::: The Honeymoon Trail/Gooseberry Mesa :::
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 and Stock UTV's. 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: Tuesday, October 5th
Time: 9:30 AM Staging, Departure at 10 AM
Location: Walgreens - 1235 State St, Hurricane, UT 84737
Trail: SXS Honeymoon Trail/Gooseberry Mesa
Rated: 3
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