Davis Knolls facts for kids
40°11′N 112°38′W / 40.183°N 112.633°W The Davis Knolls are a group of dry, desert hills located in Skull Valley (Utah). They are about 9.5 nautical miles (17.6 km) southeast of Dugway, Utah. These hills were carefully studied and mapped by the University of Utah in 1962.
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What are the Davis Knolls?
The Davis Knolls are a system of hills in a dry, desert area. They are found in Skull Valley (Utah), which is in Tooele County, Utah. These hills are an important part of the landscape in this region. Scientists from the University of Utah explored and mapped them in 1962.
Where are the Davis Knolls located?
The Davis Knolls are situated about 9.5 nautical miles (which is about 17.6 kilometers) southeast of a town called Dugway, Utah. They are part of the larger Skull Valley (Utah) area.
What is the geology of the Davis Knolls?
The Davis Knolls are made up of seven main gravel hills. These hills all run from north to south. Small valleys are found between each of these hills. The hills rise between 200 and 600 feet (about 60 to 180 meters) from the valley floor.
How were the Davis Knolls formed?
These hills were formed by ancient earth movements. They are part of what geologists call "basin and range fault blocks." These blocks broke away from the larger Oquirrh Mountain Range over a very long time.
What animals and plants live in the Davis Knolls?
The Davis Knolls are home to many different kinds of wildlife. The types of plants also change depending on how high up you go on the hills.
Wild animals of the Knolls
You can find many wild animals living in the Davis Knolls. Some of the larger animals include wild Pronghorn (a type of antelope), Mountain lions, and Coyotes. There are also Rattlesnakes and many smaller mammals. The knolls are especially famous for having the largest herd of wild horses in Utah.
Plants of the Knolls
The plants in the Davis Knolls are adapted to the dry desert environment. Common plants include different types of Sagebrush, various Cactus species, and Milkweed. In the spring, you can also see a wide variety of colorful wildflowers.
Who uses the Davis Knolls today?
The Davis Knolls are used by local ranchers. The Ensign Ranch, the Hatch Ranch, and the Bertoch Ranch all use these hills. They bring their cattle here during the winter months. This provides a place for the cattle to graze and stay warm.
