Shinob Kibe

Description: Shinob Kibe (pronounced Shih-NO-bee KY-bee) is a widely recognizable Mesa in Washington UT that is rich in history. Shinob Kibe is one of the biggest hills in Washington near the Virgin River, and it makes a great hike. The hike is somewhat strenuous going uphill. You will travel a total distance of about ¾ of a mile, ascend 600 to 650 feet and it takes about 20-30 minutes to reach the top. Shinob Kibe was named after the Southern Paiute deity “Shinob” which means “Great Spirit” and “kiab” meaning “mountain.” It was used by the Paiute Indians in 1800’s as a defense position against raids by the Utes and Navajos. Many years ago a rancher discovered a site near Shinob Kibe while he was plowing his field. The site consisted of quite a few skeletons arrayed in such a manner that archaeologists who later came and investigated it determined that it was a burial of warriors killed in a nearby battle between the Paiute and Utes and/or Navajos. In 1776, two Franciscan friars, Dominguez and Escalante, were sent to search for a route from Santa Fe New Mexico, to the recently established settlement in Monterey California. They made it as far as Southern Utah before being overtaken by winter and decided to return to Santa Fe. They were one of the first, if not the first, white men to visit Washington County. Indian tradition supports the view that Father Escalante spoke to the Indians Shinob Kibe in 1776. The Natives also built a 20 foot medicine wheel made out of rocks which were laid out on the ground in the shape of a circular wheel with spokes, and it was used for ancient healing. In addition to the rich Native American history, Shinob Kibe is also the home of one of the many concrete navigational arrows built in the 1930’s by the FAA and was used by pilots flying an air route from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City to deliver mail. You can also find a cave, and near the cave, you can also find a survey marker. There is also a geocache hidden somewhere on top of the mesa, and a geocache near the beginning of the hike. There is a Register Log at the summit for all to sign and read the entries of others who have documented their trek.