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Pine
Valley Scenic Drive |
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Sometime, when
you’re not quite
in the mood for
a long hike or
bike ride but
really want to
get outside and
see an exquisite
scene, load up
in the family
car and take the
spectacular road
tour from
Central to Pine
Valley. Central
is located about
25 miles north
of Saint George
on State Hwy 18.
In Central, East
Pine Valley Road
intersects Hwy
18 and it will
take you up and
into the Dixie
National Forest
and Pine Valley
Wilderness
Area.
For the next 12
miles you will
gradually gain
about 1,200 feet
in elevation.
There is much to
see along this
fantastic
stretch of
pavement, so
take your time
and don’t forget
to stop and
shoot a few
photos along the
way. You may
also want to
take a set of
binoculars
along, because
many species of
hillside animals
inhabit this
wild
neighborhood
including Mule
Deer and giant
Ravens.
During winter
months expect
the terrain to
be snow covered,
but the road
passable as
residents of
Pine Valley
commute to work
and play year
round. In the
summer this
drive gives you
a spectacular
gift, for the
elevation and
soils of the
region are
optimal for the
Utah Cliffrose
to flourish. At
their peak, the
slopes and
crevasses that
meander with the
Santa Clara
River are
colorfully
dotted with
thousands of
petite, yellow
roses blooming
on the heavy,
gnarly bark of
the Cliffrose
shrub. This
plant can
withstand long
periods of
drought while
producing a
fabulous show!
Anytime of year
is the right
time of year for
this outing. |
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