully-shaped rock

Camping facilities at San Rafael Bridge formations. To reach Goblin Valley from Recreation Guide to the San Rafael Area – Moab Area Travel Council - 7/11/06 Page 2

end of Capitol Reef National Park. To the southeast are the even more remote upper Last Chance Wash and Moroni Slopes areas.

11. San Rafael Desert

The San Rafael Desert, accessible from Highway 24 on unpaved roads, is relatively flat with many areas of low sand dunes. Additionally, a main dirt road heads south into the desert from the town of Green River. Several spur roads lead from this main road to overlooks of the Green River's Labyrinth Canyon.

12.

The spectacular San Rafael Reef dominates the eastern side of the Swell. Erosion has smoothed the jagged, upturned face of the reef and cut deep canyons. These canyons are ideal for hiking, scrambling, and exploring.

13.

Temple Mountain, located to the northwest of Goblin Valley, is the highest point along the San Rafael Reef. This area was once one of the most active mining operations during Utah's uranium boom days. Although the mines are now long Highway 24, turn right at the Goblin closed, the numerous roads left behind by Valley turnoff onto a narrow paved road, 9. Keesle Country the miners provide access for off-highway drive west for 5 miles, then turn left onto vehicle riders. Abandoned mines are very a graded dirt road at the signed junction. Keesle Country is a maze of canyons in dangerous and should never be entered. Drive south for 6 miles to the state park the southwest corner of the Swell. A short Temple Mountain is easily reached from entrance station. Facilities at the park hike or horseback ride into this roadless 1-70. Drive Highway 24 south, turn right include campsites with tables and grills, area will provide an introduction to its at the Goblin Valley turnoff, and then take drinking water, showers, and flush toilets. primitive character. Keesle Country can the narrow paved road 6.4 miles west to An entry fee is charged. be reached from 1-70 Ranch Exit 129. At the end of the pavement. the turn-off to the Hidden Splendor Mine, South of Goblin Valley, Little Wild Horse turn left and head toward the mine. After Off-Highway Vehicle Management and Bell canyons cut narrow slots through a short distance, you will see Keesle the San Rafael Reef. A popular hiking Country to the right. Motorized travel is limited or prohibited route loop starts in Little Wild Horse in certain areas to protect sensitive Canyon and returns to the Little Wild 10. Mussentuchit Sand Dunes resource values or maintain specific Horse Canyon Trailhead via Bell Canyon. recreation opportunities. Please contact The hike requires some scrambling over Although these dunes are relatively small the Price Field Office for current large boulders and squeezing through in area, they provide interesting riding for information about travel restrictions and narrow spots. Do not attempt this hike if off highway vehicle enthusiasts. The comply with posted travel restrictions. there is a possibility of flash flooding. The undeveloped dune area can be reached trailhead, with its bulletin board, parking from 1-70 exit 97. Drive south for 8.2 Enjoy the San Rafael Swell and help area and toilet is 5.3 miles south of the miles to a junction, then go right (west, protect its scenic wonders. Goblin Valley entrance station. The dirt then south) 2.1 miles to another junction. road south of Goblin Valley is rough, At this second junction, go right (south) sandy, and subject to washouts. 1.5 miles to the dunes. Beyond the dunes to the southwest is the remote northern Recreation Guide to the San Rafael Area – Moab Area Travel Council - 7/11/06 Page 3

Safety Tips Canyon Country Prepared By: Minimum Impact Practices To help ensure a safe and enjoyable stay Bureau of Land Management in the San Rafael area, please consider the 1. Tread lightly when traveling and Price Field Office following tips: leave no trace of your camping. 125 South 600 West Drive and ride only on roads and Price, UT 84501 • Never camp or park your vehicle in a trails where such travel is 435-636-3600 wash or stream bed and avoid hiking allowed. Hike only on www.blm.gov/utah/ in narrow canyons when rain is a established trails, on rock, or in possibility. A dry wash can flash washes. Camp at designated sites Published by: flood in a matter of minutes even if or, where allowed, at previously- you don't see a cloud in the sky. used sites. Avoid placing tents Moab Area Travel Council on top of vegetation and use a 84 North 100 East • Carry at least one gallon of water per camp stove instead of making a Moab, UT 84532 person per day. There are very few campfire. Unless signs indicate 435-259-8825 or 800-635-6622 sources of potable water in the San otherwise, leave gates open or www.discovermoab.com Rafael Swell. closed as you find them. Castle Country Travel Region • Take precautions to guard against 2. Help keep Canyon Country 90 North 100 East heat exhaustion during warm clean. Pack out your trash and Price, UT 84501 weather. Avoid overexertion, drink recycle it, clean up after less 435-637-3009 or 800-842-0789 plenty of fluids, and wear a hat. thoughtful visitors, and dispose of human waste properly. • Let someone know where you're For Local Information Contact: going and when you plan to return. If 3. Protect and conserve scarce you should break down or become desert water sources. Camp at John Wesley Powell lost, stay with your vehicle. least 300 feet from isolated water River History Museum sources to allow for wildlife 885 East Main • Exercise extreme caution when access. Where possible, carry Green River, Utah 84525 exploring around old mines. Besides your own drinking water. Leave 435-564-3427 the danger of being caught in a potholes undisturbed and wash (Fee charged for museum.) collapsing tunnel or falling into a well away from pools and hidden shaft, uranium mines pose an springs. Castle Country Regional additional hazard. Heavy Information Center concentrations of radioactive radon 4. Allow space for wildlife. When 155 East Main gas are known to accumulate at the encountering wildlife, maintain Price, UT 84501 entrances to mines in this area. your distance and remain quiet. 800-842-0789 Teach children not to chase or 435-637-3009 • Many roads within the Swell cross pick up animals. Keep pets under www.castlecountry.com soil types that are extremely muddy control. after storms and during periods when snow is melting. At such times, these 5. Leave historic sites, Native roads become virtually impassable. American rock art, ruins and Obtain a long-range weather forecast artifacts untouched for the future. before traveling into the area. Admire rock art from a distance and never touch it. Stay out of ruins, leave artifacts in place, and • The Emery County Sheriff's Department has responsibility for report violations.

search and rescue actions. Call 911 in emergencies. Cell phone service is limited.

Recreation Guide to the San Rafael Area – Moab Area Travel Council - 7/11/06 Page 4