With a break in the winter weather, I decided to drive south and enjoy some sunshine. Several small peaks exist along I-15 that I have put off climbing because I was always heading somewhere else. Today I decided to see if I could check at least a couple off my list.
Big Hill is a drive to peak if you have a high clearance vehicle. Southbound on I-15, take the Leeds exit and turn right (west). Big Hill is the small mountain just to the south of the ramp, and it is somewhat easy to follow the dirt roads to arrive at its peak.
A small weather station is near the summit, and apparently, it has a proximity alert for the gentleman who keeps watching, so don't do as I did and park right next to it. Move down the road a little further, so he doesn't have to make a trip to the summit to check his equipment.
I logged the actual high point for the plateau at N37.243170 W113.361517. As all desert peaks, the sights are beautiful in all directions.
Big Hill Summit View North
Moving off the summit, turn left on the main dirt road and follow the circular looping path until it reaches a chain-linked fence at the foot of Tecumseh Hill. Lots of mining has occurred near the summit, so many trails exist to the peak. Tecumseh hill is also a plateau with a high point near where you reach the edge overlooking I-15 and Leeds, UT. A Geological survey exists and stunning views into the red rocks of the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area.
Tecumseh Hill Summit view south
After lunch in St. George (In & Out Burger), I drove south along River Road (turning into East River Road) until I reached the point the rolling hills that include White Dome drop off and meet the Southern Parkway. Unfortunately, White Dome is fenced to protect the White Dome Nature Preserve. One could count a summit of this peak by reaching the nearest point (allowable by law), which would entail climbing a small rise and standing near the fence. I opted to return to the White Dome Nature Preserve trailhead and follow the White Dome, then the Highland trails creating an enjoyable loop that reaches the higher elevations of these rolling domed hills.
Trailhead information sign for the White Dome Nature Preserve
Trail view hiking through White Dome Nature Preserve