Paul Bunyan's Woodpile
A geologic curiosity - rare in Utah - the "Woodpile" is a striking cluster of columnar basalt that formed approximately 30 million years ago during the Eocene Epoch. The "logs" were created when a lava flow cooled and contracted, forming orderly columnar joints, typically with three to six sides, measuring about one foot in diameter and up to 15 feet long. This formation originally sat on the rim of a volcanic caldera, which later collapsed due to the evacuation of underlying magma. Subsequent basin and range faulting tilted the formation on its side, and erosion has since exposed the remarkable structure visible today.
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Paul Bunyan's Woodpile is located just east of Hwy 6, near Jericho Junction (the access road to Little Sahara Recreation Area). From Eureka, drive south on Hwy 6 for about 15 miles until you come to a good dirt road bearing east into the foothills. From Jericho Junction, drive north for about 3 miles to find the dirt road. At this writing, there are no signs on Hwy 6 marking the turnoff. Follow the dirt road east for about 3.5 miles to the trailhead. There are signs along the dirt road showing the way and marking the trailhead. From the trailhead, follow the trail up the draw for about one mile, until you recognize the distinctive fins shown in the photo at right. The fins are located on top of the ridge to the left as you hike up canyon. The fins are composed of lava "logs" that look as if they were neatly stacked. Other logs are strewn haphazardly around the ridge top. When you can see the fins clearly, look for a trail that leaves the draw and switchbacks up the side of the ridge to the woodpile. If you continue up the draw you will swing around behind the woodpile and gain a view of the arch shown here. You can climb up to the woodpile from the backside, but that rout is longer and much steeper.