The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) offers vast public land spaces for camping and exploration. In Utah, the Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site stands out for BLM camping. This historic site is home to hundreds of petroglyphs, giving a glimpse of the past. There's more to this site than just history, though. It's an outdoor enthusiast's paradise with various outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking. Situated in the stunning landscape of southern Utah, just a short drive from St. George, Little Black Mountain is conveniently located near the majestic Zion National Park. Its climate is typical of the high desert, with hot summers and mild winters. This unique geography and the area's rich cultural heritage make it a must-visit BLM site.
The Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site offers an easy, accessible trail that leads visitors through the historical petroglyphs.
This short trail immerses you in the past, allowing you to experience the captivating petroglyphs firsthand. Length: 0.5 miles Intensity: Easy
For mountain biking enthusiasts, the JEM Trail offers a thrilling ride through picturesque desert landscapes. It is located just 50 miles north of the site. This trail is perfect for those seeking adventure and beautiful views. Length: 21.9 miles Intensity: Moderate
Located west of Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site, several notable state parks and reservoirs are within driving distance. Sand Hollow State Park, situated 26 miles away, boasts a large reservoir that draws crowds for its excellent boating, water skiing, and fishing opportunities. Anglers can expect to reel in catches like bluegill, bass, and catfish. Gunlock State Park, located 35 miles west, features a smaller reservoir that is also popular for fishing and boating, with bass, catfish, and trout among the prized catches.
Quail Creek State Park, positioned 40 miles away, offers a vast reservoir perfect for boating, water skiing, and fishing, with bass, catfish, and trout aplenty. Finally, Lake Powell, a massive reservoir straddling the Utah-Arizona border, lies 50 miles to the west. This renowned destination allures fishing enthusiasts, boaters, and water sports lovers alike, with the chance to hook bass, catfish, trout, and walleye.
While Little Black Mountain doesn't offer climbing, several climbing attractions are nearby. Snow Canyon State Park (20 miles west) has numerous climbing routes that range from beginner to advanced levels. In addition, the park's diverse landscape of red rock cliffs, lava tubes, and dunes is a climber's paradise. Crawdad Canyon Climbing Park is 35 miles south and has over 100 climbing routes, including sport and traditional climbs. The park is in a beautiful canyon setting and is a great place to spend a day climbing. Chuckawalla Wall (40 miles south) is home to some of the best sport climbing in the area. The routes are well-protected and offer great views of the surrounding desert landscape. Turtle Wall (45 miles south) is another popular spot for sport climbing. The routes are more challenging than those at Chuckawalla Wall, but they offer even better views.
At Little Black Mountain, one can spot a variety of desert-adapted species. Watch for lizards basking in the sun, rabbits darting between brush, and birds like the cactus wren or red-tailed hawk soaring overhead.
The picnic tables at Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site are located at the trailhead of the Petroglyph Trail. The picnic tables are first-come, first-served. If the tables are full, you can picnic on the ground or in your RV.
Several RV campgrounds are within a short distance of the Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site. The St. George / Hurricane KOA is the most popular campground, located about 30 miles west of the site. The KOA offers full hookups, showers, laundry, a pool, Wi-Fi, and cable TV. Other RV campgrounds include Desert Canyon RV Park and Sunshine Trail OHV Area. Desert Canyon RV Park offers full hookups for comfortable RV camping. You can enjoy showers, laundry, and Wi-Fi.
The St. George Field Office of the BLM manages several free primitive camping areas within 50 miles of Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site. Fort Pearce Wash is the most popular free camping area, located about 20 miles south of the site. Fort Pearce Wash does not offer hookups, but there are vault toilets and fire rings. Other free camping areas include Black Rock Road Dispersed Camping and Tom's Best Spring Dispersed Camping. Both sites do not offer hookups, but there are vault toilets and fire rings.
When planning your Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site trip, consider the desert climate and pack accordingly. Summers can be hot, so bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and light, breathable clothing. As it's a historical site, remember to leave artifacts as they are, preserving the history for future visitors. Also, the region only provides a few amenities, so pack food, camping gear, and other necessities. For an unforgettable experience, consider combining your trip with a visit to Zion National Park or other natural attractions. And before you head out, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
The vast desert landscape is fragile, and it's our responsibility to keep it intact. When visiting the Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site or any other BLM site, please adhere to "Leave No Trace" principles. This includes disposing of waste properly, leaving what you find, and respecting wildlife and other visitors.
The Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site is located about 17 miles south of St. George, Utah. Take River Road south from St. George until it turns into a gravel road. The site is well-marked and easy to find with GPS. Ready to visit the Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
