White Rocks (Skull Valley Extension)

South of the Skull Valley Goshute Reservation lies the U.S. Army facility known as Dugway Proving Ground, which was established in 1942 for the testing of biological and chemical weapons.  This testing has often sparked controversy with many of the local residents, who don't want harmful materials in their backyard.  Within a buffer area that separates Dugway from the Goshute reservation sits an interesting geologic formation known as White Rocks.  Three mounds of granite formed part of an ancient, flat-topped volcano with the main formation rising several hundred feet out of the ground.  A dirt road crosses between two of the mounds while the third mound lies about 0.6 miles southwest of the other two.  Hiking difficulty in the White Rocks can range from technical climbs to minor scrambles with minimal exposure.  Several primitive campgrounds are located close to the base of the domes.

To reach the White Rocks area from I-80, take the Rowley/Dugway exit (Exit 77) and turn south on the Skull Valley Road (SR 196) for approximately 29.5 miles.  Take the maintained dirt road to the right (west) just past the small BLM sign that indicates: "White Rocks."  Another approach can be from Rush Valley south of Tooele.  From SR 36, follow SR 199 west through the community of Rush Valley and over Johnson Pass for approximately 14.0 miles to reach Terra.  Beyond Terra about one mile, turn right (west) onto the Lincoln Highway and follow it 5.6 miles to reach the Skull Valley Road (SR 196).  Make another right turn (north) onto the Skull Valley Road for 1.75 miles to arrive at the White Rocks turnoff to the left (west).  Once on the dirt road, follow it for approximately 5.5 miles and take the left fork southward for another three miles or so to reach the formations.  While most vehicles should be able to travel this road with little difficulty, it is best done under dry conditions.  Hikers and campers planning to spend the night are responsible for maintaining the beauty of the landscape.  As a rule of thumb: Leave the place cleaner than you found it.  Keep in mind that no public access is allowed onto the Dugway Proving Ground without specific clearance from the military.

Approaching the White Rock
formations from the east

The back (west) side of the main
White Rock formation