The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Dead Ringer Trail is part of the Hurricane Cliffs Trail System, most of which is overseen by the Bureau of Land Management. These are considered public lands, and they are accessible to the public for free. Mountain biking, trail running, and hiking are the most popular uses for this nearly 40-mile trail system with trails for all skill levels. Free BLM RV camping is available in the Hurricane Cliffs area for a maximum stay of 14 days within any consecutive 28-day time period. It’s about 4.5 miles from the Dead Ringer Trail to the Bureau of Land Management campgrounds at the Hurricane Cliffs Recreational Area. There, you’ll find 56 designated dispersed campsites, all of which are big-rig and pet-friendly.
If you’re making a road trip to Dead Ringer, you’ll also want to consider visiting nearby Zion National Park; it’s only about a 21-mile drive to Zion from the Dead Ringer Trail. Bryce Canyon National Park is also worth visiting, although it’s a driving distance of 114 miles away. A few other nearby attractions to consider checking out are the Hurricane Valley Heritage Park Museum and Sand Hollow State Park in Hurricane, Utah. To find more free BLM camping options, search for "BLM camping near me."
Hikers and mountain bikers share this ambitious stretch of narrow singletrack. The terrain at this location is typically made up of dry Mojave Desert dirt and steep slopes. Rain is rare; when it does rain, it’s best to avoid riding this trail because it can get dangerously muddy and rutted when wet.
Length: 5 miles
Intensity: Moderate to challenging
Try the Jem Trail if you’re looking for a smooth, quick downhill ride or hike that offers just a few rocky sections to keep things interesting. This trail is noteworthy for offering spectacular views of the Virgin River and the dramatic red cliffs at nearby Zion National Park.
Length: 6.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
There aren’t any fishing holes at Dead Ringer or in the greater Hurricane Cliffs Trail System. However, there are plenty of options for fishing and boating in the area. Check out Grandpa's Pond Park in nearby Hurricane, Utah for one of the closest options. Another possibility is fishing for bass and trout at Quail Creek State Park, where you’ll find a 600-acre reservoir and facilities for camping, boating, and picnicking.
This area of the country is home to numerous rock-climbing destinations. Some of the most popular are in Zion National Park. Top routes include Angel's Landing, The Great White Throne, and The Sentinel.
The Dead Ringer Trail and Hurricane Cliffs Trail System are home to diverse species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and even a few amphibians. Birding enthusiasts will be excited to spot bald eagles, peregrine falcons, golden eagles, and many other species in the area. Watch out for the Great Basin rattlesnakes and Mojave Desert sidewinders, which sometimes find their way onto the trail.
You’ll be on your own for picnicking when you ride or hike the Dead Ringer Trail and the other trails in the immediate area. Other than the fire rings available at the nearby designated Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, there aren't any picnic-friendly amenities in the area. If you’re planning a picnic meal while you’re out riding or hiking, you’ll want to consider bringing convenience foods such as sandwiches or trail mix that do not require cooking or extensive preparation. You can also head into St. George and visit one of the many city parks with picnicking facilities.
In case the Bureau of Land Management free camping option doesn’t work for you, you might also want to make a note of the 125 campsites available at Sand Hollow State Park. Some of these spaces can accommodate vehicles up to 60 feet long. This pet-friendly facility offers showers, an RV dump station, full hookups, and many other amenities.
There are several available locations for Bureau of Land Management camping in the Hurricane Cliffs Recreation Area. The designated BLM campgrounds at the Jem Trailhead offer a bike repair stand, an information kiosk, and dispersed campsites with vault toilets. There are also Bureau of Land Management free camping sites offering the same amenities available at the Sheep Bridge Trailhead. The Virgin Dam Trailhead offers yet another Bureau of Land Management camping area with dispersed sites, vault toilets, and an information kiosk. One other option is the non-BLM campgrounds at the Hurricane Hill Trailhead.
The campsites at Dead Ringer are mainly accessible from dirt roads, but easy access is not always guaranteed. This trail system is located in the Mojave Desert. Most of the time, the local climate surrounding Dead Ringer is as dry as you’d expect from a desert location. However, when it does rain, be aware that accessibility can be problematic due to the likelihood that you will encounter muddy, rutted roads. It is not advisable to drive an RV in this area when rain is forecasted.
You’ll want to be sure of packing whatever you need to survive in the desert for the duration of your stay. Bring sunscreen, water, food, desert-friendly clothing, and a snakebite kit. Plan to bring everything you need for cooking with you, as metal fire rings are the only cooking amenities offered in the immediate area.
Before you hit the trails at Dead Ringer, check out our blog for everything you need to know about BLM camping.
There are no dumpsters or trash removal services available at the Dead Ringer Trail or in the surrounding Hurricane Cliffs Recreation Area. Please be prepared to collect all your trash and take it with you when you leave. Remember to "Leave No Trace" of your visit to Dead Ringer.
To reach the Dead Ringer Trail from Hurricane, Utah, briefly travel south on S 100 W. Then make a left-hand turn at the first cross street onto W 100 S. Proceed to State Hwy 59 S., following it to the site. It’s about a four-mile drive altogether.
Ready to visit Dead Ringer? 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.
