In the winter of 1879-1880, a group of pioneers set out from Escalante, UT to settle the Four Corners region. The immensity of the task is astounding, the terrain between Escalante and Four Corner is a veritable labyrinth of cliffs, canyons, dry mesas and pretty much any other hardship the Colorado Plateau can contain.

The group was initially slowed at Hole In The Rock, the first major obstacle, where they had to engineer a trail down to cross the Colorado River. Continuing, the trail proved difficult, and on Christmas Day 1879, in a snow storm, the initial scouting party was lost and not sure where they were at. They climbed a small knoll, Salvation Knoll, to get a better look. Though a small knoll, Salvation Knoll provided the view they needed, and recognized they were near the Blue Mountains, not far from their ultimate destination.

The story of the historic Hole In The Rock trail is part of Utah legend. These days, Salvation Knoll is a short hike from the highway, but highly recommended. When gazing from its summit at the canyons and cliffs that needed to be negotiated to reach their destination, it is humbling to realize how determined, resourceful, and strong the pioneers were.

From the BLM:

At the call of Mormon church leaders in 1878, a company of pioneers was sent to colonize the San Juan Valley in South Eastern Utah. Throughout the winter of 1879-1880 these Mormon pioneers built a wagon road, through the terribly rugged terrain between Escalante, Utah and the Four Corners area. As the main body of pioneers labored to widen the treacherous descent though the "Hole" or cleft in rock above the Colorado River Gorge, four advance scouts traveled through this area, searching for the most feasible route between the Colorado River and Montezuma Creek. By the time the scouts reached this area they were lost and out of food. On Christmas morning 1879, George Hobbs climbed to the top of this knoll searching for a recognizable landmark. Hobbs recorded: "This was surely salvation knoll. For looking to the northeast...I discovered the Blue Mountains about ten miles away. This was the landmark we had been looking for for several days." Although hindered by severe winter storms, the scouts George Hobbs, George Morell, Lemuel Redd, and George Sevy succeeded in plotting a wagon route through some of the most difficult terrain in North America.

Sponsored by the George Brigham Hobbs Family

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