Santa Clara River Reserve

Located in southern Utah’s desert environment. The Santa Clara River Reserve is comprised of 6,500 acres of public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management. The reserve protects open space, archaeological and natural resources, and recreational opportunities important to local communities. 

Contained within the reserve is the Land Hill Heritage Site, part of the the 1,645 acre Santa Clara/Land Hill Area of Critical Environment Concern, which contains numerous prehistoric sites and vital riparian habitat. The reserve is also home to many plant and animal species unique to the Mojave Desert.

The Bureau of Land Management, together with the cities of Ivins and Santa Clara, developed strategies that allow for visitor experiences while protecting these valuable resources. Numerous trails in the reserve take visitors to evidence of prehistoric Ancestral Puebloan and Southern Paiute cultures, rich riparian areas, and scenic vistas.

Please respect and appreciate this special public use area. Please remember that taking artifacts is illegal. Observe, sketch, or photograph objects of interest, but leave them undisturbed.

Santa Clara River Reserve Information

Recommended Trail Users:

• All trails are limited to non-motorized users.

Camping:

• Primitive dispersed camping is allowed only in Zone 4, at least 25 feet from designated trails and 200 yards from cultural sites as shown on the Santa Clara River Reserve Brochure.

Campfires:

• Campfires are permitted only in Zone 4, but discouraged.
• Use existing fire rings when possible and/or chose a durable site.
• Fire restrictions may apply at anytime.

Designated Trails:

• The desert environment is fragile.
• Use only trails that are signed and marked as shown on the Santa Clara River Reserve Brochure.

Gates:

• Leave gates as you find them. If open, leave open. If closed, leave closed.

Livestock:

• Grazing occurs on public lands. Watch for and avoid livestock.
• Do not harass. Slow down and let them get out of the way.

Permits:

• Permits are required from the BLM for all commercial activities and group events on public lands.

Private Property:

• No recreational uses are authorized on private lands by BLM.
• Permission to enter private lands is at the discretion of the landowner.

Trail Etiquette:

• Bicyclists must yield to equestrians and hikers.
• Hikers must yield to equestrians.

Trash:

• There is no trash collection in the area.
• Do not burn, bury, or put trash in toilets.
• Please use the “Pack It In - Pack It Out” ethic.

Emergencies:

• Call 911 for life threatening emergencies.
• For search and rescue assistance and other law enforcement issues call Washington County Sheriff (435) 634-5730.