Cameo Cliffs 4X4 Trail
Near Moab, Utah

Part One - Cameo Cliffs South

by Bob Norton

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Tens of thousands of 4-wheel drive enthusiasts whiz straight by a little visited region on their way to the mecca known as Moab. With just a few miles to go, perhaps the only recognition of this area are the colorful cliffs in the distance, plus the sandstone domes and buttes. Oh, and a brief stop at the Wilson Arch followed by a puzzled glance at the eccentric collections at "Hole-'n-the-Rock".

Bordered by U.S. Highway 191 on the west, eastward some 6-8 miles, south to the Lisbon Valley Industrial Complex, and northward to Kane Springs Canyon/Creek. (Portions of the Strike Ravine Trail are near this northern border, as well the Lower & Upper Helldorado Trails.)

Authors F.A. & M.M. Barnes have dubbed this geologically interesting terrain the Cameo Cliffs. The pastel colors of the sandstone cliffs reminded them of an old-fashioned pink and white cameo locket. This name has no official governmental standing, but suitably descriptive, I will use it throughout this article. The Barnes guide book: CAMEO CLIFFS Biking-Hiking-Four-Wheeling, plus the related map, are fine references.

My friend Bob T. and I would explore the southern portions the first day and the northern portions the next. What we were to discover was an area rich in history relating to the uranium mining era and other resource extractive industries, in addition to some pleasant, scenic backcountry 4-wheeling.

We began our tour of the southern Cameo Cliffs area by heading eastward on San Juan 114. Then we turn northward, adjacent to the oil refinery, following Steens Road. The Lisbon Oil Field is very productive... the sculpted sandstone outcrops are draped with pipelines, the roadside also lined with pipes... all snaking their way down to the valley floor. The odor of escaping gas permeates the atmosphere; posted "no smoking" signs accenting the obvious.

Ore Train

Ore Bin

The road narrows and begins a climb up a canyon. Evidence of past mining activity begins to appear and the oil fields are left behind. We approach what was once a booming uranium mining operation. Remnants of an electric ore train are parked at the mine shaft entrance. During its hey-day, the train would pull out onto a trestle and dump the ore into the huge metal containment below. This is the location of what was one of the best mines in southeastern Utah, the famous Mi Vida Mine. During the "Cold War" era, the U.S. government was interested in uranium ore that was 2% pure, later endorsing mining operations with lower uranium content. Well, the Mi Vida Mine contained pockets of ore that were up to an astonishing 85% purity! Charlie Steen of Moab discovered "paydirt" at this site on July 3rd 1952 and went on to become a very wealthy man.

The road, now dirt, continues up the canyon, then northward along the edge of the mesa above Big Indian Valley. Bob & I enjoy the colorful views. We explore the next canyon. One spur follows the power line ending at a cliff edge. The road on the other side continues downward. But after looking it over, it appears that some work will be required to make it passable for full sized 4x4's. Sounds like a project to do coming up the canyon and during a much cooler time of the year.

Further to the north are many more remnants of mining activity. Covered vertical shafts, horizontal shafts, old structures, and a variety of discarded cars and trucks. A number of branch roads lace this particular area, others dead-ending at cliff edges. Why? Oil exploration, as evidenced by the numerous drill holes where core samples had been taken. The four-wheeling is generally easy, although some slippery climbs are encountered.

Our route then intersects with San Juan 116, which takes us northwesterly and back towards our destination, the northern starting point of the Cameo Ridge Trail. As we travel in a southwesterly direction on this trail, the multicolored landscape becomes increasingly striking as the road becomes less well defined winding through the pinyon-juniper forests. More folks need to take an interest in traveling such routes to keep them open. Cameo Ridge Trail continues across slickrock at a narrow point separating the upper drainage's of Hook & Ladder Gulch from Sandstone Draw.

Ultimately, we approach the base of a steep hill climb. A short exposed rock step half way up, loose sand, plus rock rubble will surely make it difficult or impossible for many 4x4's. Stock vehicles had better travel this road from the southern end.

I attempt to crawl the hill but quickly loose traction, in spite of my front and rear ARB lockers engaged. Bob reports the right front tire was not spinning. Darn, a great time for the pesky Cherokee intermittent vacuum leak to cause a loss of 4-wd! So I am forced to attack the slope in a more aggressive fashion and successfully claw to the top in 3-wd. Bob then crawls easily and slowly to the top with his capable CJ-5. Another round trip on this hill for Bob as he tries out the ski-slope like downhill.

Cameo Ridge

Cameo Butte

We are treated to an assortment of evening shadows and hues as we pass by Cameo Butte and onward to the end of this trail. San Juan 114 is driven back to the main highway and to Moab, as we anticipate the next day's adventures in the area dubbed Cameo Cliffs North.

Cameo Cliffs South Trail Map (412 KB)

Part Two: Cameo Cliffs North

Utah Trail Guidebooks, Trail Maps, and Trail Videos

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