We have the same terrain here in Utah. Gardening involves using a pick ax (sp).
An interesting bit of knowledge I have picked up over the years is, that even the most organized killer never seems to think about what to do with the body. They are so consumed with the killing, they don't think about how hard it is to get rid of a body. Sometimes we see several methods of disposal tried before they give up and leave the body covered in debris. It is almost impossible to cremate a body. It is not easy to dig a grave deep enough. And water reveals all eventually. If a killer is successful in hiding a body, it is usually because the location is so remote people don't come across it. IMO, by far the easiest and most effective method of disposal is a dumpster. I think this is because the killer is looking for a quick disposal method.
All MOO.