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Rabbit
Springs
Box Elder County, Utah
From Montello, Nevada, drive about 23 miles east into Utah. Turn south at Rabbit Springs. There is a historic marker at the turnoff indicating that trail herds have watered here for a long time. In more recent years, campers and hunters have used this as a resting spot. This little oasis sits in the middle of a flat basin that is otherwise very dry. While providing water for animals, Rabbit Springs, to humans, is little more than a refreshing change of scenery. A pipe comes out of the ground near where we camped, suggesting the water might be potable, but in a place this far from civilization, it would be a foolish gamble.
The area is surrounded by a number of structures that appear to have been used when herds of cattle and or sheep were more commonly ranging in the area.
Other signs of human activity are abundant here. The house (pictured below) is about a mile north of the spring. It appears to have housed government employees in the fairly recent past.
There isn't an endless array of activities available in the immediate area. Our stop at Rabbit Springs left us with the itch to do some exploring. The Spring is situated with clear views of Pilot Peak and the Newfoundland Mountains, as well as a handful of "ruins" that seemed to merit a look around.
With the Newfoundland Mountains having been our original destination, we headed east along the railroad's right-of-way. Within less than five miles, our left rear tire had gone flat. We learned that the railroad's right of way contains numerous hazards, not the least of which are small scraps of railroad debris that can wreak havoc on your tires.
We managed to take care of everything in a relatively efficient manner. But with more miles ahead of us than behind us, and down one tire, we thought turning around and heading back to Rabbit Springs to take it easy for the rest of the day was a prudent choice. We never made it to the Newfoundlands on thi adventure, but will plan another trip for the future when we have extra room for at least one more spare. (Update: we visited the Newfs in Spring of 2003... have a look.)
The "tire incident".
Here are a few of the other sites we took in and might have investigated more closely had we not been so worried about getting another flat.
Owl Springs
Pilot Peak in the background.
Newfoundland Mountains
in the far background.
Old rail car near Lucin
Railroad siding near Lucin.
Pilot Peak
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