Sawmill Site

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

The Sawmill Site is where a sawmill was built in 1872 to produce the wood that built the Latter Day Saints Tabernacle in St. George, Utah. An informational kiosk tells you more about this site. This site is managed by the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and is located in Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument. It's about 100 miles south of Zion National Park, Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, and very near Mount Trumbull Schoolhouse. It is also about 100 miles north of Grand Canyon National Park.

While traveling in this region of Northern Arizona and Southern Utah, consider staying at Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. These campsites are available even in remote areas, and you can stay for up to 14 days for little or no fee. You can find camping locations across the United States by searching for "BLM camping near me."

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Grand Wash Cliffs Middle Bench Trail

This trail in Grand Canyon Parashant National Monument follows abandoned BLM roads. It is a beautiful place for an all-day hike. It's best to leave from the south end, which is the trail's highest point; if you leave from the other direction, you must climb about 1,000 feet in elevation to pass through the Grand Wash Cliffs Wilderness.

Length: 14.1 miles

Intensity: Challenging

Mt. Dellenbaugh Summit Trail

This Grand Canyon Parashant National Monument trail starts by running through a gorgeous old-growth forest containing ponderosa and juniper trees. The middle part of this trail can be challenging as it gains over 1,000 feet in elevation. Scramble over the lava boulders at the end of this trail to see some fantastic views.

Length: 5.9 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Pakoon Springs Trail

It's best to hike this trail in Grand Canyon Parashant National Monument in the spring or fall because temperatures often reach over 100 degrees in summer. In the winter, rain makes it inaccessible. The hike goes across clay, so moisture can make the path slippery. Compared to many trails at the monument, this trail is relatively flat. It offers spectacular vistas of Grand Wash Cliffs and Virgin Mountains.

Length: 1 mile

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

Head to Sand Hollow State Park near St. George, Utah to go fishing in the Sand Hollow Reservoir. Anglers often catch largemouth bass, bluegill, and black crappie in this 1,322-acre reservoir. Kayaks and other boats are available to rent for a paddling adventure.

Climbing

One of the most popular places for climbing in this area is Chuckawalla Wall. Follow Sunset Boulevard from St. George, Utah to get to this sandstone rock location, where you will find several bolted courses requiring fewer than 10 clips. This location can get busy on weekends, so if you want a more secluded climbing spot, continue down the road for about 2 miles to climb Turtle Wall.

Wildlife Viewing

Drive along Bureau of Land Management Road 105 and slow down to view the bighorn sheep and mule deer in Whitmore Canyon. It is a great idea to bring your binoculars with you because these animals are often at a high elevation. This area is on the Pacific Flyway, so during the spring and fall migrations, it is a great place to go birding.

Picnicking

Take a break at the Mt. Trumbull Schoolhouse when driving along Mt. Trumbull Scenic Drive. The grassy area next to the building is ideal for a picnic, so bring lunch and a blanket. After lunch, explore antique vehicles and learn more about Nixon Flats by reading the informative signs. The one-room schoolhouse also contains displays.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

You will not find a campground at Sawmill Site, but you can find terrific options for RV camping in St. George. You may want to stay at McArthur's Temple View Campground, which has a swimming pool and is conveniently located a short distance off Interstate 15. Another terrific option is St. George RV Park, where you will love the shady camping spots and beautiful picnic area. If you love nature, Snow Canyon State Park is a great choice. The spacious campsites come with water and electricity.

Free Camping

While you may need a high-clearance vehicle to get to some locations, you can boondock throughout Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument for up to 14 days. Campers following the Mt. Trumbull Scenic Drive will find numerous options along its route, including at the Mt. Trumbull Schoolhouse. Plan so that you can get a free permit to camp at Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. While stays are limited to seven days, another terrific campground option is Sand Cove. You will not find many Bureau of Land Management free camping opportunities in this area.

RV Rentals Near Sawmill Site Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Sawmill Site BLM trip

The Sawmill Site holds significant historical value, and understanding a little about the area's history can help you appreciate its value. Workers constructed the sawmill in 1872 to produce lumber to build the Latter Day Saints Temple in St. George, Utah. That temple was the third to be made by the organization, but it was the first constructed in Utah. Members of the group donated one day in 10 to cutting timber or working on the building's construction. Bingham Young oversaw the work. You can still visit the temple in St. George, which was dedicated on April 6, 1877.

Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in Northern Arizona give you even more opportunities to explore nature and learn about history. They make terrific places to visit, but before you go, take a minute and read more about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

As you explore this remote area, clean up after yourself. Trash service is minimal, and you do not want your trash to impact these historically significant sites. Please pick up your garbage and dispose of it properly.

Sawmill Site Location

Take the South River Road from St. George, Utah and turn south on BLM Road 1069. Go for 38 miles and turn left on Mohave County Road 5. Continue for about 12 miles until you come to the Mt. Trumbull Schoolhouse. From that point, continue east for 12 miles. You will see the site on your left.

Address: Sawmill Site, Mohave County Road 5 Washington County, Arizona

Ready to visit the Sawmill 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.