Naturalists and birdwatchers visiting the St. George area should not miss a fascinating oasis called Beaver Dam Wash, located south of the town of Shivwits in the extreme south-western corner of the state. The southern region of the Great Basin, the western portion of the Colorado Plateau, and the northern part of the Mojave Desert all merge here at Utah’s lowest elevation, 2,000 feet above sea level.

Brigham Young University, which worked with the Nature Conservancy to purchase the area, manages Beaver Dam Wash at a natural preserve. It may take some work to find it, but it is worth it.

Immediately beyond Castle Cliff is the only unpaved road to the right. Take this road about eleven miles to the west. Several yellow and black road signs along the way will guide you to the preserve.