Prospector Trail

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

Bureau of Land Management sites cover one-tenth of the U.S. landmass. Managed by the federal government, they are protected areas in nature that the public can visit. Bureau of Land Management campgrounds may be located at or near the sites to provide easy camping options. Search "BLM camping near me" to discover possible campgrounds. Prospector Trail, located in the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area in St. George, Utah, is an out-and-back trail that takes you through the desert. It's 8.8 miles long and an easy trek. Mountain biking and horseback riding are allowed on the trail. Quail Creek State Park, Sand Hollow State Park, and Yankee Doodle Canyon are nearby nature attractions that you may also want to visit during your time in the area.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Elephant Arch Trail

There's an arch in Red Cliffs National Conservation Area that resembles an elephant's head and trunk. Elephant Arch Trail leads you to this attraction. Horseback riding is another popular way of experiencing this trail. You can bring your leashed dog along. March through November is the best time to hike Elephant Arch Trail. Length: 3.8 miles Intensity: Moderate

Church Rocks and Grapevine Trail

This trail offers a moderate hike that features slick rock and steep descents. Mountain biking and horseback riding are allowed. Dogs are also welcome. Length: 5.3 miles Intensity: Moderate

Dino Cliffs Trail

Dino Cliffs Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you to an area where you can see preserved dinosaur tracks. Some parts of the trail are slick rock. You can explore the trail on a mountain bike or on horseback. Dogs on leashes are also allowed. March through November is the ideal season for hiking Dino Cliffs Trail. Length: 3 miles Intensity: Moderate

Chuckwalla Trail

Chuckwalla Trail features rock formations and connects to many other trails. You have a chance of seeing Gila monsters, desert tortoises, rabbits, and eagles along this trail. Mountain bikes, horses, and dogs on leashes are allowed on Chuckwalla Trail. Length: 1.7 miles Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

Quail Creek Reservoir is stocked with rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crappie, and bullhead catfish. Bluegill is another type of fish that you could catch here. Boating is allowed on Quail Creek Reservoir, a 600-acre lake. Close to Quail Creek Reservoir, you'll find Grandpa's Pond for another fishing opportunity. It's stocked with smallmouth bass, trout, and bluegill.

Climbing

There are a lot of climbing opportunities near Prospector Trail, including Chuckwalla Wall, Prophesy Wall, and Turtle Wall. Snow Canyon State Park has a mixture of sport and trad climbing areas. The stone in this region consists mostly of sandstone and limestone. You need to wait 24 to 48 hours after rain to climb on sandstone. If the ground is even a little bit damp, the sandstone isn't ready for climbing.

Wildlife Viewing

Quail Creek Reservoir is one of the top birding areas in Utah. Species of birds that you can see here include bald eagles, red-necked grebes, great horned owls, roadrunners, herons, and hawks. Other wildlife that you may spot in Quail Creek State Park are desert tarantulas, rabbits, kit foxes, and coyotes.

Picnicking

There's a large waterside pavilion with eight picnic tables that you can reserve for a picnic at Quail Creek State Park. Nisson Park and Forest Park are two other nearby areas where you can have a picnic. Picnic tables, a covered pavilion, a playground, and restrooms are available at Nisson Park. Forest Park features a pond as well as a reservable pavilion, picnic tables, a playground, and restrooms.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

RV camping is allowed at Quail Creek State Park. Each campsite has a picnic table, grill, fire pit and paved parking pad. Sand Hollow RV Resort is another nearby option. The resort has coin-operated laundry facilities, showers, a clubhouse, putting greens, pickleball courts, a playground, and barbecue pits.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at Laub Reservoir. RVs up to 35 feet long can camp here. The road leading to the camping area is made of dirt at some sections. Fire rings are available at Laub Reservoir as well.

RV Rentals Near Prospector Trail Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Prospector Trail BLM trip

You can bring your leashed dog along your Prospector Trail hike. September through May is the best time to visit. To enter Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, your vehicle and trailer width can only be up to 11 feet, 9 inches because there are two narrow underpasses. Several trailheads will take you to Prospector Trail, including Cottonwood, Grapevine, and White Reef. Because high temperatures can range over 100 degrees in the summer, you may want to plan your trip for another season. Come prepared with extra water, sunscreen, and light-colored, loose clothing if you visit during the summer. You'll want to bring lotion and lip balm to protect your skin from the dry air as well. Staying well hydrated is important to prevent the dry climate from irritating your skin, eyes, nose, and throat. Prospector Trail allows you to enjoy a desert hike without venturing out into the middle of nowhere. You are still close to a city where you'll find supplies, gas stations, and RV resorts. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Abiding by an area's Leave No Trace rules is important to keep the land as beautiful as it was when you first saw it. Leaving no trace also protects the ecosystem and prevents wildlife from going extinct. Dispose of waste and trash properly at the site, or pack it out with you. Be respectful of other visitors, and don't disturb any wildlife. Fire restrictions are sometimes in place when the conditions are ripe for a wildfire. You must always fully extinguish a campfire before leaving. If the material is warm, it still needs more time to cool down before you leave. You need to use a lot of water to fully extinguish it and cool down all of the material.

Prospector Trail Location

Prospector Trail is located at 37.210368, -113.3994136 (latitude, longitude). From Washington, Utah, it's an 18.3-mile drive to the trail. Travel along I-15 N from E Telegraph Street and Washington Parkway. Take exit 22 for UT-228 N toward Leeds, and turn left onto UT-228/S Main Street. Turn left onto Cemetery Road and left again to merge onto I-15 S. After 6.5 miles, your destination will be on the right. Ready to visit Prospector 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.