Mollie's Nipple

Trail Overview

This track takes you to the base of the famed Mollie's Nipple on the south end. Mollie's Nipple is a landmark that is visible from all over the valley, and this route takes you around behind it to a staging area on its south side where you can hike to the top. It's about a half-mile hike each way from this track, and at the end of the hike, you go through a black volcanic rock field to reach the top of the butte, which is 4593 feet above sea level. Local sources claim that Mollie's Nipple was named by John Kitchen, an early pioneer, and explorer of Utah. According to early local cowhands, this butte was named as a compliment to Kitchen's Bride Mollie. Once on top of the butte, the views are amazing. Our total trip was about 1.5 hours, but that included the hike and time spent on top enjoying the view. To the east, you can see Zion National Park, and to the west Hurricane and Sand Hollow State Park. The variation in color of the mountains and mesas, rocks, and desert in this area is stunningly beautiful. Catching the sunrise or the sunset from here is a very special treat. During the Spring, Summer, and Fall rides be sure to watch for rattlesnakes in the desert. Carrying recovery equipment like a snatch block, a tow rope, and a saw is a good idea. From Mollie's Nipple, you can access Gould's Rim Wanderings, Yucca Way, Canyon Overlook, Cliffside Trail to Little Creek Mesa, Smith Mesa, Rattlesnake Gulch to Toquerville Falls, Smith Mesa to Rattlesnake Gulch, Flying Monkey and Rocky Top Little Creek Mesa. From this area, you can get to Virgin and Toquerville mostly on dirt. When you get to Little Creek Mesa, you're almost all the way to Colorado City. Be sure to bring extra fuel and plenty of water and snacks. The trails here are numerous. During the hot summer months in the southern Utah desert, this is the best place to ride. The temperature drops significantly on top of the mesas and in the high country. Starting Feb 2023, Utah is going to begin enforcement of their new law, which requires an online course for all off-roaders. The free course will be available online as of Jan 1, 2023. The state says the online course will take 15-30 minutes, and it's required for all off-roaders, Jeeps, SXSs, dirt bikes, and ATVs. You will have to print out something to carry with you which shows you took the course. I have a photo below with this information.

Photos of Mollie's Nipple

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Difficulty

The only problem you might face on this trail would be mud and snow during the winter months. Otherwise, it's an easy trail.

History

Local sources claim that Mollie's Nipple was named by John Kitchen, an early pioneer, and explorer of Utah. According to early local cowhands, this butte was named as a compliment to Kitchen's bride Mollie. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, a primitive wagon road was the principal travel route between the Mormon settlements in northeastern Arizona and southern Utah. In the late 1870s, Mormon colonists had been sent by church leaders to pioneer new settlements along Arizona's Little Colorado River. As the new settlements were remote and isolated, many goods and services could only be obtained from the established Mormon communities of southern Utah. After 1877, the Arizona Mormon settlers also traveled to St. George, Utah to conduct church business and have their marriage vows solemnized in the newly-completed St. George Temple. So many newlyweds traveled the wagon road that it came to be known as "the Honeymoon Trail".

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