By Dave Webb, March, 2021

Beaver Dam Wash is the lowest area in Utah. Lowest means it is often the warmest in winter and hottest in summer. Where the wash crosses the Utah/Arizona border, just north of Littlefield AZ, the elevation is about 2182 feet above sea level. St. George sits at about 2622 ft.

We wanted a place to camp on a March weekend when the weatherman said it would be cold and stormy in northern Utah, and the Beaver Dam area proved to be a fun choice. It is great during spring, fall and winter. Winter days can be very nice for hiking, biking and exploring, and nights are relatively mild.

The Beaver Dam National Conservation area is on the edge of the Mojave Desert and has a unique blend of plants, animals and minerals. The scenery is amazing, with big views out over Joshua tree forest. Joshua trees grown native here and in some places they are thick and tall. The desert tortoise lives in this area and is protected. We enjoy rock hounding and found quartz, jasper and other shinny rocks.

We enjoyed driving the designated roads, hiking off-road and camping in designated backcountry camp sites. (Backcountry means undeveloped, no facilities, no services. Bring what you need and practice leave no trace,)

We've explored and camped in the area many times before and usually find relative solitude. On this trip there were other campers visible from our site, and many more vehicles driving up and down the roads. It is am amazing area and will certainly continue to grow in popularity.