Hike Cove Mountain Dixie National Forest, UT

May 07, 2021 — The Bull Valley Mountains are a small and lumpy range north of St. George, Utah. Cove Mountain was the first of the peaks I'd check out in the area, and despite being an old forest road walk for pretty much the whole hike, I really liked it. Wildflowers were in bloom and the scenery was nice. Any car can make it to the trailhead, or at least to the turn-off just before where I parked. The forest road continues, but is blocked by a sign reading that the road is closed to all motorized vehicles, and then a gate. I just stuck to the most obvious road option as I ascended to Cove Mountain, though there are multiple off-shoots of the main road. It's pretty clear since the road consistently ascends (except for a couple of small dips) as it weaves around the northern slope of the peak. There was one section about a half mile from the summit where the main road becomes overgrown for a short time, and I mention it only because it merges with a more prominent road and on the way back it might be easy to miss. Eventually the road reaches a minor saddle separating Cove Mountain's east summit (taller) from its west summit. The road continues toward the south summit, but starts to descend. Instead, leave the road and travel cross-country on pretty gentle terrain to the summit boulder, barely a Class 2 move.