Things To Do Near Grand Canyon–Parashant National Monument
During the early settlement movement, the remoteness of Parashant kept human intervention at a minimum. The roads that remain today are often impassable, especially after a spring rain. Rock formations are unstable — dissolving away under the pressure of time and the elements — and there is little water or comfort found amongst the sage and cactus that populate the region. However, the ruggedness of the desert, the beauty of the wildflowers blossoming after a spring shower, the incredibly distant horizons, and the stars that blaze through the night sky are well worth the trip.
Hiking Trails
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Grand Canyon via Whitmore Canyon Trail
The Whitmore Canyon Trail to the floor of the Grand Canyon winds through an area with incredible views on each side. Vast horizons greet visitors around every turn. Take plenty of water on this hike as the river is inaccessible until you reach the pathway's end.
Location
The trailhead is on National Park Service Road 1045 about 7.2 miles from the Bureau of Land Management Road 1045 in Mojave County, AZ 86432
Length
1.6 miles
Intensity
Moderate
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Mount Trumbull Summit Trail
The Mount Trumbull Summit Trail provides incredible views from start to finish. One of the few trails inside the monument that is well established, this path weaves around rocky outcrops as it elevates 1,528 feet along its length. The fantastic view from the summit of Mount Trumbull includes the Grand Canyon, the Kaibab Plateau, the Vermillion Cliffs, and the Pine Valley Mountains.
Location
The trailhead is located on Mojave County Road 5.
Length
5.1 miles
Intensity
Difficult
Sightseeing
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Grand Gulch Mine
Visitors to the Grand Gulch Mine can find a patch of Parashant that is preserved for its historical reference. Once a growing concern, the mine was abandoned and served as a spare parts location from 1979 through 2000. Visitors can find an old copper smelter, the ruins of homes, and a few shafts that continue to be dangerous to the unwary.
Location
On Bureau of Land Management Road 1002, 14.5 miles from its junction with County Road 103.
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Oak Grove Dairy
Early settlers in the region tried to tame the environment in Parashant with little success. One of the most bizarre efforts is the Oak Grove Dairy, where Mormon farmers attempted to use the free land to raise cattle and produce milk products. The enterprise worked, but as the cattle depleted the area's resources, it became untenable. Visitors are greeted with crumbling buildings and rusted equipment left behind by these farmers.
Location
On Bureau of Land Management Road 1019, just off County Road 103
Museums
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St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site
The St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site is an indoor natural history museum constructed over the fossilized remains of prehistoric animals. The fossils are intact and observable. Besides the fossils, the site presents five life-sized models of the dinosaurs whose bones are found here.
Location
2180 East Riverside Drive, St. George, UT 84790
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Virgin Valley History Museum
The Virgin Valley History Museum celebrates the early settlers in the region of the Parashant National Monument. Documents and artifacts highlight the hardships experienced and endured by these brave families who challenged a harsh environment searching for a dream. Visitors enjoy lectures from local experts and films on the subject.
Location
35 East Mesquite Boulevard, Mesquite, NV 89027
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Dixie Rocks and Fossils
Dixie Rocks and Fossils is one of the most innovative gift stores in the region. You can shop for raw gemstones, polished rocks embellished with names, and delicate fossils. Dinosaur fossils also decorate the shelves.
Location
946 West Sunset Boulevard, #I, St. George, UT 84770
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Antiques Etc.
Visitors to the area who drop by Antiques Etc. find an incredible array of antiques and collectibles. Many find items they have looked for elsewhere and never found. Whether you are looking for wall décor items, home accessories, pottery, fine china, or furniture, you will find unique items in this shop.
Location
1418 West Sunset Boulevard, Suite 3, St. George, UT 84770
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Red Fort Cuisine of India
In St. George, UT, discover some palate-pleasing cuisine opportunities that you would not expect in this region of the country. At Red Fort Cuisine of India, authentic Indian meals are delivered fresh and filled with the natural spices used in India. Try their chicken tiki or the shrimp tandoori for a meal you will remember forever.
Location
148 South 147 East, St. George, UT 84790
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Hawaiian Poke Bowl
Even the locals rave about the Hawaiian Poke Bowl. Their authentic Hawaiian cuisine is created from fresh ingredients with Hawaiian spices thrown in the mix. Try one of their kalua pork bowls for a unique taste.
Location
175 West 900 South, Suite 1, St. George, UT 84770