Black Rock Valley Utah: A Short Stop with Lava Rock
Black Rock Valley is a scenic area located near Panguitch, Utah. It is the end of an old lava flow on Markagunt Plateau and has large chunks of lava rock to explore. We were driving to Mammoth Cave from Cedar Breaks and saw the endless rock on the side of the road and decided we had to stop to check it out.
Getting There
Cost of Visiting Black Rock Valley
There is no fee to visit and there is no cost for parking.
Parking at Black Rock Valley
There is no parking lot for Black Rock Valley. There is a pull off on the side of the road that is long enough for 5-7 cars. We had the place to ourselves for the hour that we explored.
Black Rock Valley
Black Rock Valley is rugged and we were amazed at how it was barren lava rock on one side of the road and pine forest on the other. We had the place to ourselves and it was very quiet…except for the shouts from our kids and the 2 cars that passed while we were there.
Things to Do at Black Rock Valley
Explore the Rock
Our kids loved being able to climb all over the rocks. There was a field of rocks as far as the eye could see and they explored all of it. You need to make sure and test the rocks before stepping on to them, as they are loose and can move.
ATV Riding
We saw lots of trails for riding ATVs around the area. The trails go around the lava flow, but it is a good way to explore the area and see the extent of the lava flow.
Is Black Rock Valley Worth Going To?
If you are passing through in the area, absolutely! Is it worth driving out to the middle of nowhere just for this? Probably not. But we are definitely glad we stopped to explore it!
Recreate Responsibly
Please remember to recreate responsibly so that other people can enjoy it after you. Pack out what you pack in and be respectful to the plants and animals you come in contact with. Leave the rock how you found it and don’t carve anything into it.
Places to Explore Close By
- Mammoth Cave: 7 miles
- Panguitch Lake: 8.5 miles
- Bowers Caves: 8.7 miles
- Duck Creek Village: 12.3 miles
- Cedar Breaks National Monument: 13.1 miles
- Brian Head: 17.1 miles
- Cascade Falls: 17.6 miles
- Navajo Lake: 19.5 miles
- Bryce Canyon National Park: 41 miles
- Cedar City: 42.1 miles
