![]() ![]() Simpson for Major Fitz John Porter, Adjutant of General Sidney Albert Johnson’s “Army of Utah”. It was actually named by Captain James H. It is an interesting coincidence that this valley is not named for Porter Rockwell. Rockwell knew this portion of the trail and many hundreds of miles West as he was often called upon to track and apprehend horse thieves, and highwaymen who held up the Overland Stage. Back in the 1860’s Rockwell operated a ranch in “Porter Valley” between the Sheeprock and Simpson ranges where he raised some of the finest horses anywhere. Where the Pony Express Trail crosses the southern end of Skull Valley bordered by the Sheeprock and Onaqui ranges on the east, the Simpson Range to the West and Davis Mountain to the North is what I call “Porter Rockwell Country”. The Indian Peaks were known simply as Indian Mountain to the freighters, miners and travelers who crossed this ghostly desert after the Pony Express and Overland Stage ceased operations. These peaks, when viewed while traveling west along the trail towards Simpson Springs present one of the most beautiful high desert scenes you will encounter along the route. “Peg Leg” Davis who operated a telegraph station for many years on the southern toe of these mountains along Government Creek.ĭue south of Davis Mountain are the imposing summits of the Indian Peaks which rise to an elevation of 8,410 feet. This group of hills is named after David E. ![]() This peak is 6,434 foot “Round Top” and it is the highest point in a jumble of low mountains known collectively as Davis Mountain. The above quote is what Orrin Porter Rockwell, a figure who has taken on a mythical aura where Utah History, and the West Desert in particular is concerned, told Sir Richard Burton, a scholarly British explorer when Burton inquired of Rockwell for advice before crossing the desert in 1860.Ĭontinuing on in our description of the mountains and the desert along the trail, you will realize that Porter’s assessment of the trail back then, still holds true today.Īs you descend Lookout Pass by a steep grade and enter onto the desert floor of Skull Valley you will see a prominent pyramid shaped mountain to the Northwest that stands tall above the neighboring hills. “That desert is about as fit for traveling as hell is for a Powder Magazine” ![]()
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