The Local Lookout
Warner Valley
This month’s Local Lookout features the VAST expanse of desert to the south and east of the cities of St George and Washington. Mainly BLM land, the Warner Valley is a great way to get out in the middle of the desert and enjoy the open wide spaces without having to spend all day getting there.
Stretching from the southern border of the city, the Warner Valley extends into Arizona with a substantial network of roads. The main road is suitable for low clearance vehicles during dry conditions and the smaller roads and single-track trails endlessly jutting from the main roads are a large draw for UTV’s, ATV’s, 4x4’s, and dirt bikes.
If you don’t have an off road vehicle, don’t worry. The Warner Valley Dinosaur Track Site is accessible from the main road and a great opportunity to see some ancient Dinosaur footprints. Also accessible from the main road is the Ft Pearce Historic Site which is a site from the mid 1800’s that the Mormons constructed to repel Ute and Navajo raiders.
If you do have a dirt bike, ATV, or UTV, this is the place for you. Endless roads and trails stretch into Arizona, traverse the base of Sand Mountain, and climb Sand Mountain to access the sand dunes. Much of Sand Mountain is an Open OHV Area where you don’t need to stay on a ‘road’ making it an off roaders dream!
Go to Warner Valley for a nice drive, a taste of history, an exciting off road experience, to stargaze, to camp, and to enjoy yet another area fully open to the public that St George has to offer. As always, do not hesitate to call or email me with questions about this area or any others in the county! Have a great week.
David Alderman
Painted Hills Realty