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Hell Hole Pass to TV Towers: UTV Guide to West Mountain Peak
Hell Hole Pass climbs over Utah Hill in the Beaver Dam Mountains west of St. George, then a spur road keeps going up to the radio and TV towers on top of West Mountain Peak. It’s an easy-to-moderate gravel ride through Joshua trees and granite, with one of the biggest views in Washington County at the top. Here’s what to know.
Hell Hole Pass at a glance
| Where | Off Old Highway 91 on Utah Hill, west of Santa Clara and Ivins |
|---|---|
| Route | Hell Hole Pass Road (about 6 miles), then West Mountain Peak Road (about 2.5 miles) to the towers |
| Top elevation | About 7,500 feet at West Mountain Peak |
| Difficulty | Easy at first, then steeper, with loose gravel and washboard |
| Scenery | Joshua trees, granite, juniper and long views over the St. George basin |
| Best season | Spring and fall; snow is possible up top in winter |
The route
From St. George, follow Old Highway 91 west through Santa Clara and up Utah Hill. Just before the summit, a gravel road on the right is signed Hell Hole Pass Road. The first half is smooth and easy. The second half gets steeper, with some loose gravel and washboard, so take the climbs steady and keep your speed down on the way back down.
Up to the TV Towers
At the top of the pass, West Mountain Peak Road branches off and climbs about 2.5 miles to the communication towers on the summit. At around 7,500 feet, it’s one of the highest points you can ride to in Washington County. On a clear day you can see across the whole basin to the Pine Valley Mountains, the Arizona Strip and beyond. The towers are working equipment, so stay outside any fences.
Hell Hole Pass vs. Hellhole Canyon
Don’t mix this up with the Hellhole Canyon hiking trail near Ivins and Kayenta. That’s a non-motorized trail in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. Hell Hole Pass is the gravel road over Utah Hill, and you’ll also see signs for the new Hell Hole downhill mountain bike trail, which starts off the pass road. Watch for bikes and shuttle trucks.
Tips for a great ride
- Bring a layer. It’s much cooler on top than in town.
- Take it slow downhill. Loose gravel on the steep sections is the main hazard.
- Watch for other traffic, including tower service trucks and bike shuttles.
- Check for snow on the upper road in winter.
- Bring water. There are no services once you leave the highway.
Ride Hell Hole Pass with us
Hell Hole Pass is a great pick when you want something different from the red sand of Sand Hollow: cooler air, desert forest and a mountaintop view.
Want the view from the top? Our UTVs are street legal, so you can drive right to the trailhead, or let a guide lead the way. Open every day, 7am to 10pm.
Drivers must be 18 or older with a valid driver’s license and must complete Utah’s free online OHV education course before riding. It takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and you only take it once.
More rides nearby
See our guides to the Joshua Tree trail, Goldstrike and Lone Pine and Diamond Valley.