Last updated: January 17, 2023
Place
Old Spanish Trail Heritage Loop
Photo/BLM Utah State Office/Courtney Warren
Quick Facts
Location:
Old Spanish Trail Heritage Loop, Elmo, Emery County, Utah. 39.17902 N, 110.48517 W
Significance:
The Old Spanish Trail Heritage Loop is rich with history pertaining to the Old Spanish Trail and southeastern Utah.
MANAGED BY:
Amenities
2 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto
The Old Spanish Trail Heritage Loop is made up of the Cottonwood and Lost Spring washes. Cottonwood Wash was taken between 1829 and 1848 by Old Spanish Trail pack mule caravans developing a trade route between Santa Fe, New Mexico and Los Angeles, California. Both washes were later developed into wagon roads to connect the towns of Green River and Castle Dale.
- An interactive app with additional sites and information can be downloaded by scanning the QR code on the wayside sign.
Site Information
Location (Old Spanish Trail Heritage Loop, Elmo, Emery County, Utah; 39.17902 N, 110.48517 W)
Available Facilities
Open area for parking; Trail Kiosk Information
Safety Considerations
The Old Spanish Trail Heritage Loop can be accessed from both the east and west using the Green River Cutoff Road. The portal sign and trailhead sign are visible from the road.
Getting to this area requires 4WD and high clearance at a minimum and is impassible during or after rain and snow. Keep in mind this loop is in a remote part of the San Rafael Swell.
More Site Information
Exhibit Audio Description available
Old Spanish National Historic Trail