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Simpson Springs was one of the most dependable watering points in
Utah's west desert. It has long served mans needs, Indians used it
and early travelers and explorers counted on finding water here.
It bears the name of one explorer. Caption J. H. Simpson, who
stopped here in 1858 while searching for an overland mail route
between Salt Lake City and California. George Chorpenning
established a mail station in 1858, which was later used by the
Pony Express and Overland Express (the mail companies built small
dams across the water course to improve the reliable, but limited,
supply of water). When gold mining started at Gold Hill in 1893
Simpson Springs took on a new importance as a station for
freighters and stages until the mid 1920's. In the 1930's, the
spring became the water supply for the Civilian Conservation Corps
Camp located just south of the springs.
Today visitors to Simpson Springs can enjoy a 20 unit campsite
that offers picnic tables, fire pits, charcoal grills and
vaulted toilets. It will cost you $5.00 per night and you are limited to 2
vehicles per campsite. Max stay is 14 days and checkout time is at
2:00PM. The campground is open year around. While
visiting Simpson Springs you can enjoy many desert attractions
such as, rock hounding, four-wheel-drive trails and wide open
country waiting for you to explore.
Views
of inside the mail station. Taken By Utah Outdoor Activities
Directions
To Simpson Springs
From the southern half of Salt Lake County or Utah County, travel
to Lehi Junction (Redwood road and Highway 73). Drive west
on Highway 73 through Fairfield to the Utah/Tooele County line,
turn left and continue west across the Faust cutoff of Rush Valley
to the railroad town of Faust. Continue 2.5 miles farther to
Highway 36. Head south for one-half mile to Pony Express
turnoff as signed.
From Ogden or Salt Lake City, travel to Tooele via I-80 and
continue south on Highway 36 to the Pony Express turnoff road
described above.
This county maintained dirt road leads to Simpson Spring
Campground, 25 miles west.
Views
of Utah's Expansive West Desert. Taken By Utah Outdoor Activities
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