Io LandArch and GRO Trails developed a master plan for this scenic 420-acre property located along the Virgin River, just outside of Zion National Park. In addition to the unique ecology of the Virgin River, this desert site includes two of the area’s most popular trails – the JEM Trail and the Hurricane Rim Trail. The site is also adjacent to Falls River Park and includes the namesake Sheep Bridge, a historic structure spanning the cliffs which flank the river. 

Unfortunately, the ecology of the site had been degraded from dispersed camping and an erratic social trails network. A condition assessment was developed as part of the master planning process. The assessment used aerial photography linked with GIS waypoints, ground truthing, and analysis of the social trails. Through this analysis, the team made recommendations that included areas for preservation, restoration, improvements for social trails, new shared-use and single-use trails, relocated trailhead and parking areas, user management strategies, trailhead kiosks and interpretive signage.