ROCKWELL WILDERNESS STUDY AREA

Values

The WSA is an alluvium (loose soil shaped by water) and sand dune covered valley. The terrain consists of free-moving sand dunes, dunes stabilized by trees or brush, and sagebrush flats. Old juniper trees and changing shadow patterns on the dunes provide a variety of visual settings. Vegetation is relatively sparse, consisting of scattered junipers, saltbrush, greasewood, and sagebrush. Old gnarled junipers are scattered throughout the 5,200 acres of juniper woodlands within the WSA. Bald eagles winter in the WSA. Sensitive wildlife species that may inhabit the WSA include the ferruginous hawk, long-billed curlew, burrowing owl, and kit fox. A unique plant known as Atriplex canescens var gigantean grows in the WSA. It is a four-wing saltbrush that grows to 10 feet tall and appears to be the last relic community of a plant species that was once widespread.

Visitation Information

Located in central Juab County, 28 miles west of Nephi, UT.

Visitor Advisory

Visitors should come prepared for backcountry conditions and adequately prepare for their trip. Knowledge of weather, terrain, and physical conditions can help ensure safety.