![](https://digital-desert.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/599-virgin-river-r9739.jpg)
There were two equally onerous obstacles along the Salt Lake Wagon Road that early-on pioneers had to overcome; on the east end of the trail, there was Virgin Hill at Mormon Mesa and the Virgin River. To the west, the challenge was the Cajon Pass.
![](https://digital-desert.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/600-mormon-mesa-map.jpg)
Virgin Hill was a 360-foot change in elevation in only .6 miles (1 foot rise every 9 feet). Teams would have to be doubled up to pull loads over the rocky vertical sections of the steep trail.
![](https://digital-desert.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/804-overton-virgin-river-mormon-mesa-r3730.jpg)