The Dam Trails

In the Beaver Dam Wash

With a minimal amount of riding on paved roads, we can ride out of Chief Sleep Easy RV Park and find ourselves on several ATV trails through and near the Beaver Dam Wash.

The trails in and around the Beaver Dam Wash all have one thing in common:  the combination of wind and water on sand and rock in a river bottom results in really rough roads.  I’ve started wearing a sport bra when we ride, to avoid “boobies – bouncing boobies – bouncing boobies – bouncing boobies on the trail.”  Sung to the Game of Thrones theme.

And speaking of boobies:  not far out of the wash on the south side we found the Thelma and Louise

Thelma and Louise

monument – complete with the exit sign leading over the cliff.  I have yet to make a contribution.  Not sure what to contribute, as I do not own – and will never own – a large enough bra.

Although we had directions from the BLM on how to find the Tri-State Monument, we found it on our own on the back roads through the wash.  The monument marks the spot where Arizona, Nevada, and Utah meet.  Here I am, standing in three states at once!

Tri-State Monument

Did you know you can ride the back roads from Beaver Dam to Mesquite, Nevada, and end up in the parking lot of Dotty’s Casino, overlooking the Eureka and a short ride on paved roads to the gas station?  This ride, however, is a one-and-done, as it is quite challenging.  For the first time ever, we hit a hill the Polaris couldn’t climb.  Thankfully, Paul was able to back us down and we found another way.  Next time I go to Mesquite, I’ll be taking the car. 

Did you know you can ride the back roads from Beaver Dam to the Virgin River Canyon Recreation

Overlooking the Virgin River canyon

Area campground?  That was a beautiful ride over the mountains and into the Virgin River Gorge.  We did have to use the main road to cross over I-15 into the campground, but having lunch at a picnic table with restrooms nearby was well worth it.

As you come out the north end of the wash, you come into what can be called a Joshua Tree Forest, as the trees are everywhere.  We learned in a John Sandford novel that the early Mormon pioneers gave these trees their name – as they reminded them of Joshua raising his hands toward heaven.

Joshua Forest

There are miles and miles of trails out of the wash, so we still have lots to explore.  And  I still can’t get that tune out of my head.  Dam.