The extreme SW corner of Utah offers great opportunities to explore, watch wildlife and find interesting rocks and minerals. We spent a couple days in the area April 26-27 and found amazing fossils.

Temperatures were perfect for our trip but the area will soon be heating up. Spring and fall are delightful here and winter days can be very nice. This place has the lowest elevations found in Utah and so it is even warmer than St. George.

The area has been designated the Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area. People are asked to drive only on established roads and to respect the wildlife, which includes the desert tortoise and Gila monster. The Joshua tree forest is a prime attraction. There are information kiosks placed along some roads to help people learn about the area’s unique ecosystem.

There are nice designated backcountry campsites along dirt roads in this area.

Our most interesting rock finds came along Joshua Tree Road, on the west slope of the Beaver Dam Mountains. You can reach the area by driving Old Hwy 91 west from Santa Clara over Utah Hill. You can also reach it by driving Old Hwy 91 north from Beaver Dam AZ, which is located along I-15 just south of the Virgin River Gorge.

Backroads are rugged and most of the area is very dry so bring water and emergency gear.

The area has an amazing stark beauty.