Trail Overview
Hollow Washington Road is an excellent point-to-point desert route for beginners, families, and seasoned offroaders looking for a scenic, low-stress drive through the rugged backcountry west of St. George, Utah. Covering roughly 8.5 miles, this easy dirt trail connects the Mine Valley area to the west with Navajo Drive and the Joshua Tree National Landmark area to the east, providing a gateway to several surrounding trail networks. With a mild technical rating of 2, the trail is highly accessible for most high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles, SUVs, and SxSs. Along the way, travelers will experience a steady descent of nearly 1,930 feet if heading east, shifting from an elevation of about 4,560 feet down to 2,630 feet. The terrain primarily consists of unpaved dirt with occasional sandy sections, gravel, and minor rocky patches that pose no major challenges under dry conditions.
As the route winds through the arid landscape, drivers will navigate a few shallow wash crossings and weave through scenic, narrow dirt ravines and small canyons. One of the primary highlights along this route is the proximity to Bloomington Caves, a famous tectonic cave system managed by the Bureau of Land Management that requires a permit to enter and explore. Offroaders will also find several primitive camping spots tucked along the trail, making it a great option for an overnight desert getaway. Keep in mind that this route is entirely unmaintained, meaning winter weather, heavy rains, and wet conditions can quickly turn the clay-heavy dirt into impassable mud, so checking local weather forecasts is crucial. Numerous side trails branch off the main road, offering ample opportunities for further exploration of this stunning southwestern Utah landscape.
