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Silver Reef

Silver Reef, Utah

In 1866, silver-bearing sandstone was discovered on the east slope of the Pine Valley Mountains. The first claims were worked in 1874. By 1877, the town had over 100 businesses, including a racetrack and a brewery. In 1879, the town housed over 2,000 citizens, but by 1890 only 177 citizens remained. In the early 1900s many of the remaining buildings were demolished, and a fire in 1908 destroyed almost all that remained.

Silver Reef still has about 10 visible ruins, including the Rice Bank Building. There is a museum in the restored Wells Fargo Express building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Area:	N/A
Elevation:	3,797 feet
Fees:	None
Hours:	Open all year.
Visitor Center:	None
Facilities:	A museum; no restrooms; no drinking water.
Directions:	In Washington County, Utah; 15 miles north of St. George and 1.5 miles west of Leeds. Take Exit 22 off of Interstate 15. Get directions from Google Maps. Get directions from MapQuest.
Coordinates:	Map Coordinates (NAD83): 37 15.177N; 113 22.037W.
Weather:	See area weather chart. See Canyon Country Weather for more information. Sunrise/Sunset

Regulations:	See Pets in the Parks and Backcountry. See Encountering Wild Animals.
Precautions:	See Backcountry Considerations. See Backcountry Emergencies.

Cliffs above Silver Reef, Utah.

Camping

There are no established campgrounds in this area.

Hiking

There are no established hiking trails in this area.

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