The Sullivan Canyon non-motorized route is a 15-mile long, one-way route through the Paiute Wilderness Area. The route runs from the ridgeline near Mount Bangs down into the Virgin River Gorge Canyon.
Wilderness restrictions apply; motorized or mechanized use are not allowed. Mountain bikes are also prohibited. There is $2 day use fee if hiking up out of the Virgin River Recreation Area, but not if hiking down from the upper trailhead.
The Paiute Wilderness Trails are accessed either from the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area or the Black Rock Mountain area at Cougar Spring Trailhead. From St George, Utah, the Virgin River Gorge Recreation Area is located off of Interstate 15 about 20 miles southwest of St. George, Utah and about 20 miles northeast of Mesquite, Nevada. Take the Cedar Pockets exit, located halfway through the Virgin River Gorge. For a quick route one can also park along the north-bound side of the Interstate at the mouth of Sullivan Canyon. The approach has no trail or markings just a route up the Sullivan Canyon.
Cougar Springs is the higher elevation and more popular access. Cougar Springs can be reached via Lime Kiln Canyon (County Road #242) to BLM route 1041. Follow signs to trailhead parking. From the trailhead old mining roads lead to the saddle and access to the scenic Mount Bangs.