The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
During the construction of the St. George Latter Day Saints Temple, which stretched from 1874 to 1876, the LDS Church owned and operated two sawmills in nearby Nixon Spring. Lumber was hauled from these mills by a team of oxen and brought to the present location of the temple. Today, the Temple Trail follows that historic path from Utah to Arizona. The trail passes along the Hurricane Cliffs and the Fort Pearce Wash. It’s also located not too far from Grand Canyon National Park.
The Bureau of Land Management works to defend and preserve important ecological and historical sites. These locations are also a boon to visitors, as they offer an opportunity to explore natural locations. The Temple Trail does not offer camping amenities, but many other BLM sites do. To find BLM sites with these options, search for “BLM camping near me.”
This trail offers scenic views and leads to the old quarry that was once used to aid in constructing the St. George LDS Temple.
Length: 2.3 miles
Intensity: Easy
Located in the nearby Snow Canyon State Park, this trail offers incredible views of the landscape and is also an excellent spot for bird-watching.
Length: 2.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Part of the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, this trail offers views of the landscape as well as nearby St. George.
Length: 2.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Great for both hiking and mountain biking, this trail is also a fantastic way to spot wildlife.
Length: 5.4 mile
Intensity: Moderate
This trail offers some areas with steep climbs, but views from the trail’s highest points are breathtaking.
Length: 6.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Sand Hollow Reservoir in St. George is the perfect spot for anglers to catch bluegill. Lake Powell is also an excellent nearby option for swimming, boating, or catching channel catfish, striped bass, bluegill, and walleye.
The area around St. George and the Temple Trail offers incredible rock-climbing opportunities. For example, Beaver Dam Road boasts 59 climbs, most of which are sport routes. There are 66 route options in Snow Canyon State Park, and these routes include traditional, sport, top rope, and bouldering options. Crawdad Canyon also offers 114 sport routes, but it is on private property, so obtain permission and a pass before heading to the area.
Wildlife viewing is quite good along the Temple Trail itself. Visitors can often spot coyotes, foxes, tree frogs, snakes, lizards, desert tortoises, hawks and falcons, wrens, quails, and finches. Visitors looking for more wild animal viewing opportunities can head to nearby Snow Canyon State Park.
Pavilion Park near St. George is a fantastic option for a picnic. The park is home to several fascinating rock formations. There are also tables, barbeques, a picnic pavilion, and restrooms. Springs Park in St. George also has picnic tables, clean restrooms, a pavilion, a duck pond, and a playground.
The Temple Trail is incredibly popular with horseback riders, as it is quite long and offers a lengthy riding experience. Equestrians can join and leave the trail at several different points.
BLM RV camping can be found at the nearby Red Cliffs Campground. The campground offers several RV sites with water, but no electricity hookups are available. Visitors to the area can also enjoy RV camping at the St. George RV Park. The park offers shady RV sites with full hookups, picnic tables, and barbeque areas. Bathrooms and showers are also available.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at the Red Cliffs National Recreation Area. Visitors can set up a dispersed site almost anywhere, but remember to camp on durable ground that has little vegetation. The New Bearclaw Poppy Navajo Trailhead also offers free camping, and visitors can stay for up to two weeks.
Parts of the Temple Trail can be quite remote and may feature steep or treacherous terrain. Always check the condition of the trail before you venture out. Pack a first aid kit, and carry plenty of water with you in case you become stuck. Always let someone know which portion of the trail you plan to explore, and give that person a rough idea of when you plan to leave and return.
The Temple Trail is mainly used by equestrians. Remember that horses always have the right of way on trails, and horses can spook easily. Always pull to the side to allow equestrians to pass, and try to alert horseback riders to your presence without making loud noises.
Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, trails, and other natural areas require care and protection, and Leave No Trace or tread lightly practices can help to ensure this happens. Visitors to the Temple Trail should always work to limit their impact by staying on the trail, picking up litter, and trying not to disturb the local plants and animals. It’s also important to share common areas with other visitors and keep loud noises, such as barking dogs or music, to a minimum.
From St. George, Utah, take the Mt. Trumbull Loop on BLM 1069 south for about 22 miles. Continue heading south on County Road 5 for another 27 miles before turning left at the Mt. Trumbull Schoolhouse. Continue on County Road 5 for another 12 miles. You’ll see the trailhead on the left side of the road.
Ready to visit Temple Trail? 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.
