Ride Spot: Bar 10 Ranch

Nestled on the remote North Rim of the Grand Canyon, the Bar 10 Ranch offers visitors a unique blend of rustic charm and exhilarating adventure. Established by Tony and Ruby Heaton, this working cattle ranch has evolved into a sought-after destination for those seeking an authentic Western experience amidst one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. 

Location: Arizona Strip

Off-roading in the Arizona Strip offers a rugged and remote experience unlike anywhere else in the Southwest. Bordered by the Grand Canyon to the south, the Utah border to the north and Nevada to the west, this vast expanse of high desert is crisscrossed with old pioneer routes, mining roads, and hidden trails that stretch for hundreds of miles. From the red rock canyons of Whitmore Point to the towering cliffs of the Grand Wash Cliffs, the Arizona Strip is a paradise for UTV enthusiasts seeking solitude, history, and breathtaking scenery. Due to its remoteness, proper planning, navigation tools, and self-sufficiency are essential, but the reward is an off-road adventure through one of the most untouched landscapes in the American West.

The Arizona Strip is the part of the state that lies north of the Colorado River and south of the 37th parallel. The only access to the strip is through the states of Utah or Nevada. It is part of the Mojave, Sonoran, and Great Basin Deserts, and averages only 8 inches of precipitation per year. 

National Geographic Magazine has called the Arizona Strip the “Tibet of the Americas” because it is so isolated, sparsely populated, and contains another one of the Seven Wonders of the World, The Grand Canyon. It remains one of the most remote and truly wild regions in the lower 48 states. The closest town, St. George, Utah, is 80 miles of dirt road to the north.

Located in the heart of the Arizona Strip, the Bar 10 Ranch has grown into a world-class “working” cattle ranch, grazing 1000 head of mother cows on 250,000 acres of rugged rangeland. The Bar 10 now offers all natural, grass-fed, gourmet style beef products via special delivery mail, as well as through traditional markets.

The Bar 10 diversified into a guest ranch in 1973 by shuttling river rafters to and from the Colorado River, deep in the heart of the Grand Canyon. The ranch now has 12,000 guests per year passing through its gate, who participate in a wide variety of fun, unique and adventure-filled programs and activities.

Bar 10 Ranch is located approximately 70 miles south of St. George, Utah, reaching Bar 10 Ranch is an adventure in itself. Bar 10 Ranch GPS Coordinates: 36.27435, -113.23292

Grand Canyon–Parashant National Monument is a remote and wild expanse located on the north rim of the Grand Canyon in northwestern Arizona. Managed jointly by the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service, this monument covers over one million acres of rugged canyons, desert mesas, and volcanic peaks. With no paved roads or visitor centers, Parashant offers a true backcountry experience, ideal for off-roaders, campers, and adventurers seeking solitude and unspoiled landscapes. The monument is rich in geological history, diverse ecosystems, and archaeological sites, making it a hidden gem for those willing to explore its vast, untamed terrain.

A Rich Legacy

For over a century, the Heaton family has been ranching on the Arizona Strip, cultivating a legacy of resilience and hospitality. The Bar 10 Ranch spans over 250,000 acres, encompassing diverse terrains from desert plateaus to lush mountain pastures. Its self-sustained operations, including solar power and a natural spring water supply, reflect a commitment to sustainable living in harmony with the land. 

Accommodations

Guests at Bar 10 Ranch can choose from a variety of lodging options that cater to different preferences:

• Conestoga Wagons: Experience a night under the stars in these iconic covered wagons, each equipped with comfortable bedding and accommodating up to six people. There are three different wagon options: Original, Queen bed with heat, Family wagon with Queen bed and two bunkbeds (sleeps 6).
• Lodge Rooms: The main lodge offers dormitory-style rooms, each furnished with bunk beds, providing a cozy setting for families or groups.  

Heritage Trails Park and Museum

The Covered Wagons in this park are named after some of the old wagon trails or cattle driveways of days long past. The wheels and undercarriages are original and undoubtedly traveled at least one of these oid roads. The courageous Pioneers and Cowboys who drove them into the wilderness often endured unbelievable privations and hardships. Every belonging and all supplies had to be taken in these tiny wagon boxes. Few luxuries were ever allowed and many items had to he thrown away to lighten their loads as they went along They came west seeking many different things: religious freadom, gold, land, or the hope of finding a better place to start anew and raise a family. Whatever it was that drove them on, has made our ways of life much easier and safer today, If you have the good fortune of spending a night or two in one of these old wagons, ponder on what it might have been like to live in then time, then count your blessings and be thankful to those sturdy forebears for freedom, peace, the pursuit of happiness and unbounded opportunities they created for us.

Activities

Bar 10 Ranch provides a plethora of activities that immerse guests in the Western lifestyle and the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon:

• Horseback Riding: Traverse the rugged landscape on well-trained horses, guided by knowledgeable wranglers who share insights into the region’s history and ecology.
• ATV Tours: For an adrenaline rush, guests can embark on ATV adventures, exploring secluded wilderness areas with the Grand Canyon as a backdrop.
• Skeet Shooting: Try your hand at this classic sport under the guidance of experienced staff, adding a touch of excitement to your stay.
• Ranch Homestead Tours: Delve into the rich history of the Heaton family’s homestead, gaining a deeper appreciation for the pioneering spirit that shaped the region. 

Culinary Delights

Meals at the ranch are a highlight, featuring hearty, home-cooked dishes that reflect traditional Western cuisine. Guests often gather in the communal dining area, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.

Guest Experiences

Visitors consistently praise the ranch’s blend of adventure and tranquility. One guest noted, “The ranch is the real deal, the family run cattle and have for years. Great food here and hospitality!” Another shared, “Awesome place for an unforgettable experience… the staff is outstanding and the food plentiful and delicious.” 

Fuel

91 octane fuel is available for guests only at the Bar 10 Ranch. The cost per gallon is about 2x what you’ll find in St. George, but it is well worth it!

Nearby Destinations

Whitmore Canyon Overlook

Whitmore Canyon Viewpoint, located on the remote North Rim of the Grand Canyon, offers one of the most breathtaking and least crowded vistas of this iconic natural wonder. Accessible primarily by high-clearance vehicles via dirt roads from Bar 10 Ranch, this viewpoint provides a stunning panoramic view of the Colorado River as it carves its way through the canyon’s rugged terrain. Unlike the more commercialized South Rim, Whitmore Canyon allows visitors to experience the Grand Canyon in its raw, untouched beauty, often without another soul in sight. The viewpoint also serves as a popular launching point for rafting trips, with a trail leading down to the river’s edge. Its remote location and unparalleled scenery make it a must-visit for adventure seekers looking to explore the Grand Canyon away from the crowds.

This area is part of the Uinkaret Volcanic Field, the lava flows range from 850,000 to 72,000 years old. Uinkaret flows dammed the Colorado River at least 17 times, forming a lake that spanned back to the present-day Phantom Ranch. Each time the river overflowed the dams. The silt-laden water of the Colorado River eroded the basalt dams allowing the river to return to its voyage to the Gulf of California. From the Whitmore Overlook, you can see the remains of one of the lava dams across the river. 

Whitmore Canyon Overlook GPS Coordinates: 36.15215, -113.20426

Whitmore Point

From the Mt. Trumbull Schoolhouse take BLM1063 towards Whitmore Point. It becomes NPS1263 at the National Park Service boundary in the Parashant. This road is rough.

Whitmore Point GPS Coordinates: 36.18355, -113.26784

Mt. Trumbull School

The Mt. Trumbull School, located in the remote Arizona Strip region, stands as a historic symbol of resilience and community in the rugged high desert. Originally built in 1918, the school served as the educational and social hub for the small, self-reliant ranching community of Mt. Trumbull, also known as Bundyville. For decades, children from nearby homesteads attended the one-room schoolhouse, often traveling miles on horseback or by wagon. Despite the challenges of isolation, the school fostered a strong sense of unity among the families who relied on each other for survival. Tragically, the original structure was burned down by arsonists in 2000, but determined locals rebuilt an exact replica, preserving its legacy. Today, the Mt. Trumbull School stands as a tribute to the area’s pioneer spirit, offering visitors a glimpse into the past and serving as a historical landmark in this remote corner of Arizona.

Mt. Trumbull Schoolhouse GPS Coordinates: 36.41205, -113.32571

Ride Spot: Temple Trail

Temple Trail

The Temple Trail was a historic route used in the late 1800s to transport lumber from the mountains of Pine Valley down to St. George, Utah, for the construction of the St. George Temple. With no local timber available in the desert region, pioneers carved out this rugged path through steep terrain and harsh conditions to haul vital building materials by wagon and oxen. The trail played a crucial role in the completion of the first LDS temple built in the western United States and stands as a testament to the determination and resourcefulness of early settlers in southern Utah.

Start of the Temple Trail GPS Coordinates: 36.39191, -113.15132

Mt. Logan

Traditionally, indigenous groups of the area referred to the mountain as, “Yu-we-wu-guv,” which translates to, “pines mountain” in Paiute. However, the more recognizable name of Mount Logan originated in 1869, after John Wesley Powell named the peak after a senator from Illinois.

Mt. Logan Trailhead and Overlook GPS Coordinates: 36.36228, -113.20500

The trailhead is located at the very end of the BLM1064 road. Hikers at the summit are treated to an expansive view west to the Virgin Mountains and north to the Pine Valley Mountains. The end of the trail is a great vantage point to look down into Hells Hole.

Toroweap Overlook

Toroweap Overlook, perched on the remote North Rim of the Grand Canyon, offers one of the most dramatic and vertigo-inducing views of the canyon. Unlike the more accessible viewpoints, Toroweap is known for its sheer, 3,000-foot drop straight down to the Colorado River, providing an unparalleled sense of depth and scale. Located within the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, reaching this overlook requires a rugged, 60-mile drive on dirt roads, making it one of the least visited yet most rewarding viewpoints in the park. There are no guardrails or modern amenities, only raw, unspoiled beauty stretching across the horizon. On clear days, visitors can see Lava Falls, one of the most infamous rapids on the Colorado River, as it churns below. The isolation, breathtaking scenery, and complete silence of Toroweap make it an unforgettable destination for those seeking a truly wild and awe-inspiring Grand Canyon experience.

This spot can be reached from Bar 10 Ranch, but it does take some planning. Accessing Toroweap Overlook, located in the remote Tuweep area of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, requires careful planning due to its isolation and the specific permits needed for entry. Permits are available through Recreation.gov. Permits can be reserved up to 120 days before your visit. It’s essential to secure your permit in advance, as they are not issued on-site. 

UTVs must be street-legal, equipped with a highway license plate, and possess valid insurance coverage to enter the Tuweap area of the Grand Canyon National Park.

Volcanoes, Lava Flows, and Lava Dams

Mt. Logan, Mt. Trumbull, and Poverty Mountain were born of volcanic fire. The knolls, rimrock, and mesas that surround you are cinder cones and lava flows from eruptions over the last 3.6 million years. Mt. Logan itself is capped by volcanic rock that is 2.6 million years old. This area is part of the Uinkaret Volcanic Field. Eruptions happen here on average every 10,000 years. You drove past the lava flow from the most recent eruptions. Called Little Springs, it happened about 960 years ago. If you missed it, as you return to County Road 5, look for a 25-foot high wall of jumbled black boulders on the east side of the BLM1044 road.

Eruptions here poured lava into the Grand Canyon many times which blocked and boiled away the river. One flow traveled 84 miles down the canyon. At least 17 lava dams formed, the tallest of which was about 1,300 feet high. Each dam created a giant temporary lake, with some backing up water over 50 miles.

Eventually the Colorado River destroyed each dam.

Conclusion

Bar 10 Ranch stands as a testament to the enduring allure of the American West. Whether you’re seeking thrilling outdoor activities, a serene retreat, or a glimpse into ranching heritage, Bar 10 Ranch offers an unparalleled experience that leaves a lasting impression. This is a unique destination for off-roaders and a great spot to use to explore the Arizona Strip.

For more information or to plan your visit, please visit the Bar 10 Ranch website.

Ride Spot: North Rim of the Grand Canyon

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