The Granite Mountain Recreation Area, inside Prescott National Forest, will see the creation of two new trailheads and other amenities, after a March 18 decision by the Bureau of Land Management.

The project, which also includes a new trail system, a campground and other features to enhance recreation in the Granite Mountain area of Beaver County, would reportedly disturb less than 10 acres.

"We feel strongly that this is the best course of action to provide a high-quality recreation experience, while maintaining the natural values of this area," said BLM Cedar City Field Manager Paul Briggs in a March 18 news release. "The amenities provided will offer the public the desirable recreation experiences that they seek and will reduce and minimize user-created disturbances on the landscape."

The new trail system will be permitted for pedestrian and equestrian use only, and connects peaks and points of interest throughout the Granite Mountain landscape. Construction is expected to start in spring 2023.

Reclamation is an important element to the project. When the new amenities are finished, small trails, spur routes and primitive camping sites will be reclaimed. 

The Granite Mountain Wilderness Area is approximately 9,800 acres, with rugged granite boulders stacked one atop the other to elevations that exceed 7,600 feet, according the the U.S. Forest Service. Hiking and equestrian use is limited to small groups, and dogs must be leashed.

Day-use sites and trailheads are open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. March 1-April 30; 6 a.m.-8 p.m. May 1-Sept. 30; and 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 1-Feb. 28 (or 29). Visitors can take part in a variety of activities, including bicycling, camping, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, picnicking and water activities.