The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
In the early 1900s, Mormon settlers immigrated to the Upper Hurricane Valley. They established the community of Bundyville in 1916. Residents built the first schoolhouse in 1918 because the number of children had outgrown the home where they were being educated. Residents constructed the current schoolhouse in 1922. After the passage of the Taylor Grazing Act in 1934, they turned from farming to ranching. The community began to shrink, and it became a ghost town around 1950. You will want to see the interior of this school, which is always open, and the informative displays inside and outside of it. There are several vintage cars to view, and a restroom is available.
This site is about 100 miles south of Zion National Park, Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. It is about 140 miles from Grand Canyon National Park. It is along the Mount Trumbull Scenic Loop in the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument.
This strenuous trail offers stunning views of the Toroweap Valley, Grand Canyon, Kaibab Plateau, the western Vermilion Cliffs, and the Pine Valley Mountains. It starts with a well-marked trail up to the canyon's rim before entering a ponderosa forest, where the course becomes harder to follow, so bring along a topographical map. There is no water along this trail, so bring it with you.
Length: 5.1 miles
Intensity: Difficult
There is no shade along the Mt. Dellenbaugh Summit Trail. It is best hiked in the spring and fall because mud usually makes it inaccessible from December through March. This trail starts with a gentle uphill slope through groves of pinyon, juniper, and ponderosa trees. Then, the path becomes steeper. You will need to boulder over lava rocks for about 100 yards to reach the summit before turning around and following the course back down.
Length: 5.9 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Temperatures along the Pakoon Summit Trail can reach 115 degrees in the summer, so it is best to hike it in the fall. The ground along this trail is clay, making hiking impossible after significant rains. This trail shows you beautiful views of the Grand Wash Cliffs and the Virgin Mountains. There are several underground springs along and near this trail.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Easy
While it is about 130 miles to the east, Lake Mead National Recreation Area is the closest place to go fishing. Anglers can catch rainbow trout, catfish, sunfish, largemouth bass, striped bass, smallmouth bass, and crappie. You need to know your location because this area lies in both Arizona and Nevada, and you must follow the regulations of the state where you are currently located. Rainbow trout are routinely released on Fridays near Willow Beach.
Dutchman Draw is a fantastic place to go climbing, with over 30 bolted routes. Start your adventure in St. George, Utah. Take the East River Road off Interstate 15, and follow country roads to access this location. Most climbs are up limestone faces and reach over 100 feet tall.
The Desert National Wildlife Refuge covers 1.6 million acres. Two sections of the refuge are designated important bird areas as they are part of the Pacific Flyway. In the winter, you will likely see bighorn sheep at lower elevations. Most other animals are tiny and burrow underground, especially during the summer, when temperatures can be oppressive.
The large meadow called Nixon Flat, at the base of Mount Trumbull is a fantastic place for a picnic. This area is next to the schoolhouse. There are no picnic tables, and you must bring water.
This is a very remote area, and the best options for RV camping are in St. George, Utah. There are 14 campsites at Snow Canyon State Park with water and electrical hookups and 18 without services. You may also want to consider St. George RV Park, where all the sites have full hookups, and you can enjoy the red rock views.
You can boondock at Mt. Trumbull Schoolhouse for up to 14 days. While finding Bureau of Land Management free camping in organized facilities can be challenging, you can camp for free anywhere within the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument. If you obtain a free permit, you can also camp at Sand Cove within the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. This location requires a high-clearance vehicle to reach, and you can stay only seven days. You can also find other nearby Bureau of Land Management campgrounds; some will charge a minimal fee while others may be free. You will also want to watch for "BLM camping near me" as you travel to and through the Hurricane Valley.
A great way to explore this area is by following the Mount Trumbull Scenic Drive, which starts in St. George. Before you leave, make sure that you have a full tank of gas, all-terrain tires, and a high-clearance vehicle because most of this route is a dirt path. You will enjoy seeing beautiful views and historical relics along it though. Also, bring water because the only place to get any is at the Mt. Trumbull Trailhead, and it is non-potable. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Mt. Trumbull Schoolhouse is in a rugged area, so there are no services. When you finish camping, pack out your trash so that the site stays pristine for other visitors who often sit at the benches in the schoolhouse to eat a picnic lunch.
Take Exit 2 off Interstate 15 near St. George, Utah. Turn south on River Road, which becomes BLM Road 1069. In 20 miles, turn south on BLM Road 1004. Take it until you get to Mohave County Highway 5. Stay on this road for about 15 miles, and you will reach Mt. Trumbull Schoolhouse.
Address: Mt. Trumbull Schoolhouse Mohave County Road 5 Washington County, Arizona
Ready to visit Mt. Trumbull Schoolhouse? 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.
