The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
As part of the Department of the Interior, the Bureau of Land Management is responsible for more than 10% of all American land and nearly one-third of all its mineral resources. The mission of the BLM is to sustain public lands so that both current and future generations can enjoy and use them. Recreation is one of those uses, and you can search for "BLM camping near me" for opportunities to play, hike, camp, fish, and hunt in these public spaces. Cholla Trail is a BLM location in Utah. This old road is a two-track space where you can go hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding. It's located primarily on the Santa Clara River reserve for an easy mile. Use the Lower Graveyard Trail for an idyllic loop through desert terrain. As you pass through this part of the country in your RV, also consider stops at Zion National Park to the east and Grand Canyon National Park to the southeast.
This clear path is simple to follow along a small incline. It's also known as the Santa River Gorge trail to some hikers. Signs along the path let you know where Native Americans used to be in this area, and there are also unique vegetation and wildlife to enjoy. Numerous points on the hike offer great views of the area around Ivins and Santa Clara. Length: 1 mile Intensity: Easy
Access this trail from the Kestrel trail, or find it south of Snow Canyon State Park. Take the diverse scenery of Navajo Sandstone rocks, stream beds, and lava flow fields, but watch out for flooding if you go during rainy weather. Length: 4.4 miles Intensity: Moderate
This path of rock and sand is a gorgeous hike and leads to a stunning view. The moderate difficulty rating stems from high elevation and steep inclines. The trail isn't always marked well, but the path itself is very visible. Keep your eyes open for Gila monsters along the way. Length: 2.9 miles Intensity: Moderate
Take this hike for unique geography and wildflowers. You'll pass through a number of lava tubes and petrified dunes. The highest points have views of Snow Canyon. Length: 2.8 miles Intensity: Moderate
Connect to Native American history on this hike. When you get to the peak of a small hill, you'll be surrounded by basalt boulders. Many of these have rock art ranging from bighorn sheep to geometric patterns and glyphs. The trail also goes to a Pueblo farmstead that is more than 1,000 years old. Length: 2.9 miles Intensity: Easy
Ivins Bench Reservoir sits between the Shivwits reservation and Kayenta, 20 minutes outside of the town of St. George. Largemouth bass and bluegill were both stocked in 2015, and there's anecdotal evidence of catfish being present too. The primary reservoir has a pair of boat docks. A packed dirt parking lot holds up to 40 vehicles, and restrooms are available.
The area in and around St. George has quite a few small crags, and many of them are sandstone. If you're looking for sport climbs, then check out Prophesy Wall, Turtle Wall, or Chuckawalla Wall. You can find a mix of both trad lines and sport climbing in Snow Canyon State Park or at Green Valley Gap, Black Rocks, and Cougar Cliffs. For limestone climbing, head to the Virgin River Gorge, Utah Hills Crags, or Woodbury Road Crags.
The terrain, vegetation, and elevations in this part of Utah are very diverse, so the wildlife you might see can vary quite a bit from one mile to the next. Mammals you might encounter include bobcats, mountain lions, foxes, coyotes, muskrats, and beavers. Turtles and tortoises are in some habitats, and there are many lizards throughout the area. When looking above, keep your eyes and ears open for bats, eagles, hawks, owls, and falcons.
Fire Lake Park is a great place for a picnic at Ivins Reservoir. Picnic tables and pavilions can be your set point while you explore a 1.33-mile path around the reservoir, two sandy beaches, or the swimming area fueled with reservoir fresh water.
Bureau of Land Management campgrounds aren't available at Cholla Trail directly. However, RV camping is possible at Snow Canyon State Park. Several dozen pull-through sites have electric hookups. Pets are allowed, and there are restrooms with showers available.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at the Beaver Mountains site west of St. George. Take Sunset Blvd to the west for 20 miles, and head through the Shivwitts Paiute Reservation. Once out of the reservation, you'll notice a number of dirt roads on both sides of the highway before you get to Littlefield. Dispersed camping is permitted at these locations.
Visiting the Cholla Trail isn't going to take you deep into the wilderness, given how it's on the outskirts of Ivins. However, you're still going to be hiking in a desert environment. Make sure you check the weather frequently, dress appropriately, and pack water. Respect the wildlife around you, and leave the terrain undisturbed as much as possible. Stay on marked trails for your own safety but also to respect private property around you, some of which could be Native American reservations. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
BLM lands exist to be enjoyed but also preserved. Try not to travel on terrain or soil that could be damaged or disturbed, and pack all your trash out if you generate any waste while visiting such a space. Following the "Leave No Trace" guidelines is aways to be expected. Be considerate of others also on the trails or camping near you. The hospitality extended to you should include them and future visitors.
From St. George, go north on Bluff Street before making a left turn onto Sunset Blvd. Stay on that road when its name changes to Santa Clara Drive. Pass the Jacob Hamblin Home and continue 0.5 miles before turning left on the gravel road leading to the Tukupetsi Trailhead. Address: 353 East Riverside Drive, St. George, UT 84790 Ready to visit Cholla 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.
