Babylon and Sandstone Mountain Hike

Today was Kent's birthday so we celebrated with a scenic hike in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. For many years we have wanted to visit Sandstone Mountain and historic Babylon...today was the day! First we drove to the Ruins of Babylon (once called Stormont Mill, a water-powered mill used to process silver). Babylon, a small village was founded in the early 1870s next to the Stormont Mill. The settlement of about 20 to 25 families (who were not LDS) probably took the name of Babylon to set themselves apart from the Mormons in the surrounding areas. The Mormons referred to the Stormont Mill as the Babylon Mill. The village continued until at least 1887 when the nearby mine and mill closed. After exploring the area we drove back to the Sandstone Mountain Trailhead to begin our hike.

Sandstone Cliffs along the Virgin River

Babylon Mill Ruins

Ouch!

Old wheel

Tracks in the sand

Cool

Still Lookin' Good Birthday Boy!

Stay.......good dog

The road we traveled

Colorful terrain

Beginning of the trail

Looks like a heart to me....

Sand drifts

Lichen

Cool sandstone

Gotta love the shade

Taking a much needed break

Time for a cold drink

Looking towards Hurricane

Which way to the 4Runner?