Big Bear, CA
I quiet mountain community full of back country adventure.
The Comstock Lode – Nevada State Historic Monument
The Comstock Lode – NSHM #13 is Nevada State Historic Marker #13 and located in Historic Virginia City, Storey County, Nevada. Virginia City is a wonderful little town to visit and home to Eight Nevada State Historic Markers.
Nevada State Historical Markers identify significant places of interest in Nevada’s history. The Nevada State Legislature started the program in 1967 to bring the state’s heritage to the public’s attention with on-site markers. Budget cuts to the program caused the program to become dormant in 2009. Many of the markers are lost of damaged.
Nevada State History Marker #13
Near this spot was the heart of the Comstock Lode, the fabulous 2 ½ mile deposit of high-grade ore that produced nearly $400,000.00 in silver and gold. After the discovery in 1859, Virginia City boomed for 20 years, helped bring Nevada into the union in 1864 and to build San Francisco.
Several major mines operated during the boom. Their sites are today marked by large yellow dumps, several of which are visible from here – the Sierra Nevada a mile to your left, the Union, Ophir, Con Virginia and, on the high hill to the southeast, the combination. The Lode was worked from both ends, north up Gold Canyon and south from the Sierra Nevada Utah mines.
NEVADA CENTENNIAL MARKER NO. 13
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
The Comstock Lode – Nevada State History Marker Summary
| Nevada State History Marker | 13 |
| Name | The Comstock Load |
| Location | Virginia City, Storey County, Nevada |
| Latitude, Longitude | 39.31668, -119.64736 |
References
Savage Mansion – Nevada State Historic Marker
Savage Mansion is Nevada State Historic Marker #87 and located in Historic Virginia City, Storey County, Nevada. Virginia City is a wonderful little town to visit and home to Eight Nevada State Historic Markers. The structure is not a true mansion in terms of size or structure compared to many of the east coast mansions. The term mansion was applied to the structure for promotional purposes.
This elegant structure, designed in the French Second Empire style, served as a residence for the superintendent, as well as a mine office for the Savage Mining Company. Ulysses S. Grant spoke from the second floor balcony on October 27, 1879 after his term in office.
Nevada State Historical Markers identify significant places of interest in Nevada’s history. The Nevada State Legislature started the program in 1967 to bring the state’s heritage to the public’s attention with on-site markers. Budget cuts to the program caused the program to become dormant in 2009. Many of the markers are lost of damaged.
Nevada State Historic Marker #87
This elegant mansion, designed in the French Second Empire style, served as a residence for the superintendent, as well as a mine office for the Savage Mining Company. The first floor served as the mine office while the upper two stories provided a residence for many successful superintendents.
Ulysses S. Grant, 18th President of the United States and “General of the Armies,” spoke to the townspeople from the second floor balcony on October 27, 1879, after a town parade in his honor.
STATE HISTORIC MARKER No. 87
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
NEVADA LANDMARK SOCIETY
The marker is located in Virginia City, Nevada, in Storey County and found on North D Street. While travelling south on D Street the marker is found on the right side of the street near address: 146 North D Street, Virginia City NV 89440, United States of America.
Marker Summary
| Nevada State History Marker | 87 |
| Name | Savage Mansion |
| Location | Virginia City, Storey County Nevada |
| Latitude, Longitude | 39.3054, -119.6511 |
References
Lava Point Campground
Lava Point Campground is a remote, backcountry campground located in the Kolob Terrace area of Zion National Park in Utah. Situated at an elevation of 7,890 feet, the campground offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Zion Canyon and the Pine Valley Mountains.
Location and Access Lava Point Campground is located in the northwest section of Zion National Park, approximately 25 miles from the main entrance. To access the campground, visitors must take the Kolob Terrace Road, a scenic, winding road that climbs more than 2,000 feet in elevation over the course of 10 miles. The road is narrow and steep in places, and visitors should be prepared for challenging driving conditions.
Once at the campground, visitors will find 6 campsites, each with a picnic table and fire ring. There are no RV hookups, and generators are not allowed. The campground is open from May through October, weather permitting. Reservations are required and can be made up to six months in advance.
Amenities Lava Point Campground is a primitive campground, meaning there are no showers, running water, or flush toilets. Visitors must bring their own water or obtain it from a nearby water source, such as the North Creek or the nearby Lava Point Spring. Visitors must also pack out their trash and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Despite the lack of amenities, Lava Point Campground offers a unique camping experience for those seeking a backcountry adventure. The campground is situated in a ponderosa pine forest and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can relax in a peaceful, secluded environment and enjoy the quiet of nature.
Activities The Lava Point area of Zion National Park offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Hiking is a popular activity, and visitors can access a number of trails from the campground, including the West Rim Trail, which offers stunning views of the Zion Canyon and the surrounding mountains.
The Kolob Reservoir is also located nearby, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. The reservoir is stocked with rainbow trout, and visitors can rent boats from nearby outfitters.
Visitors can also explore the nearby North Creek, which runs through a narrow slot canyon and offers a challenging and rewarding hiking experience. The creek is known for its crystal-clear water and stunning rock formations.
Finally, the Lava Point area offers some of the best stargazing opportunities in the park. The campground is situated far from the light pollution of nearby cities, and visitors can enjoy a clear view of the stars on a clear night.
Tips for Visitors Visitors to Lava Point Campground should be prepared for the remote, backcountry experience. The campground is located at a high elevation, and temperatures can drop significantly at night, even during the summer months. Visitors should bring warm clothing and be prepared for cold and windy conditions.
Because of the campground’s remote location, visitors should also bring all the food and supplies they will need for their stay. There are no stores or restaurants nearby, and the nearest town is more than an hour’s drive away.
Visitors should also be prepared for challenging driving conditions on the Kolob Terrace Road. The road is narrow and steep in places, and visitors should take their time and drive cautiously.
Finally, visitors should remember to follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out all trash and waste. The remote location of the campground means that visitors must be responsible for their own impact on the environment.
Conclusion Lava Point Campground offers a unique and rewarding camping experience for those seeking a backcountry adventure in Zion National Park. The campground’s remote location and lack of amenities
South Campground
South Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds in Zion National Park, located in Springdale, Utah. It is situated at an elevation of 3,900 feet, surrounded by the towering cliffs of Zion Canyon and offering access to some of the park’s most iconic hikes and attractions.
Amenities and Facilities:
South Campground offers a range of amenities and facilities to make your camping experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Some of the key amenities include:
- Campsites: South Campground offers a total of 127 campsites, including 13 group sites and 4 accessible sites. The campsites are arranged in loops, with each loop offering its own set of amenities and facilities.
- Restrooms: There are two sets of restrooms located within South Campground, each with running water and flush toilets. The restrooms are cleaned daily and are equipped with hand dryers and baby changing stations.
- Picnic tables and fire pits: Each campsite at South Campground comes with a picnic table and a fire pit, allowing campers to enjoy meals and roast marshmallows over a campfire.
- Water: There are several water spigots located throughout, allowing campers to fill up their water bottles and clean their dishes.
- Dump station: There is a dump station located near the entrance, allowing campers to dispose of their waste.
- Camp store: There is a camp store located near the entrance, offering a range of supplies and souvenirs for campers.
Features:
South Campground is known for its stunning natural beauty and its proximity to some of Zion National Park’s most iconic features. Here are some of the key features of South Campground:
- Zion Canyon: South Campground is located in Zion Canyon, which is known for its towering cliffs, narrow canyons, and stunning vistas. The canyon can be accessed via the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which is closed to private vehicles from April to October.
- Hiking trails: South Campground offers access to a range of hiking trails, including the famous Angels Landing and The Narrows hikes. Angels Landing is a strenuous hike that involves a steep ascent up a narrow ridge to a scenic overlook, while The Narrows is a water hike that takes you through the narrowest section of Zion Canyon.
- Wildlife: The area is home to a range of wildlife, including mule deer, coyotes, and a variety of birds. Visitors are advised to keep a safe distance from wildlife and to store food and other items in bear-proof containers.
- Dark skies: Zion National Park is known for its dark skies, making it an ideal location for stargazing. Visitors can enjoy views of the Milky Way and other celestial objects on clear nights.
Reservations
South Campground is a popular destination, and reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak season (March to November). Reservations can be made up to six months in advance through the National Park Service website or by calling the reservation line. There are no walk-in sites available and campers are required to have a reservation before arriving.
Campground Map
References
Watchman Campground
Watchman Campground is located in Zion National Park in southwestern Utah and offers visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty of Zion up close while also enjoying the convenience of modern amenities.
History:
Watchman Campground was established in the 1960s and was named after the Watchman rock formation that rises above the campground. The campground was designed to provide a comfortable and convenient base for visitors to explore the park, while also preserving the natural beauty of the area.
Amenities:
Watchman Campground offers a variety of amenities to make visitors’ stay comfortable and enjoyable. These include:
- Campsites: The campground offers a total of 176 campsites, including 95 RV sites and 81 tent sites. All sites are equipped with a picnic table and fire pit or grill, and most sites have electric hookups.
- Restrooms: The campground has three modern restroom facilities with flush toilets and sinks, as well as several water filling stations.
- Dump station: There is a dump station located at the entrance to the campground for RVs to use.
- Laundry facilities: The campground has a coin-operated laundry facility available for guests to use.
- Camp store: The Watchman Campground store offers a variety of camping supplies, snacks, souvenirs, and other items.
Activities:
There are numerous activities available to visitors at Watchman Campground and the surrounding area. Some of these include:
- Hiking: There are numerous hiking trails in Zion National Park that are easily accessible from the campground, including the Watchman Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
- Biking: Biking is allowed on the Pa’rus Trail, which is accessible from the campground and offers a scenic route through the park.
- Rock climbing: Zion National Park is a popular destination for rock climbers, and there are numerous climbing routes available throughout the park.
- Wildlife viewing: Zion is home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mule deer, and numerous bird species. Visitors can often see these animals while hiking or exploring the park.
- Ranger programs: The park offers a variety of ranger-led programs, including guided hikes, campfire talks, and stargazing events.
Reservations
Reservations for Watchman Campground can be made online or by phone up to six months in advance. The campground is open year-round, although some sites may be closed during the winter months due to snow. During peak season (March through November), reservations are highly recommended, as the campground often fills up quickly.
Fees
The nightly fee for a campsite at Watchman Campground varies depending on the season and type of site. Tent sites are generally less expensive than RV sites, and fees are higher during peak season. In addition to the nightly fee, visitors to Zion National Park are required to pay an entrance fee. The fee varies depending on the type of vehicle and the length of stay.
Accessibility
Watchman Campground is accessible to visitors with disabilities, with several ADA-accessible campsites and restrooms available. The Pa’rus Trail, which is accessible from the campground, is also ADA-accessible.
Conclusion
Watchman Campground is a popular destination for visitors to Zion National Park, offering modern amenities and convenient access to the park’s many activities and attractions. With its stunning scenery, numerous hiking trails, and abundant wildlife, Zion is a must-see destination for anyone interested in exploring the beauty of the American Southwest. Whether you’re camping in a tent or RV, Watchman Campground provides the perfect base for your Zion adventure.