Early Americans, in fact, used what is called "black glass" to make arrow and lance heads. Occasionally, one of the crafted stones is found. There are a number of sites where chips from the arrow and lance heads fell. Several can be found in Kingston Canyon and north from there to Marysvale Peak. There are also a number of caves that were used by the early Americans that are there to be explored.

The U.S. Forest Service has created an equestrian park near Miners Park in Bullion Canyon outside of Marysvale. There is a place to unload horses and a trail that leads above Bullion Falls, long considered one of the more picturesque waterfalls in the state.

This is an easy area to ride, and riders have the option of going on rides anywhere from a few hours to overnight camping excursions into some of Utah's most scenic country. This is also a popular trail for hikers who don't mind an occasional encounter with a horse and rider.

West of Marysvale is the Canyon of Gold, which is the start of a driving tour to some of the old mining areas. One of the stops is the Kimberly Mine, located in the Tushar Mountains, which once employed upward of 300 miners around the turn of the century.

The nearby town flourished until the gold ran out, and it closed in 1907. It is now a ghost town. A brochure is available at the trailhead that points out historic sites, such as the foundation of the boarding house and location of the old mine.

Piute may, indeed, be one of Utah's smaller counties, but what land is there is full of history and recreational opportunities.

Piute County

Well known: Otter Creek, Piute State Park, Piute Trail

Unknown: Gold Mining, Butch Cassidy

Contact: (435) 577-2949

www.piute.org

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E-mail: grass@desnews.com