Description   

Centuries of history unfold at the Uinkaret Pueblo and Nixon Sawmill sites in Grand Canyon Parashant National Monument.

 

Uinkaret Pueblo’s “C” shaped rock foundations were once roofed with wooden beams crosshatched by branches, and sealed with mud.  These rooms created a sheltered courtyard, which was the focal point for daily activities.  Pottery samples show that a variety of activities took place during the site’s occupation, including cooking and food storage.  It is unknown how many people may have occupied the site.  Human history in this isolated area of northern Arizona can be traced back 12,000 years. 

Nixon Sawmill, the first sawmill on Mount Trumbull, was built on this site in 1872 to provide lumber for the construction of the Mormon temple in St. George, Utah.  A wooden flume, supported by rock cairns, sluiced water from a spring on Mount Trumbull to the large steam boilers that generated power.  The nearby forest provided one million board feet of lumber for the temple’s construction.  Remnants of the sawmill supports and rock cairns are still visible.

 

Grand Canyon Parashant National Monument, approximately 65 miles southeast of St. George, Utah.

From St George, Utah, take Quail Hill Road (BLM Road 1069) to Main Street Valley Road (County Road 5), drive to the Nixon Flat area at the southern foot of Mt. Trumbull. Park at Mt. Trumbull trailhead parking and take ¼ mile loop trail to Sawmill and Uinkaret sites.

 

Viewing historical and cultural sites.  Outside of the National Monument, the Mt. Trumbull Scenic Loop provides a pleasant opportunity for autotouring with access to hiking and the historic  Mt. Trumbull Schoolhouse.

 

Interpretive signage.

There are no fees at the site.

 

Roads are unpaved and high clearance vehicles are recommended.  A four-wheel drive vehicle is not necessary to access the site, unless roads are wet or snowy.  Carry one, preferably two, full size spare tires. The trail is not wheelchair accessible. 

Dispersed camping is available within the Monument and on surrounding public lands.  The nearest developed campground is within the Virgin River Recreation Area along Interstate 15.

 

Services are not available within the national monument.  Cell phones do not work in most areas of the monument.

 

The closest medical facilities are located in St. George, Dixie Regional Medical Center, and Kanab, Kane County Hospital.

 

A map of Grand Canyon Parashant National Monument is available.