Photo: Thomas Farley / CC0

Parks 3,336 ft Bortle 3 Solitude: 70/100 (secluded)

U.S. Highway 91 (“Old Highway 91”) U.S. Highway 91 was the first paved interstate highway to be constructed through southern Utah during the 1920s. Until the construction of Interstate I-15 through the Virgin River Gorge in the 1970s, all travel north-south through southern Utah was via Highway 91. Service stations and overnight tourist camps were located at regular intervals along the roadway, including one within the boundaries of the NCA. It is the only paved road that crosses the Beaver Dam Wash NCA today and affords visitor access to its special resource values and scenic vistas.

Near Littlefield, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Old Highway 91, Washington

The right gear makes all the difference — here's a packing list tailored to this area.

Every item on this list exists because of specific conditions at Old Highway 91 — Desert terrain, Mediterranean, and local wildlife.

Essential

Water (minimum 2L) — Water sources marked on maps may be seasonal or dry; carrying enough to complete your route prevents a dangerous shortfall.
Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Getting lost is the leading cause of backcountry search-and-rescue calls; reliable navigation prevents the situation entirely.
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Prolonged sun exposure causes headaches, fatigue, and heat exhaustion that can cut a trip short or create a medical emergency.
First aid kit — Remote locations mean longer response times for help; a first aid kit bridges the gap between injury and professional care.
Extra food — High-energy snacks weigh little but provide crucial fuel if you need to bushwhack out or wait for conditions to improve.
Headlamp with extra batteries — Hands-free light is essential for navigating uneven terrain, setting up camp, or signaling for help at night.
Fire starter — Waterproof matches or a ferro rod weigh almost nothing and can be the difference between a cold night and a survivable one.
Emergency shelter (space blanket) — Wind and rain strip heat faster than most people realize; a compact emergency shelter blocks both.
Knife or multi-tool — A multi-tool handles problems you can't predict: jammed zippers, tangled line, first-aid tape cutting, or gear fixes on the trail.
Extra clothing layer — A lightweight fleece or puffy stuffs small but provides critical insulation if temperatures drop unexpectedly.

Wildlife Gear

Bear canister — Many backcountry areas require approved bear canisters; an improperly stored food bag can result in fines and lost supplies.
Bear spray — A 30-foot spray cone gives you a critical buffer zone during a charge, without requiring precise aim under extreme stress.
Bear bell — Bears typically avoid humans when given advance warning; the steady jingle of a bear bell lets them move away before you arrive.
Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — A companion can help with first aid, signaling, and decision-making if a wildlife encounter turns serious.
Noise maker — Group noise is especially important in dense brush or near berry patches where bears may be feeding and less alert.
Gaiters — Thick gaiters deflect fangs before they reach skin, buying critical time in areas with rattlesnakes or copperheads.
First-aid snakebite kit — Knowing how to immobilize a limb, mark swelling progression, and avoid harmful folk remedies can improve outcomes.

Climate Gear

Extra water (1L/hr) — Heat exhaustion progresses to heat stroke rapidly once fluid reserves drop; consistent intake keeps your cooling system functional.
Electrolytes — Drinking large amounts of plain water without electrolytes can actually dilute blood sodium to dangerous levels during intense exertion.
Cooling towel — Evaporative cooling towels stay cold for hours when wet and can lower perceived temperature by several degrees.
Layering system (wide temp swings) — A base layer, insulating mid-layer, and wind shell cover the full range of temperatures you might encounter in a single day.

Terrain Gear

Wide-brim hat — At high elevation where UV is 10-12% stronger per 1,000 feet of gain, a hat provides constant passive protection.
Sunscreen SPF50+ — Sunburn isn't just discomfort — severe burns cause fluid loss, fatigue, and impaired thermoregulation that compound in remote settings.
Extra water (desert) — In arid heat, your body loses 1-2 liters per hour during exertion; running out of water in the desert is life-threatening.

Seasonal Gear

Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)

Activities & Best Time to Visit Old Highway 91, Washington

The Desert terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Outdoor recreation at Old Highway 91 centers on hiking, with the May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep months offering the best conditions.

With a photography score of 55/100, Old Highway 91 offers Good dark sky (Bortle 3) and 3 excellent meteor showers worth capturing.

Activities

hiking — Hiking ranges from gentle nature walks to challenging summit climbs.
ice_fishing — Ice fishing requires proper gear and careful attention to ice safety.
ice_skating — Ice skating combines recreation with crisp seasonal air.
photography — Golden hour and dramatic weather can transform ordinary scenes into striking images.
picnicking — Picnicking turns a scenic overlook or shady grove into a memorable gathering spot.
rv_camping — RV camping blends outdoor living with modern amenities.
sightseeing — Sightseeing highlights iconic vistas, waterfalls, and unique rock formations.
walking — Walking lets you slow down and notice details — wildflowers, birdsong, shifting light through trees.
wildlife_viewing — Early mornings and dusk offer the best chances to quietly spot native wildlife.

Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Terrain: Desert — Cacti, shrubs, and drought-tolerant plants dominate arid landscapes.

Wildlife Safety at Old Highway 91, Washington

Most wildlife encounters are positive, but a few potential hazards are worth knowing about.

A danger score of 40/10 means Old Highway 91 requires moderate preparation compared to the average trail.

Danger rating: 40/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) moderate

Bears present
Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Far from city (92mi)

UV risk: high (Mid latitude (37N), Desert (exposed))

Photo score: 55/100

Good dark sky (Bortle 3)
3 excellent meteor showers
Fall foliage
Spring wildflowers

Bears

Black Bear inhabit the forests around Old Highway 91, foraging for berries, insects, and nuts.

Black Bear

Color varies widely from jet black to cinnamon brown, and occasionally blond, sometimes with a pale chest patch.

If you encounter one, speak calmly, make yourself appear larger, and back away slowly without running.

Store food properly - use bear boxes or hang food bags
Keep a clean camp - no food scraps
Make noise while hiking
Never approach cubs - mother is nearby
Back away slowly if you encounter a bear

Venomous Snakes

Watch your step — are present in the Desert habitat around Old Highway 91.

Watch where you step and place hands
Stay on trails
Wear boots and long pants in snake country
Do not reach under rocks or logs
If bitten: stay calm, immobilize limb, seek medical help immediately
Do NOT: cut wound, suck venom, apply tourniquet, ice, or alcohol

Nature & Wildlife at Old Highway 91, Washington

The Desert terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.

The plant life here ranges from in the canopy to along the trail edges.

Shrubs (4)

Creosote Bush — Bright yellow flowers bloom after rain.
Burrobush — Forms rounded mounds in arid landscapes.
Eastern Joshua tree — It grows in Mojave Desert regions.

Other Plants (5)

Buckhorn Cholla
California Barrel Cactus
Plains Pricklypear
Silver Cholla
Common Fishhook Cactus

Mammals (1)

White-tailed Antelope Squirrel — White underside and underside of tail.

Birds (30)

Northern Shoveler — Female mottled brown
Cedar Waxwing — Yellow tail tip
Brewer's Blackbird — Brown female with dark eye
Canada Goose — Pale-breasted form with lighter body plumage
Dark-eyed Junco — Oregon form with dark hood and brown back

Reptiles (15)

Common Side-blotched Lizard — Distinct dark blotch behind the front legs on each side.
Mojave Desert Tortoise — Front limbs are heavily scaled for digging.
Desert Iguana — Long tail and slender body.
Western Whiptail — Usually brown to black with six to eight light longitudinal stripes.
Desert Horned Lizard — Color blends with sandy desert soil.

Amphibians (3)

Pacific chorus frog
Woodhouse's Toad
Red-spotted Toad

Insects (2)

Large Creosote Gall Midge
White-lined Sphinx

Fungi (1)

Desert Shaggymane

Other Wildlife (1)

Virgin Springsnail

Nature Bingo at Old Highway 91, Washington

Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.

Wildlife Challenge

Black-throated Sparrow (bird)
White-tailed Antelope Squirrel (mammal)
Common Side-blotched Lizard (reptile)
Pacific chorus frog (amphibian)
Eastern Joshua tree (plant)

Botany Challenge

Achnatherum Pinetorum
Aquilegia Coerulea Var. Pinetorum
Arabis Holboellii Var. Pinetorum
Asclepias Engelmanniana
Echinocereus Engelmannii
Almutaster

Old Highway 91, Washington Climate & Sun

Month-by-month climate and daylight information for Old Highway 91.

With inches of annual precipitation and an average of °F, Old Highway 91 has Mediterranean conditions.

Climate type: Mediterranean

Best months to visit: Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov. Consider avoiding: Jul, Aug.

Winter 47°

1.0"

Spring 66°

0.6"

Summer 93°

0.8"

Fall 70°

0.8"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	47°F	1.0 in
Feb	51°F	1.2 in
Mar	59°F	0.9 in
Apr	66°F	0.6 in
May	75°F	0.5 in
Jun	86°F	0.1 in
Jul	93°F	0.8 in
Aug	91°F	1.0 in
Sep	83°F	0.8 in
Oct	70°F	0.8 in
Nov	58°F	0.7 in
Dec	46°F	1.1 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 9.6 hours in winter to 14.7 hours in summer — a difference of 5.1 hours.

Summer: 4:14 AM – 6:56 PM

Winter: 6:41 AM – 4:19 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 6:41 AM, Sunset 4:19 PM Golden hour from 3:39 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 4:14 AM, Sunset 6:56 PM Golden hour from 6:17 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 5:48 AM, Sunset 5:42 PM Golden hour from 5:07 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 5:16 AM, Sunset 5:45 PM Golden hour from 5:10 PM

Old Highway 91, Washington Trip Planning & Access

Ready to visit? Here's what to know about getting here and what it'll cost.

Trip planning for Old Highway 91 starts with the 92-mile route from Las Vegas.

Nearest city: Las Vegas (92 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $22.91 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 74 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

Visitor friendliness: families (excellent), dogs (likely_allowed), elderly (highly_suitable).

Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
Families: excellent
Elderly: highly_suitable
Strollers: excellent (100/100)
Beginners: Perfect for beginners (Moderate difficulty (+5), Good information available (+5))
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)

Places Near Old Highway 91, Washington

If you're in the area, these nearby destinations are worth considering too.

From campgrounds to trails to scenic attractions, 7 destinations surround Old Highway 91.

Nearby Campgrounds

Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area Campground, Mohave 8.69 mi

Stargazing & Night Sky at Old Highway 91, Washington

If you're staying past sunset, the stargazing conditions here are worth planning around.

For anyone who stays past sunset, the Bortle 3 conditions here reward patience with constellations and bright planets.

Bortle 3 Rural sky

Constellations

Look for Ursa Minor, Cassiopeia, Cepheus — all visible from this location depending on the season.

Ursa Minor — This compact constellation contains Polaris at the end of its handle, a reliable guide to true north.
Cassiopeia — This constellation represents a mythological queen and lies opposite the Big Dipper across Polaris.
Cepheus — Named for a mythological king, this constellation sits beside Cassiopeia and is circumpolar in northern latitudes.

Meteor Showers

For meteor viewing, the Geminids (December 13-14) offers the best show at this location.

Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)
Cold December air often means clear skies—look overhead after midnight for bright, slow-moving meteors.
Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)
Bundle up—January nights are frigid, but dark skies can produce bright fireballs.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)
Peak activity typically builds after midnight when Perseus climbs higher.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Southern U.S. observers often get better rates due to the radiant's position.
Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)
This steady shower rewards patient observers in dark, moonless conditions.

Planets

Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:

Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star
Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky
Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light
Mars — The Red Planet, recognizable by its reddish-orange hue

Equipment Guide

Naked eye: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury (with care)
Binoculars: Jupiter moons, Uranus, Saturn rings (barely)
Small telescope: Saturn rings, Jupiter bands, Mars surface features, Neptune

Viewing Tips

Check planets rise/set times for your specific date
Planets appear along the ecliptic (zodiac path)
Planets don't twinkle like stars - steady light
Venus and Jupiter are unmistakable - brightest objects after Moon
Use a stargazing app to confirm planet positions
Best viewing: when planet is highest in sky (transit)

Best Viewing Months

Evening: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Morning: Jul, Aug, Sep

Seasonal Highlights at Old Highway 91, Washington

Each season brings something different to this area.

From wildflower blooms in spring to fall foliage in autumn, Old Highway 91 rewards visitors in every season.

Spring Wildflowers

Peak bloom: April - May

Check local park websites for bloom reports

Fall Foliage

Peak color: September 15 – October 10

Best trees for color: Aspen, Cottonwood, Scrub Oak

At 3336ft elevation, expect peak 1-2 weeks earlier

Bird Migration

Spring peak: April - May

Fall peak: September - October

Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges

Indigenous Land at Old Highway 91, Washington

Long before trails were marked and campgrounds built, this land was home to Indigenous peoples.

This area's history extends far beyond recreation — it is the traditional territory of Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute), Pueblos.

Territories

Languages

1 Indigenous languages are associated with the peoples of this area: Southern Paiute.

Southern Paiute

Data from Native Land Digital

Old Highway 91, Washington Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Old Highway 91 sits within a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Here's what researchers and surveys have documented about this area.

Bedrock Geology

Rock Type: Old river and stream deposits
Lithology: stream channel and flood plain
Age: Quaternary

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences: 4
Unique Species: 4
Oldest: 170.9 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 130
Richness: Exceptional
Minerals Found: Copper, Sand and Gravel, Construction, Iron, Gold, Silver, Manganese, Gypsum-Anhydrite

Endangered Species

Species at Risk: 2596
ESA Endangered: 44
ESA Threatened: 29
Conservation Score: 100/100

Temperature Records

Record High: 115°F (2003-07-10)
Record Low: 4°F (1990-12-23)

Wildfire History

This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.

Recorded Fires: 92
Largest Fire: Westside (66,900.7 acres)
Most Recent: 2024
Fire Risk: Extreme

Watershed

Watershed: Indian Canyon-Beaver Dam Wash
Water Quality (Good): 0%
Impaired: 0%

Old Highway 91, Washington Safety & Conditions

Conditions change fast outdoors — bookmark these official sources for your visit.

The data above tells you what's typical — these links tell you what's happening at Old Highway 91 right now.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone

Nearest weather station: IVINS 1.5 SE, UT US (14.98 mi)