Joshua Tree Road Scenic Byway
Personal Notes
This page presents our personal notes on our visit to the Joshua Tree Road Scenic Byway in Utah.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
The Scenic Byway passes through Mine Valley and Bulldog Canyon on the east and south sides of the Beaver Dam Mountains. It also passes through the Woodbury Desert Study Area.
3:20 p.m.
The junction to the Joshua Tree Road is about 1.5 miles from the Y junction to Gunlock. It is paved for first mile or so, but is not marked along Highway 91.
3:34 p.m.
The road is a good graded gravel and dirt surface, for most of its 16 mile length. It is obvious that there was a large fire in the surrounding countryside in recent years. It must have covered a large area, because in most areas the surface as far as we could see was burned. The typical pinyon and juniper are gone, as well as the Joshua trees along the southern section of the route. However, some low grasses and shrubs have come back in.
3:50 p.m.
At one point we made a wrong turn, staying to the right at an intersection, instead of taking the road to the left. We ended at the Apex mine, where we could go no further. We really weren't lost, because it was easy enough to trace the road back to where we made the wrong turn.
Along the way we had to move to the side of the road (as we studied the map) so that a water truck could drive by. A short while later we passed him as he emptied the water into troughs for cattle or sheep to drink.
As we moved south we encountered tall metal power line support towers that seemed to parallel the road. Then the road gradually turned toward the west (and into the setting sun).
4:44 p.m.
We’re getting close to the end, and are in the Joshua trees now. Part of the Woodbury Tortoise study area. Many of the Joshua trees in this area were burned, but there are still a few worth checking out. The tortoises have no doubt burrowed underground to wait out the coming winter months. In addition to the trees, there are great views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. At one point we could look to the east and had a great view of St. George and all of the houses and buildings in that valley.
