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The eastern and northern perimeters of Bullgrass Knoll are guarded by majestic multicolored limestone rock formations that have been pushed nearly 2500 feet straight up from the parched desert floor. Stretching for several miles, these huge wind and sand sculptured crevices stand like massive gothic figurines against the arid cobalt sky. With the monolithic wall of the House Range to the east, the Tule Valley corridor erupts with mountainous splendor in an otherwise seemingly lifeless expanse of desert. Filling in the western and southern boundaries are rolling foothills accented by numerous steep canyons etched with ancient dried-up creek beds. A few of the canyons are relatively nondescript, blanketed only with tall grass and sage. Many however, are enclosed with sheer rock walls decorated by rain streaked patterns of white, magenta, and ochre. At almost every turn, solitary blocks of statuesque stone appear atop the grassy hills. Persistent winds have carved intricate circular designs into the faces of these sedimentary beacons of the wilderness. Coyote, mule deer, wild horses, and antelope all roam in this juniper and sage dotted portion of Bullgrass Knoll. Evidence of these elusive animals are everywhere, and it is seldom that these creatures are annoyed by the presence of humans. Not surprisingly, it is this lack of human encroachment that gives all of Bullgrass Knoll its most notable wilderness characteristic: solitude. There are probably few places on earth where one can so profoundly feel the separation from civilization than this solitary rocky protrusion in the heart of the Confusion Range. At night the stillness is so complete that as one walks, footsteps sound like thunder, and the rustling of fabric may be mistaken for a distant roar somewhere deep in the hinterland. The occasional whisper of a mild zephyr is the only interruption of the silence that penetrates the lonesome desert night. By contrast, the daytime vibrates with a chorus of assorted bird groups who seem to sing a sweet melody of sovereignty into the mountain valleys. Actually, their tune is probably a symphony of triumph for enduring the harsh conditions of a desert existence for thousands of years. Considering the accelerated loss of space and wildlife to the ever-expanding consumption engine of humankind, one may wonder why it is so difficult for some to understand the plight of these exotic creatures and their pristine habitat. If one were to tour Bullgrass Knoll without the aid of a motor vehicle, breathe the sage scented air, and be swooned by the staccato song of wind and birds, they too will hear and feel the quiet harmony of the desert and petition others to protect this small yet geologically rich part of Utah forever. Bullgrass Knoll serves as a model of the wilderness experience and should never again be overlooked for permanent protection against development. Its aesthetic beauty and abundantly diverse array of wildlife alone should qualify Bullgrass Knoll as wilderness. When you add the unique opportunity for solitude the argument becomes indisputable. Hopefully, with the dedicated assistance of the Sierra Club, the Utah Wilderness Coalition, and other conservation groups, Bullgrass Knoll and its wild populace can retain its natural solidarity from civilization for thousands of years to come.
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