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This area offers stunning views of Utah's canyon country. Skirting Canyonlands National Park, the territory offers deep canyon vistas.
Hatch Point and the Canyon Rims Recreation Area are part of a high-desert ecosystem that provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Animals have adapted in various ways to survive the harsh temperature extremes and low annual precipitation typical of their sagebrush and pinyon- juniper habitat.
Keen-eyed observers can spot American pronghorn antelope on Hatch Point. These animals rely on extreme speed and excellent vision to escape predators in open country. With sharp eyes or binoculars, desert bighorn sheep can occasionally be located on the steep, rugged talus slopes below the vertical cliffs. The bighorn rely on keen eyesight and agility to escape predators.
Peregrine falcons are rare but may be seen along cliffs. Golden eagles are often spotted while they are hunting, as are many species of hawks. Sage grouse are also rare in this area, but are sometimes seen in dense stands of sagebrush.
Mule deer and coyotes can be found throughout the area all year. The black-tailed jackrabbit is a common sight throughout the area. It radiates heat through the numerous capillaries in its huge ears to help regulate its body temperature.
Snakes and lizards are common. One of the most interesting species is the horned lizard, or "horned toad," as it is sometimes called. Among its other adaptations, this lizard escapes the chill of night by burrowing into the sand, sometimes several inches below the surface.
The Hatch Point area of the Canyon Rims Recreation Area is a large plateau located south of Moab, Utah. Within this area, visitors may tour scenic overlooks by car, camp, explore a series of dirt roads, hike, backpack and ride bikes. The majority of visitors come to observe the Colorado River's canyon from the overlooks at the edge of the plateau.
There are several recreation sites available to the visitor in the Hatch Point area. Developed facilities include two campgrounds, four overlooks, a nature trail and a hiking trail.
Windwhistle Campground is located six miles from the U.S. Hwy. 191 entrance. It has 15 individual sites and one group site. The individual sites are not reservable. The group site, which accomodates from 10 to 15 people, is reservable by telephone. Call (435) 259-2100 to make a reservation.
Drinking water is available from about mid-April to mid-October.
The Windwhistle Nature Trail is located near the group site in the campground. This one-half mile long trail has a brochure (available at the trailhead) identifying 17 plants that grow in the area. It is a pleasant and informative walk.
The Hatch Point Campground is located 24 miles from Hwy. 191, just off the graveled road to the Anticline Overlook. The campground has 10 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Drinking water is available from about mid-April to mid-October.
Trough Springs Trail is located 25 miles from Hwy. 191 off the Anticline Road. The route to the trailhead is marked. This trail descends from the plateau into Kane Creek Canyon via an old constructed cattle trail. The trail is marked with cairns. It is about 2.5 miles long and descends 1,100 feet in elevation.
Outdoor Activities |
