The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Explore the history of the Arizona Strip by planning a visit to the Mokaac Trail. In the early 1900s, this area was once part of the main road used by farmers and travelers. Today, the Mokaac Trail is no longer part of the active road system but can instead be traversed by visitors looking for amazing sights and wildlife encounters. This trail is maintained by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which works to preserve the majesty of the country's natural environment. Visitors can freely hike, climb, and picnic in the area and enjoy easy access to the nearby Parashant National Monument.
Zion National Park is only 69 miles away in Utah while Grand Canyon National Park is 290 miles southeast. Prepare for your trip by stopping by Mesquite, Nevada or the small Arizona community of Beaver Dam.
This trail can be accessed by following River Road until you reach a dirt path. The canyon itself is a short distance away and is full of fossils and mudstone embedded with quartz. The trail is in great shape and perfect for hikers of every age. Dogs may have a hard time with the scrambling.
Length: 3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Stop by this popular off-roading trail for a fun and bumpy ride. Plan to spend several hours out in the wilderness enjoying the sunshine and wildlife around you. Locals and visitors alike frequent this spot during the year. If you're looking for solitary riding, consider planning a trip in the early morning hours.
Length: 13.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This hike is relatively short but requires some scrambling toward the end. Enjoy the amazing panoramic views of the Virgin River and nearby valleys. Making it all the way to the top requires some brief climbing, but you can still enjoy the views if you stop at the sub-peak.
Length: 1.9 miles
Intensity: Hard
The Virgin River is a popular spot for fishing and kayaking. This tributary of the Colorado River runs across several states and is full of rainbow trout, catfish, and largemouth bass. If you follow it south toward Las Vegas, you'll have more fishing and boating opportunities on Lake Mead.
Mokaac Trail is a short distance from Mount Bangs, the highest peak in the Virgin Mountains. A trail runs through the range, but you'll likely still have to scramble and cut your way through the underbrush to reach the top. Plan your climbs in the mild seasons like spring or fall so you don't have to deal with extreme weather.
Arizona is home to a diverse collection of amphibians, birds, and mammals. While exploring the area, you may spot kangaroo rats, beavers, prairie dogs, collared peccaries, or gophers. Some of the larger animals in the state include mule deer, foxes, coyotes, black bears, and mountain lions. You should also keep a lookout for ospreys, warblers, and roadrunners.
You won't find any picnic tables along the Mokaac Trail, but you can still enjoy your lunch while out on your hike. Picnicking is allowed, though you likely won't find organized rest areas unless you're near Beaver Dam or Scenic. Plan to enjoy most of your meals near your RV or while you're out exploring
Many trails in the area are meant only for motorized use. They may be too bumpy or arduous to attempt on foot. Fully enjoy the BLM lands in Arizona by bringing your ATV along. Follow well-marked trails through the wilderness to find amazing new sights and experiences.
Staying at Bureau of Land Management campgrounds is a great way to get an amazing RV camping spot at a low price. The BLM Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area is open throughout the year and allows direct access to the nearby river, as well as several hiking trails. When searching "BLM camping near me," keep in mind that these campgrounds often offer limited amenities and may only have picnic tables and vault toilets. If you're looking for a more modern camping experience, consider staying at McArthur's Temple View RV Resort. This campground has laundry facilities, a fitness center, and even a jacuzzi. You can also stay at Sand Hollow State Park Campground or Snow Canyon State Park Campground.
Try dispersed camping to take advantage of Bureau of Land Management free camping spots. Pitch a tent along the Virgin River or park your RV off of Interstate 15. There are limited BLM RV camping options outside of campgrounds. You'll likely have to pitch a tent in a flat, safe area in the nearby valley or close to a body of water. Leave ample room between campsites to respect other visitors and minimize any contact with the wildlife.
The best way to guarantee a camping spot is by reserving a site at a local campground. There are many RV parks and campgrounds to the north near St. George, Utah. Make sure to bring enough cookware, water, and sunscreen. Temperatures in Arizona can reach unbearable extremes, so be prepared to take breaks frequently.
Download trail maps before you start hiking in case you lose cell service while out in the wilderness. Practicing safe hiking and climbing habits will keep you safe and make your adventure more exhilarating. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Do your part to protect BLM lands so future visitors can also enjoy the beautiful natural landscape. Keep your campsites small and try to find an established site rather than making your own. Take all trash, debris, and leftover food with you when you leave. Don't build any structures, and leave plants and animals where you found them. Minimize your impact on the environment by burying any human waste at least 200 feet from the water.
Starting in St. George, travel south down River Road until it becomes Quail Hill Road. Follow it for 12 miles, and you'll reach the southernmost trailhead.
Ready to visit the Mokaac Trail? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night, where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
