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Jem Trail

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

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Southern Utah’s Hurricane Cliffs trail system includes the Jem Trail, the Dead Ringer Trail, and multiple others. This trail system was created for mountain biking. Hikers and trail runners are also welcome to use this 6.7-mile stretch of predominantly smooth singletrack. Personnel at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which is an agency within the United States Department of the Interior, oversees much of this trail system and the public lands surrounding the trails. BLM camping near me is available in the Hurricane Cliffs for short stays of up to two weeks within a 28-day duration. While you're in the Hurricane, Utah area, it's worth stopping at some of the region's other popular attractions, including Zion National Park, Sand Hollow State Park and Hurricane Valley Heritage Park Museum. If your group is game for a longer road trip, you could make the 111-mile drive from the Jem Trailhead to Arizona's Grand Canyon National Park or the 113-mile drive to Utah's Bryce Canyon National Park.

What to See and Do

What to See and Do

Hiking and BikingHiking and Biking

Jem Trail

Mountain bikers flock to the Jem Trail to experience fast downhill riding. The trail offers mostly smooth singletrack but also includes some rocky, challenging segments of terrain. This trail is also popular with trail runners, hikers, birding enthusiasts, and landscape photographers. From the Jem Trail, it is possible to photograph stunning scenery at the nearby Zion National Park and experience views of the Virgin River. Length: 6.7 miles Intensity: Moderate

Dead Ringer Trail

Show off your hiking or downhill mountain biking prowess on terrain that incorporates steeply sloped stretches of loose dirt. These difficult spots alternate with long runs of enjoyable singletrack. Length: 5+ miles Intensity: Challenging

Cryptobiotic Trail

The Cryptobiotic Trail is intended for use by downhill mountain bikers and hikers. This singletrack trail descends gradually through a series of winding turns that approach the Virgin River. Length: 3 miles Intensity: Moderate

Gould's Rim Trail

Gould's Rim Trail appeals to hikers and mountain bikers. This flowing singletrack trail takes you through hilly, sagebrush-filled desert terrain offering spectacular Mesa views. Gould's Rim connects with other trails in the Hurricane Cliffs trail system. Length: 3+ miles Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and BoatingFishing and Boating

Pack up your fishing gear and head to Hurricane, Utah's popular fishing spot known as Grandpa's Pond Park. There you'll find a fishing pond and a fishing dock where you can drop a line to see if you can tempt any rainbow trout to nibble at your bait. Sand Hollow Reservoir is another popular boating and fishing spot in the area.

ClimbingClimbing

Swimming Hole Rock is a favorite climbing spot near the Jem Trail. There you can climb up to 40 feet of black basalt rock at an elevation of 3,011 feet.

Wildlife ViewingWildlife Viewing

Along the Jem Trail, you're likely to view majestic birds of prey, including bald eagles, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons. Sturdy ankle-high hiking boots are recommended in case you come across any Great Basin rattlesnakes or Mojave Desert sidewinders as you're hiking or biking on any of the trails in the Hurricane Cliffs Trail System.

Camping

Bureau of Land Management Camping

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Try Sand Hollow State Park if you'd enjoy RV camping in a location that offers full hookups. Sand Hollow is situated close to 15,000 acres of sand dunes that are fun for climbing, photographing, and OHV riding.

Free Camping Campground Icon

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at 56 designated dispersed campsites in the Hurricane Cliffs trail system. Amenities vary at these sites. The sites nearest the Jem Trail have easy access to vault toilets, an information kiosk, and a stand where you can perform bike repairs. Each of the campsites has a metal fire ring and a numbered placard. These Bureau of Land Management campgrounds do not have RV hookups or dump stations.

RV Rentals Near Jem Trail Plan your next adventure

Planning Your Trip

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Jem Trail BLM trip

Keep in mind that the Jem Trail and other surrounding trails are located in the Mojave Desert; you'll want to make suitable preparations for enduring the heat in an exceptionally hot, dry environment. Please be sure to check the weather forecast before you make a road trip to the Jem Trailhead. If rain is expected, it's advisable to postpone your trip and wait for a sunnier day due to the possibility of flash flooding and rutted, muddy roads in the area. Pack water, a snakebite kit, sunblock, aloe vera lotion, wide-brimmed hats for everyone, snacks, and any other items you'd need to protect your group members from intense heat and sunburn. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace Leaf

Utah's Hurricane Cliffs trail system is a precious natural resource. Please take care to avoid polluting the environment along the trails. It is important to clean up after yourself when camping here because garbage removal service is not available in the area. Following other principles established by the "Leave No Trace" initiative can also help to minimize impacts on the environment. A couple of suggestions include visiting the trail in small groups and hiking or biking the trail in a single file. If you're careful to follow these suggestions, the trail will be preserved for future enjoyment.

Leave No Trace
Location

Jem Trail Location

The Hurricane Cliffs trail system is located south of Utah State Route 9, west of Gooseberry Mesa, and east of Hurricane, Utah. If you're driving from St. George, Utah, take I-15 heading north. Exit the highway at exit 16 and drive 9.5 miles east on State Route 9. Turn right onto Main Street. Turn left onto State Route 59. From there, turn left onto a gravel road. You'll arrive at the Jem Trailhead in about 0.25 miles. Latitude/Longitude: 37.20047515, -113.2180998. Ready to visit the Jem 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.

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