HISTORY OF THE CANAL

The Hurricane Canal provided water for 2000 acres of land for 80 years. Without it, the town of Hurricane would not exist. Initially the construction of a canal seemed an impossible dream. The path of the canal would run along steep, unstable hillsides, across ravines, and through soluble soil that would cause water absorption. Money was almost nonexistent and reasonable men would have waited for government financing. As floods continued to devour the upriver land, the farmers became desperate. In the fall of 1893, James Jepson and John Steele mapped a feasible route and men from neighboring villages began digging. The flumes that transported water across the ravines were built of wood. Juniper bark was used to chink up the leaks. By 1902, long after the planned completion date, expensive portions remained unfinished. The men were broke and discouraged. A $5000 stock purchase by the LDS Church restored morale and purchasing power to the weary few that remained with the project. Two years later water reached the valley. In 1904, a new community was launched, complete with the authentic heroes that made it possible.

CANAL HIGHLIGHTS

CHINATOWN WASH

Chinatown lies below the longest tunnel on the canal. It served as an important campsite for construction workers. It probably earned its name because of the cramped living quarters that reminded a visitor of Chinatown. It is also possible that a Chinese cook had worked at the site. After a long day of work, the men would return to the site at Chinatown; evenings were filled with storytelling, music, and dancing. The social gatherings provided well needed relief from the stress of hard labor.

PAH TEMPE SPRINGS

The Pah Tempe mineral hot springs are near the mouth of Timpoweap Canyon. They are the furthest south of 24 similar springs in Utah. The water emerges at about 107 degrees F. The springs were sacred to the Indians, who avoided hostilities when enemies met there. Nearby caves yielded many artifacts. Today, thousands of visitors enjoy the waters in the spa. The hot springs served as one source of pleasure that canal work offered. After a long day of working in the miserable cold, they felt blessed to have a natural Jacuzzi awaiting them.

GEOLOGY

The canal runs through the western edge of the Colorado Plateau. Kiabab limestone forms the foundation of the canyons. Lava rock from the Cenozoic Age (the age of man) can be seen along the cliffs and on cinder cones. The Mesozoic Age strata compose the top portion of the canyon, majestically rising above the other layers of rock. The strata underfoot slopes upward toward the west, until it reaches the Hurricane Fault. If the strata were level, the canal could have been easily dug over the top. Other geological features of the area are: the anticline that supports Quail Lake, the laccolith that made Pine Valley Mountain, and the inverted valley, which includes the fragment referred to as Mollies Nipple.

COMMON FLORA

Cholla Cactus Indian Paintbrush Sagebrush Brigham Tea Sego Lily Chaparral

COMMON FUANA

Collared Lizard Sagebrush Lizard Diamondback Rattlesnake Turkey Vulture Red Tailed Hawk Morning Dove Great Horned Owl Common Flicker Chipmunk Coyote Common Raven Cactus Wren Sparrows Cliff Swallows Cottontail Rabbit Jack Rabbit Raccoon Beaver Fox Horned Toad

PRECAUTIONS

Narrow, non-motorized trail Strenuous, with high exposed cliffs Not recommended for those who fear heights Tunnels are dark…flashlights recommended Children must be accompanied by an adult Be cautious of possible bad weather conditions Flooding and lightning can occur Wind very likely Bring a plentiful supply of water Use trail at your own risk

PROHIBITED

Camping Campfires Littering Removal of soil, flowers, rocks, or lumber Weapons/Shooting, Rock rolling or throwing Straying from trail

PERMITTED USES

Hiking-Hurricane Hill Trailhead to Virgin Dam Trailhead by Canal Trail—5.2 miles. First 2 miles moderate. Last 3.2 miles strenuous. Plan 4 ours one way. Side trip to Chinatown flume is .5 miles. Hurricane Hill Trailhead to Virgin Dam by the Anderson Trail and Rim Trail—5.5 miles. First 1.8 miles moderate. Last 3.7 miles moderate to easy. From Virgin Dam Trailhead round trip via Canal Trail and Rim Trail is 7 miles and strenuous. Biking-Hurricane Hill Trailhead to Virgin Dam Trailhead by the Anderson Trail and Rim Trail—5.5 miles. Connects to Jem Trail. Moderate to easy. Horseback Riding—Permitted from Virgin Dam Trailhead along Rim Trail, up Chinatown Wash to Jem Trail. Approximately 6 miles.