Dave was riding his bicycle west of Cedar City on a dirt road to the little town of Pinto. Pinto is a country community of houses – far removed from any of the public services which are a part of most towns: grocery stores, gas stations, schools, etc. The most notable feature of the town, besides its houses, is the cemetery, with grave stones dating back into the mid-1800’s. Along the road Dave noticed a turn off to what appeared to be a parking area. At the back of the lot he noticed a break in the fence where there was a sign which told of ancient ruins, artifacts, fossils and historical remnants ahead.

The bike ride continued to and from Pinto, but Dave’s curiosity was piqued, so the time came when further investigation was in order. It was a forest service map given by a forest ranger which provided the name for the site: Lion’s Mouth. Perhaps this rock formation is the reason for the name.

A dirt trail around a quarter of a mile in length leads to the top of the ridge where the rocky outcrop is. Across the dirt road from the trail are some snow-capped mountains with elevations at around 7,000 feet.

The trail enters a forest of pinyon pines and juniper trees where the rocky outcrop is located.

A prominent feature of the rocky area is a cave-like indentation with some Indian rock artwork.

Dave and Jan’s granddaughter Erin enjoyed trying sliding on a slick rocky ledge in the “cave.”

The family, including neighbor Kathleen, posed for a picture at the top of the rocks in spite of the wind. And Ryan and Erin bravely ventured out to the edge of a rocky cliff at the top in spite of the wind.

Ryan also found a rocky frame for a facial photo – in an area at the top of the rocky outcrop where there was a nice view to the northwest of the iron mining region from which Iron County got its name.

After nearly four years in Cedar City Dave and Jan continue to discover so many new things to enjoy about living in “color country” – hoping to remain healthy and adventurous enough to manage even more years of exploring the natural beauty which the Lord created, then “re-created” (as a result of the Flood in Noah’s day) for their amazement!

“Let them praise the name of the LORD, For He commanded and they were created.”

Psalm 148:5 (New American Standard Bible)