ADVENTURE #1

This area was a hotspot of volcanic activity during ancient times. The Tabernacle Hill Lava Tubes in Meadow lead visitors through mysterious underground tunnels left by lava flows. The lava tubes, which extend for hundreds of yards, formed as the surface of lava streams cooled, solidified, and crusted over. The subterranean lava then vacated the tubes as the supply of lava diminished, leaving behind empty conduits.

The central tuff ring, from which Tabernacle Hill gets its name, is a type of volcanic cone made of ash and grittier fragments (lapilli) created by explosive eruptions caused by the interaction of basaltic magma and shallow water. Only two-thirds of Tabernacle Hill’s original 3,000-foot diameter cone remains; the northwest side has been obliterated by eruptions. The central caldera within the tuff ring is surfaced with pressure ridges and domes, which are elliptical mounds that commonly split lengthwise along their crest as molten lava pushes upward on the solidified crust of the flow. 

Hikers will enjoy scrambling through these elaborate tunnels and examining the fascinating rock formations that leave clues about the past.

Kid-Friendly: Yes

Dog-Friendly: Yes, but may be painful for bare paws.

Camping: Camping is permitted.

Time & Distance: The 0.8-mile loop only takes around 17 minutes to complete.

Facilities: None

Cost: Free

You can take any kind of vehicle to get there, but if you have low clearance, drive slow, Remember to take all your garbage and supplies with you when you leave so these natural wonders remain open to the public!

Meadow Hot Springs is one of Utah’s most popular hot springs! Its crystal-clear, tranquil waters are a toasty 100 degrees Fahrenheit and home to warm-water fish. While the area is home to three different hot springs, each one varying in temperature. These temperate pools are surrounded by a vast desert landscape for the perfect spot to unwind while you marvel at the scenic beauty that surrounds it. Hot springs like this one even offer healing benefits like stress reduction, improved circulation, and natural pain relief!

Meadow Hot Springs is privately owned but is free for public access and can be used all year as long as visitors follow the rules.

Attire: Proper attire is required.

Camping: No overnight camping is permitted.

Accessibility: Visitors will need to park and walk to the hot spring. Please do not drive directly to the site, as the area gets wet, and cars often get stuck.

Cost: Free (donations encouraged to help with upkeep)

Distance: Be prepared for a quick half-mile walk to the springs. It’s doable for people of all ages and abilities.

Dog-Friendly: Yes

Kid-Friendly: Yes

Facilities: None

Keep in mind that the water is quite deep. Remember to bring a swimming suit, towel, and life jacket for everyone in your group—especially if you can’t swim. The spring’s rocky surfaces may be difficult to hold onto.

Additional Adventure: Lace Curtain

If you have a different vision for your day trip or manage to visit Meadow Springs and the Lava Tubes with time to spare, the Lace Curtain, also known as Pahvant Butte, is another nearby landmark to explore! 

This formation is an extinct hydro volcano that formed underwater in Lake Bonneville during the Ice Age 15,000 years ago and features a convoluted surface that sparks the imagination. When the volcano erupted, molten lava was frozen in time by lake waves, leaving a wall of dripping lava for us to enjoy millenniums later. It’s now a popular hiking spot for people — and a favorite nesting spot for birds who make their homes in the nooks of the curtain face!

Devil’s Kitchen, located about 15 miles northwest of Fillmore, is an intriguing archaeological site featuring petroglyphs carved into basalt boulders along the south face of a lava ridge. The trail spans approximately one-mile round trip, making it a fairly easy hike with minimal elevation change, ranging from 4,806 to 4,895 feet. Visitors will find over a hundred rock art panels, some dating back as far as 6,000 years, with the most recent created around 1,000 years ago.

A kiosk at the trailhead provides background information on the petroglyphs’ history, guiding visitors through the distinct abstract images believed to be the oldest in the collection. Many petroglyphs are close to the trailhead in the southeast section of the ridge, while other carvings can be found further down the ridge, rewarding those who venture to explore.