The Honeymoon Trail derived its name from the time during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when many engaged Mormon couples from southeastern Utah traveled the wagon road that took them to the St. George temple to be married, thereby enjoying their honeymoons on the trail during the return trip to their homes.  This historic trail still has several original rock walls built to fortify the road as it ascends the canyon walls from Warner Valley to the top of the Hurricane Cliffs.  This trail is easily travelled by stock high clearance 4x4 vehicles. When finished with the Honeymoon Trail, riders will venture over to Gooseberry Mesa for different perspective of both the Hurricane Valley and Zion National Park.

Scenery

The trail starts with a trip through the Warner Valley with views of the West Rim and East Rim above and the historic Fort Pearce to the south.  After turning north, the trail comes to the base of the Hurricane Cliffs, then climbs up to the top via a couple of scenic canyons where the ruins of rock retaining walls are visible beneath the original route.  On top, there are pastoral farmlands as the route turns north along the top of the cliffs.  Before returning to Hurricane City, the route diverts to an interesting rock formation named "Molly's Nipple."  From Wikipedia: "Sources claim there are eleven geological features in Utah that bear this name. At least some of those names are attributed to John Kitchen – a pioneer of an early exploration of Utah, who named them to commemorate a nipple of his wife (or his bride according to some sources) Molly.

Surface

Two-track wagon road with several eroded ledgy areas that are a  bit off camber.  

Trail Details

The Honeymoon Trail follows Fort Pearce Wash and heads north through the Warner Valley into St. George.  This scenic drive will take you along the old wagon road and through Warner Valley underneath the towering sandstone cliffs.  There is a steep climb up to to the foot of the cliffs, then a rocky road that winds its way up two canyons in the Hurricane Cliffs.  Just before the top of the climb, there is an off-camber section with a couple of small ledges to climb before reaching the top.  The route from the top is mostly two-wheel drive, unless there has been recent inclement weather, which may create muddy conditions.

Honeymoon Trail/Gooseberry Mesa

Date: Wednesday, October 4th 
Time: 9:30 AM Staging, Departure at 10 AM
Location: Walgreens - 1235 State St, Hurricane, UT 84737
Trail: Honeymoon Trail/Gooseberry Mesa
Rated: 3

NEPHI TWIST

This trail is new to the Southern Utah Trail Network. Nephi Twist starts out in the town of Toquerville and wonders through the ravines in the back country to the the La Verkin Bluffs. There are several obstacles which become easier with a locker, but are possible with good driving and no locker. If you want to increase your level of driving, there are several short obstacles that require lockers front and rear, but the trail bypasses these on regular occasion. Once at the top of the La Verkin Bluffs, trail riders will make their way across the bluff and down to the La Verkin Creek which will make a perfect lunch stop. From there, you take the same path back across the bluff and down to Toquerville.   

They will also learn a lot about the area.  CB radios are recommended, in that much of the information about the area will be during the drive.

Scenery

Much of the wonderful scenery that can be enjoyed  are once you reach the top of the bluff.  From this point, you will be able to see across Hurricane Valley, into the Desert Reserve, and look down upon Toquerville and La Verkin. Once to the edge of the Bluff, you can view La Verkin Creek from a birds eye view and see all the way back into the back side of Zion National Park.

Surface

Gravel Road, Rocky and loose dirt accents and decents, dry river crossings, and fun, off camber, two track trails.

Trail Details

Nephi Twist is a new trail that is roughly 16 miles long. Bring a lunch and have some fun in this Utah Back Country that was previously not available until now.

Nephi Twist

Date: Wednesday, October 4th 
Time: 8:30 AM Staging, Departure at 9 AM
Location: Maverik Adventure Stop - 460 N State St, La Verkin, UT 84745
Trail: Nephi Twist
Rated: 5 with bypasses for 3 rated vehicles

FRONT RANGE

Front range is the newest trail out at Sand Hollow. Once you crest to the top, you can view Sand Hollow Reservoir and the beautiful cliffs of Zion National Park in the far distance. From the staging area in Hurricane, Participants will go through the Green Gate and over to the trail head. If there are towed rigs in the group, your group will go through the front gate.

The trail stages downtown Hurricane and once through the Green gate or Tunnel, drivers will navigate a loose sand wash as they get to the trail head.  Once you enter the trail, the first obstacle is called The Pinch. As the name implies, there is a wedge that will pinch your vehicle and drivers must get the passanger front tire to the top of the wedge of the right or the vehicle will fall in. Make sure all hands, feet and head are in the vehicle while trying this obstacle because if it falls in the wedge, the vehicle moves in a sudden momment without warning. The Pinch has an obstacle to the left if need be. From the first obstacle there are a series of cracks and wedges that drivers must navigate in order to finish the trail. Lunch is usually held at The Dumper, which is were several vehicles have dumped over onto their side. It contains a series of 3 cracks all at various heights, and an off camber entry to the obstacle. After that is Axle Alley which has claimed several short wheelbase lighter duty axles. From there drivers head over to Lookout Rock which is the highest point of the trail and the last obstacle. Lookout Rock is a very Narrow path to the top with a 40 foot drop on the passanger side of the vehicle. Keep your line to the drivers side as much as possible to avoid severe damage.  

This popular trail tends to fill up fast due to it being the newest trail on the mountain. 

Scenery

Incredible 360 degree vistas of Sand Hollow Reservoir, Zion Park, Pine Valley Mountains (usually snow capped for Winter 4x4 Jamboree), Warner Valley, the Arizona Strip, Hurricane Cliffs, and Hurricane Sand dunes.

Surface

Sand dunes and sandy roads, then slickrock ledges and two-track rocky roads.

Trail Details

Other obstacles are "Flex-it", which forces vehicles into extreme articulation. Diamond Cut which is a 6 foot ledge climb that drops you into a 60 foot long crack with an off camber 8 foot climb at the end. The climb contains a very jagged rok known for peeling body panels off of vehicles that don't pay attention. 

Diamond Cut comes into play after The Dumper. From there is Axle Alley and then the obstacle called Rise Above where drivers will make an off camber climb that forces the passenger side into a huge boulder. Once on top of that, you navigate across several large cracks to Lookout Rock.

Front Range

Date: Wednesday, October 4th
Time: 8:30 AM Staging, Departure at 9 AM
Location: Sand Hollow – Tunnel (Vehicle Passes MUST be obtained at Registration FIRST, You will be charged for entering the park without a pass)
Trail: Front Range
Rated: 8

Nasty Half is just that--nasty. This trail has earned its name and is full of intense climbs and steep waterfalls. It begins in a wash to the south of the dunes at Sand Hollow Reservoir.  The close proximity to the dunes creates a combined hazard of sand upon the slick red sandstone, challenging the skill of any driver. 

Short mix of canyon, sand, and slots

Scenery

Awesome scenery surrounds this trail.  The Hurricane Sand Dunes are along the east edge of Nasty Half.  Sand Hollow Reservoir is to the south, with Zion in the background.  Pine Valley Mountains are to the west, usually capped with snow during Winter 4x4 Jamboree.  The view to the south is... the next big rock with sand on it!

Surface

Slickrock with sand.  Slot canyons and wide sandy canyon bottoms with steep sandhill climbs.

Trail Details

Nasty Half starts off with a tall vertical wall and doesn't let up until you find yourself flooring your way up the side of a sandy hill to resurface on the dunes. There are several undulating slots that require spanning and pose a big challenge trying to stay up and not tip over.

Many rigs have been known as "that rig" (you know, the one that is always breaking down) because there is almost always a guarantee of body damage and or mechanical failure. Rigs should be equipped with 2 lockers and a minimum of 37" tires.  

Date: Wednesday, October 4th 
Time: 8:30 AM Staging, Departure at 9 AM
Staging Location: Sand Hollow – Tunnel (Vehicle Passes MUST be obtained at Registration FIRST, You will be charged for entering the park without a pass)
Trail: Nasty Half

** This Trail is for Special Needs Access Day. To participate on this trail, it is expected that you will provide your Front Passenger Seat to one of our participants (And preferably a backseat for their Chaperone.) If this does not interest you, PLEASE pick a different trail for this day**

Most of West Rim Light Trail tours the rim of Sand Mountain, with spectacular views of Pine Valley Mountain, Sand Hollow Reservoir, St. George City, Warner Valley and the Hurricane Cliffs. The trail is mainly sandy road, with a few slickrock challenges and a sand dunes crossing. Stock 4x4 vehicles with properly inflated tires will enjoy this trail with a few challenges to prove their capabilities. Most of the trail is scenic four-wheeling.

West Rim Lite Trail begins at the Washington Dam staging area. A sandy wash is followed to a dirt two-track, leading up the side of Sand Mountain. After a sandy section with a marked intersection, the trail leads up to “The Steps” obstacle, with progressively bigger steps to the right. Almost immediately after The Steps, the trail comes to “The Funnel,” which is a 36-inch high ledge with no bypass. Careful rock stacking is required for stock-height vehicles, and long rear overhang vehicles may drag their bumpers or hitches. There are a few smaller ledges before reaching the hilltop. The next section, known as “West Rim Boulevard,” is the main route along the ridge of Sand Mountain. West Rim Trail will depart to the right at a marked intersection. After a bumpy section, the trail travels the edge of West Rim with beautiful views of Warner Valley. Next is a group of large monoliths called “The Toll Gates,” followed by a steep rocky climb to meet back with West Rim Boulevard at the top. Along the Boulevard, views of Warner Valley, Arizona Strip, Pine Valley Mountain, Sand Hollow Reservoir, Zion Park, and Hurricane Cliffs surround you. At the end of West Rim Boulevard, there is a descent to the mesa at the top of “Competition Hill.” Here, the trail takes a tricky S-turn down the sand and then traverses the Hurricane Sand Dunes before reaching the East Rim Trail. More sand, slickrock steps and dirt trails complete the East Rim section of this trail. West Rim Light Trail ends east of Sand Hollow Reservoir.

Scenery

Incredible views of Warner Valley and the city of St. George are along West Rim.  Beautiful views of Zion Park, Warner Valley, Arizona Strip, Sand Hollow Reservoir, and snow-capped Pine Valley Mountains surround you from the West Rim Boulevard. 

Surface

Most of West Rim Lite trail is on sandy two-track road.  The initial climb from the Washington Dam staging area is sand and clay.  There are sandstone (slickrock) ledges along the way, and a loose stone climb from the rim up to West Rim Boulevard. There is a downhill sand dune crossing.  

Trail Details

The Steps, a ledgy section has variable difficulty depending on the route chosen.  Left is easy, and to the right is progressively more difficult.  The Funnel is a rounded 30" ledge that requires a few rocks stacked for stock height vehicles.  A loose stone climb from West Rim up to West Rim Boulevard requires 4 wheel drive.  The sand dunes crossing at the midpoint is downhill.  The East Rim section after the dunes has several ledgy areas with up to 12" ledges.

Date: Wednesday, October 4th 
Time: 9 Staging/Breakfast Departure at 10 PM (This trail will have a catered Breakfast for particiants and guides.)
Location: Lonny Boys 980 State St, Hurricane, UT 84737
Trail: Special Needs Access Day - West Rim Lite

Rated: 4

Toquerville Falls Overnight

This easy SUV trail goes to an awesome set of waterfalls on La Verkin Creek.  In the winter the falls vary in depth, but you can usually pull out and get a snapshot of your vehicle fording the creek above the falls.  There are a few bonus stops along the way back. One stop is to the Toquerville Towers, perched on a steep mountaintop above I-15 and the small town of Toquerville.  The next stop will be at the Babylon Mill.  This is an abandoned mill located on the banks of the Virgin River just north of La Verkin. The last stops are at historic silver mines and graveyard in the Silver Reef area.

Scenery

The road from Toquerville to the falls is very scenic, with great views to Kolob Canyon area to the north.  Toquerville Falls are a set of horseshoe shaped falls that drop into a nice grotto.  From Toquerville Towers there are panoramic views of parts of  Zion Park, Pine Valley Mountains, Leeds, Silver Reef, Sand Mountain, and Hurricane Cliffs.  The Babylon Mill is in a pretty spot along the Virgin River.  Watch for Desert Tortoise along the way to the Mill, as this is in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve.  The mines at Silver Reef are at the base of beautiful red rock cliffs with Pine Valley Mountains towering above them.

Surface

Most of the roads are paved.  There are several miles of bumpy dirt road, and a steep rocky climb up to the towers.  The road down to Toquerville Falls may have erosion, but is usually passable by stock SUV's.  The road to Babylon is graded sand.

Trail Details

The access road down to Toquerville Falls may have some washouts, but there are bypasses to them.  The road to the towers is steep and rocky, but it is maintained.  There may be soft sand on the road to Babylon Mills.  This trail is passable by stock SUV vehicles with lowered tire pressures.

This trail will be travelled at night, so bring your camping gear and enjoy the serenity that the falls and nature have to offer. The Trail Leaves at 3:30pm and starts the return back to town at 8am the following day. If you plan on running other trails, please take this into consideration. You may leave earlier to make other trails. Bring Provisions for Food and Drinks. No Alcohol Allowed.

Toquerville Falls Overnight

Date: Wednesday, October 4th 
Time: 3 PM Staging, Departure at 3:30PM
Location: Davis Grocery - 495 N State St, La Verkin, UT 84745
Trail: Toquerville Falls Overnight
Rated: 2

Veteran's Run - West Rim Trail

This is the designated Veteran's run for Trail Hero 2017. If you are a Vet, register and we will refund your ticket at Registration during the event. 

What makes it so popular is that if you are with a group that has a wide range of vehicles, from stock to wild, you will be able to tour together and find something that will challenge you.  There are many places where you can drive your stock rig up right next to the built rigs and watch them struggle to make the hardline.  You all will be amazed at the incredible 360 degree views of Sand Hollow, Zion Park, Pine Valley Reservoir, St. George, The Arizona Strip, and Hurricane Cliffs. 

The trail stages at the Hurricane Water Tanks, then heads over to the lower sand dunes by the golf course.  After going down and up the dunes, the course continues to the first slickrock obstacle, The Steps.  As the name implies, this is a set of ledges that will test your suspension and driving ability.  Like many of the obstacles on West Rim, there are easy, hard, and very hard lines.  Lunch is usually held at, appropriately enough, the "Lunch Room," an alcove surrounded on 3 sides by tall rock formations, and a nice viewpoint of Warner Valley and the Arizona Strip to the south.  From the Lunch Room, there is plenty of 4-wheeling left.  The "Rock Garden" is at the end of West Rim Trail.  From there, the return route is down Hurricane Sand Dunes.  

This popular trail tends to fill up fast. 

Scenery

Incredible 360 degree vistas of Sand Hollow Reservoir, Zion Park, Pine Valley Mountains (usually snow capped for Winter 4x4 Jamboree), Warner Valley, the Arizona Strip, Hurricane Cliffs, and Hurricane Sand dunes.

Surface

Sand dunes and sandy roads, then slickrock ledges and two-track rocky roads.

Trail Details

There a many obstacles on this 4-rated trail, with twice as many optionals just off the trail.  The trail starts with "The Steps" (slickrock ledges) and then to "The Funnel" (a rounded 30" step that requires stacking rocks for stock vehicles).  From there, the climb is up a couple more steps to the "West Rim Boulevard", which is a rocky road the feeds several other trails.  After turning down onto West Rim, the trail travels along the rim on an alternately rocky and sandy road that is on the rim.  You leave the rim to travle between a set of evenly spaced pinnacles, called the "Toll Booths" that tower above the trail and have a ledge that can challenge stock rigs.  

A pullout called the "Scenic Loop" has beautiful views of St. George and the airport, and can be a challenge for stock rigs on it's entry steps and a short climb out on dirt.  From there, the challenges are various, winding through a rock-walled labyrinth until you reach the Lunch Room.  Great views from here, surrounded by rock walls.  

There are several challenging obstacles after the Lunch Room, starting with "The Squeeze" that can leave a rock rash on wide vehicles.  The trail ends in an area called the "Rock Garden."  This area has many various obstacles surrounding an open natural courtyard, allowing spectators to walk from one show to the next.  After leaving the trail, the way back is down the Hurricane Sand Dunes, affording a chance to increase the pace and blow out the dust.

West Rim Trail – Veteran’s Run

Date: Thursday, October 5th 
Time: 8:30 AM Staging, Departure at 9 AM
Location: Zion Harley Davidson - 2345 N Coral Canyon Blvd, Washington, UT 84780
***(Join us early for Breakfast at 8 AM)***
Trail: West Rim Trail – Veteran’s Run
Rated: 4 with optional lines up to Buggy Obstacles

PLAN B

Plan B is located at the far south edge of the Hurricane Sand Dunes.  The trip from the Hurricane Water Tanks is bumpy until you reach the upper dunes, and then you get to try out your dunes capability.  Once you reach the trail, you start right off with an off-camber ditch that leans you close to a rock ledge on your right.  Then, you get to climb a max steep hill, then drop down to a max steep drop and a max off-camber turn with an imposing rock on the right.  From there, the trail delivers continuous challenges and incredible scenery.  After the trail, you can drive down the dunes and enjoy the views of Sand Hollow Reservoir with Zion Park in the background.

Scenery

Plan B takes you far out past the sand dunes of Sand Mountain.  It is a very scenic drive through the sand dunes or across the top of West Rim and down to the edge of the dunes.  Plan B meanders its way through a few challenging hills and washes, then follows the edge of Sand Mountain with big views of the Arizona Strip and Warner Valley below. 

Surface

Sand dunes to the entrance, then slickrock with ledges, cracks, steep walls, and off-camber shelf roads.  Return is via the sand dunes.

Trail Details

After the trip up the dunes to the entry, the steep climb and drop-in sometimes catch drivers off guard.  There are two off-camber turns that most drivers find unnerving.  The "Tilt a Whirl" is an off-camber narrow shelf that is poised above a thirty-foot drop-off.  There are some optional obstacles to give the trail a little more of a punch. A highlight of this scenic but challenging drive is the arch found along the cliff-side.  This is the perfect spot for lunch before turning back.  And of course, we have to find some more obstacles on our way. Rigs should have a lift and a minimum of 31" tires and a rear locker would be a plus.  If you choose to do some of the optional obstacles, then 33" tires would be best, with both front and rear lockers.  

Plan B

Date: Thursday, October 5th 
Time: 8:30 AM Staging, Departure at 9 AM
Staging Location: Sand Hollow – Water Tanks (Vehicle Passes MUST be obtained at Registration FIRST, you WILL be charged for entering the park without a pass)
Trail: Plan B
Rated: 6

This is buggy territory!  The trail earns its rating with climbs up to the top of deep slot canyons with tires spanning both walls.  One slip here, and you will find yourself wedged with the cage on one wall and the tires against the other.  After a short drive on the sandy road along the Sand Hollow State Park, the wash to the south takes you up to bottom of the canyon, where the fun begins. The trail really doesn't go up the bottom of the canyon that much, it goes OVER the bottom of the canyon as you climb up above on the sidewalls.    

Scenery

Beautiful views of Sand Hollow, Zion Park, Hurricane Cliffs, and Pine Valley Mountains.  Lots of incredible scenery within inches of your buggy!

Surface

Sandstone (slickrock) slot canyons and waterfalls.  Huge ledges and some sandy sections.  Lots of max off-camber slickrock.  

Trail Details

Steep and deep slot canyons with varying widths and very difficult transitions.

Date: Thursday, October 5th 
Time: 8:30 AM Staging, Departure at 9 AM
Location: Sand Hollow – Tunnel (Vehicle Passes MUST be obtained at Registration FIRST, You will be charged for entering the park without a pass)
Trail: Arrowhead Canyon

Rated 10

Non-stop rapid fire challenges with some extra-hard options, Double Sammy packs about as many difficult challenges as possible into a relatively short distance.  It also has fantastic scenery.  The views from the trail are beautiful, but the drivers are honed in on the trail 10 feet ahead of them anytime they are in motion.  Lots of off camber and max steep climbs and descents.  

Scenery

Fantastic views of Sand Hollow Reservoir just to the north, with Zion Park in the distance.  Hurricane Cliffs to the east, and Pine Valley Mountains to the West.

Surface

Sand Dunes up to the start of the slickrock (sandstone) cracks and ledges.  After a 70-foot max steep chute option, return is down the dunes back to Sand Hollow State Park.

Trail Details

Double Sammy will begin at Sand Hollow State Park and make its way up some deep sand dunes until it turns left into the nearby rocky sandstone. The first obstacle consists of a vertical wall and a consecutive series of steps which are by passable. The trail will meander its way through the sandstone cliffs with a beautiful and picturesque view of Sand Hollow Reservoir. There is an abundance of descents and accents. Midway through the trail, there is an optional obstacle called the Traverse as well as a pretty impressive and tricky 70-foot chute that is also by-passable. Rigs should have front and rear lockers, 33″ tires, and a winch. Expect possible body damage and/or mechanical breakdowns.

Date: Thursday, October 5th 
Time: 8:30 AM Staging, Departure at 9 AM
Location: Sand Hollow – Tunnel (Vehicle Passes MUST be obtained at Registration FIRST, You will be charged for entering the park without a pass)
Trail: Double Sammi

Rated 7

Joint Effort starts with a sandy drive up a wide wash, then the fun begins!  This trail has many steep slickrock climbs and dropoffs, with lots of of off camber to add more challenge.  Rollovers are common.  There are a few slot canyons that add to the fun.  At one point, the trail crosses the Double Sammy trail in a narrow canyon with sandy bottom. Each consecutive obstacle will be increasingly difficult, so tighten those belts, and be ready for some fun! 

Scenery

If you take a little time to catch your breath between the obstacles, you can look behind you and see beautiful views of Sand Hollow Reservoir with Zion Park in the distance.  You can also see the Pine Valley Mountains.  They are usually capped with snow during Winter 4x4 Jamboree.

Surface

Slickrock walls and sandy bottoms

Trail Details

This trail is a series of big obstacles, with each one more difficult than the last.  The short distance between the major obstacles has some challenges to keep you entertained.  Once you make it through, there is a trip down the sand dunes to clear out the pipes.

Date: Thursday, October 5th 
Time: 8:30 AM Staging, Departure at 9 AM
Location: Sand Hollow – Tunnel (Vehicle Passes MUST be obtained at Registration FIRST, You will be charged for entering the park without a pass)
Trail: CargoGlide Joint Effort

Rated 9