For ATV riders, Bullion Falls is one of the highlights of a stay in Marysvale, Ut. Everyone takes in the Piaute Trail, this is a chance to see some real beauty that is overlooked by many.
Access:
Take I-15 south to Nephi, take exit 222 and continue south on US 89 to Salina where you intersect with I-70 Take I-70 South past Richfield to the Sevier Exit 23. Once again you join up with US 89. Take US 89 South about 13 miles to Marysvale. Marysvale has numerous ATV friendly accommodations.
Trailhead:
We (contributed by Mark Falleroni) arrived in early October, 2003 and stayed at the Piute Trails Inn 265 North 100 West. The Piute Trails Inn is a very clean and newly remodeled bed and breakfast a few blocks west of Highway 89. Our hosts were Mel Terry and his wife Carol. Part of the experience of any trip is meeting new people and making new friends. Mel and his wife were very good to us. The country-style, all-you-can-eat breakfasts they serve up will fuel you well through lunch.
A small convenience store/gas station is only a couple of blocks from the Piute Trails Inn and can provide snacks and gas for your bikes.
Trail:
We rode right from the Piute Trails Inn and headed west up Bullion Canyon, along Pine Creek. The road is paved for a short distance, and then becomes a well maintained dirt road for several miles until the turn-off to Bullion Falls. After the turn-off, the road becomes a narrow track ATV trail. Round trip distance from the Piute Trails Inn to Bullion Falls is approximately 14 miles and takes from 1-3 hours to complete, depending upon how long you stop to take in the beautiful scenery.
Overall, this ride is rated for beginners, but don’t let that keep you from going. The scenery is well worth it. After you view the falls, there are a number of nearby trails of higher difficulty to challenge you.
The turn to Bullion Falls is signed and the trail crosses Pine Creek and travels up the side of the mountain until you reach a small kiosk. The kiosk describes the available hiking trails that can be accessed from that point. You must park your bikes here and walk approximately 1/4 – 1/2 mile to the falls on a well maintained trail. I would estimate the hike to be of intermediate difficulty as you’ll be climbing gradually. The waterfall is on your left so keep an eye out for it.
There is a lot of wildlife around Marysvale. We saw a mountain lion jumping over the rocks as we looked across the canyon from the kiosk. We also saw mule deer, hawks, and a lonely gopher snake, warming himself in the sun.
And of course you’ll want to bring your camera to take a picture of you and your sweety in front of the falls.
Cautions:
Remember that speed kills …..
As always, on trails that accommodate both ATV’s and SUV’s take special caution at blind corners and never ride two abreast. If out riding during the elk or deer hunt it is recommended that you wear hunter orange, not only to be in style with everyone else, but to permit you to be clearly distinguished from the game animals. One never knows how much intoxicating beverage a hunter may have consumed.
Difficulty:
Beginner trail.
Ride Stats:
Ride Time 3.5 Hours
Low Elevation 4954 feet at Trailhead
High Elevation 8,268 feet at Bullion Falls N38 24.575 W112 20.318
Trail Length 14 Miles
Travel Time 3 Hours + or –
Average Speed 12 MPH
GPS Coordinates at Trailhead: N38 27.111 W112 13.918
Disclaimer: This post has information in it that may have changed since its initial publication in April 2004 and is posted for entertainment purposes, please see the Disclaimer page for the site.
