This is a cool roadside attraction that is worth a stop, if you like historical sites (as much as we do). Located at milepost 97 on Hwy 95 (28 miles west of Blanding), there is a small area for parking next to the trail that leads to the top.
Interpretive signs at the base of the hill provide background on the Mormon pioneer expedition that forged a wagon trail road from Escalante, UT, to the San Juan Valley of UT.
In October of 1879, 70 families accepted the call from the church to establish a settlement in the Four Corners region. They blasted a route through the Colorado River gorge; built paths up/down sandstone cliffs; crossed deep ravines; and, cleared a road through the juniper forests creating what came to be known as the Hole-in-the-Rock Trail.
On Christmas Day, 1879, the four scouts for the expedition were lost and out of food in the middle of a snowstorm. Coming to this hill, they make the uphill trek to the top. Where, lo and behold, they were able to see the Blue Mountains to the north. This is the landmark they needed to plot their route to Montezuma Valley. The hill became known thereafter as Salvation Knoll.
This trail was built by descendants of those original settlers. Thank you to them! The trail hugs the edge of the hill ascending to the top.
Expansive views of the surrounding area were amazing as we climbed higher.
When we reached the top, we could clearly hear motorcycles on the highway below. I attempted to snap a photo of them!
It was at this point that the scouts could clearly see the Blue Mountains in the far distance.
This is a short hike, but the elevation gain makes the rating moderate. The views are worth it! We met several other hikers along the trail of Salvation Knoll and we all enjoyed the experience.
Managed by the BLM, you can obtain additional information about Salvation Knoll, at www.blm.gov/visit/search-details/16424/2.
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