White Dome + Lowland Trail Loop

The White Dome Trail can be combined with the Lowland Trail to create a short loop that will take you through a sampling of the rolling terrain found within the preserve. The White Dome Nature Preserve is an 800 acre preserve home to a special plant - the dwarf bear poppy (named so because of its paw-shaped leaf). This plant grows nowhere other than here in Washington County. Unfortunately this poppy only blooms from around late April to mid May. If you miss the bloom season the White Dome Nature Preserve isn't all that exciting, but it is still worth a stop if you are in the area.The White Dome Trail begins from the trailhead, where you'll follow the signs and continue away from the road. The trail gains a bit of elevation, but does so gently as it works its way up the rolling hills.The trail continues as it heads toward some beautiful, but barren hillsides. These hills might remind you of something you'd see in the badlands of South Dakota. You'll also have some great views in the direction of St. George and of the red rock hills and mountains beyond.You'll soon top out and come to a junction. You could continue straight to extend the loop and meet up with the Highland and/or Gypsum Trails, but for this loop we will take a left on the Lowland Trail.Follow the Lowland Trail as it passes by the base of the interesting hillsides before curving to the left and descending in elevation. The trail will continue to descend until it again meets up with the White Dome Trail just a short distance from the parking lot.If hiking the White Dome/Lowland Trail Loop be sure to stay on trail to help protect the biological crust, and be sure to bring water and sunscreen (especially if hiking in the summer) as the area is barren and exposed.