Temple Quarry Trail If you are looking to get out into the warm weather AND learn some Utah history this coming week, make sure to check out Temple Quarry Trail. Located above downtown St George, this is an easy 2.5 mile out and back with almost no elevation gain.
Temple Quarry Trail begins on Tech Ridge near the Tech Ridge Stairs and runs along the lava bluff that separates downtown St George from the west side of the city. At the beginning of the trail, you are treated with fabulous views of downtown St George, Zion and Pine Valley Mountain. Along the walk, there are a few different landmarks the explain the underlying trail history.
In the 1800’s, during construction of the St George Temple, the pioneers needed a foundational material strong enough to withstand the alkali in the soil. The basalt on the west side of Black hill was suitable and stones up to 2500 pounds were carted several miles to the temple site. As you round the south side of the bluff and reach the quarry, your view of downtown fades and you are treated to views of the west side of the city, Ivins, Kayenta, and Red Mountain. At the quarry, there is a massive boulder with the quarry’s name etched in stone along with some picnic tables and a maze of smaller trails.
If you are looking to combine adventures, Temple Quarry can be combined with the Tech Ridge Stairs, the STEEP paved walking trails running up and down the ridge, and the paved trail that runs atop the ridge rim.