Temple Mountain

Type: Loop
Rating: Intermediate
Length: 11.5 miles
Notes: Mine shafts can be extremely hazardous.

THE RIDE: During the 1940s and '50s, prospectors from all over the country came to the San Rafael Swell and surrounding areas in search of uranium. As the nuclear age began to boom, many miners found wealth in this radioactive gold. Temple Mountain, named by early pioneers for its resemblance to the Salt Lake Temple, contains many reminders of this mining boom. Abandoned buildings and gaping mineshafts bored into the mountain are reminders of this short but prosperous period. Another reminder is the roads that were cut to access many of these mines, which is what this tour follows.

The Temple Mountain Loop is an excellent intermediate loop that has a great variety of history. Not only did the miners leave behind evidence of habitation, the Fremont Indians also left signs of residence via several petroglyph panels that are found in the area. From the high point of the loop, there are extensive views into Sinbad Country, and the trail culminates with a cruise through a beautiful slickrock canyon.

Directions: From Green River, travel west on 1-70 about 12 miles to State Hwy. 24, then head south for 30 miles to the Temple Mountain/Goblin Valley junction (signed). Head west for about 5 miles to the Goblin Valley Rd. There is a message board here, and is a good place to begin pedaling. From the sign, head west on the paved road into Temple Wash, passing through the formidable San Rafael Reef. As you pass through the reef, the road turns to dirt, and there is a large, but vandalized petroglyph panel to the north.

Continue west a short distance, then fork right onto a dirt road that leads to old mining ruins, surrounded by a wood fence. The rock and wood structure is still in somewhat good condition, and is worth a look inside. From here the road begins to climb, and there are outstanding views of Temple Mountain as it looms overhead. The road rises and falls, and there is one difficult, but short climb. Ahead is the high point of the ride on the north side of the mountain. If you reach a dead end here, backtrack about 20 yards and pick up the trail again by veering to the right. Enjoy the view from here, and prepare for an exhilarating downhill cruise, be aware there are some rocky sections here. Upon reaching more ruins at the bottom of the hill, enjoy a break here to check out the old mining camp and the numerous shafts that penetrate the hillside. From here follow the road east, and then south as it enters North Temple Wash. and coast through the narrow canyon.

After about 8.5 miles from the trailhead, the trail exits the reef and look for a dirt road branching to the right (south). From here the road leads back to the paved road at the Goblin Valley junction, the routes beginning.

Notes: While some of the old buildings are safe for exploration, do not enter mine shafts. There are real threats from cave-ins and radon gas, an odorless radioactive gas that can prove fatal. This gas tends to collect at the entrances of these old uranium mines and it is wise to avoid these hazardous areas.

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