East Cinder Knoll
The East Cinder Knoll trail is generally accessed from a stepover off 600 North in the City of Hurricane immediately west of the city public works facilities at the foot of the gravel road to the Search and Rescue facility and gravity pond on top of the hill. Parking is limited to a single pullover on the side of 600 North. The 2-track lava trail is about 1.5 miles in length, round trip, and provides a loop at the top. Elevation gain from bottom to top is about 300 feet. The knoll consists of a sizable volcanic cone made of black lava cinders. Easy is most places, the lava rock and cinders can be tricky on a steep portion of the main trail nearer the top, especially on decent. Excellent views of the Virgin River Gorge and the Sandstone Mountain complex to the north and of the Hurricane Valley to the south are enjoyed by most visitors to the site. Common wildlife in the area consist of rabbits, hawks, small desert birds, lizards, and occasional desert tortoises. A ½ mile 2-track connector trail, called 600 North, parellels the city road and connects the East and West Knolls for those who wish to visit both. The trail is generally suitable for hikers, equestrians, and most bikers and lies entirely on lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management in the Red Cliffs NCA.
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- Cinder Knolls map showing connection with 600 North trail
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- Access to the trail is from this step-over on 600 North just west of the city Public Works yard
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- Trail begins heading north from the step-over along the boundary fence
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- Portions of the trail include steep sections with loose cinders which can be tricky for hikers and bikers alike, especially going downhill
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- Trail follows an old two-track jeep trail all the way to the top of the knoll
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- Spectacular views can be seen such as this one of the Sandstone Mountain complex to the northwest
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- Portions of the beautiful Virgin River gorge can be seen from the back of the knoll
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- Visitors can take a loop at the top of the knoll to return to the main trail
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- From the front of the knoll visitors can view portions of the Hurricane Valley
