Trail Overview
Silver Reef - Leeds Canyon is an easy, scenic 7.9-mile point-to-point drive perfect for families and beginners looking to explore historic ruins and climb from the desert floor into the cool pine forests of the Dixie National Forest. Starting near the historic town of Leeds, Utah, at an elevation of 3,799 feet, this well-maintained unpaved road is accessible to any standard passenger vehicle, high-clearance vehicle, SxS, or four-wheel-drive vehicle. The route climbs steadily, gaining 2,755 feet of elevation as it snakes northwest toward Oak Grove Campground. Along the way, travelers can stop to explore the Silver Reef ghost town, where a short-lived silver boom in the 1880s left behind fascinating sandstone ruins, artifacts, and historical markers.
Approximately three miles up the canyon road stands "The Beehive," a historic stone kiln once used to produce charcoal for smelting silver ore. Continuing past this point, the road transitions into more mountainous terrain before terminating at Oak Grove Campground at 6,529 feet, which offers shaded picnic tables, hiking trails, and a welcome escape from summer heat. While the lower portion of the road to the Beehive remains accessible year-round, the upper section leading to the campground is typically closed from late fall through early spring due to winter weather conditions. For those seeking additional adventure, the adjoining Leeds Creek Cottonwood Valley road offers spectacular views of the surrounding red rock country and Zion National Park.
History
Silver Reef was a bustling mining boomtown in the 1880s following the rare discovery of silver within sandstone. A stone kiln known as "The Beehive" was constructed during this era to convert local timber into charcoal, which was utilized to melt silver out of the sandstone ore. Although the silver rush was short-lived, the ruins, old town center, and informative signs along the wash preserve the history of the characters who settled the area.
Access Description
The road is well-maintained and suitable for standard passenger cars, high-clearance vehicles, SxSs, and four-wheel-drive vehicles. While the lower section of the route up to the historic Beehive kiln remains open during the winter, the upper portion leading to Oak Grove Campground is closed from late fall until early spring when the campground officially opens.
Offroad