The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
When the first settlers moved across Utah, the streams at Tassi Ranch were a welcome relief in the desert. You will want to take the hike to see the old farmstead and the grove of cottonwood trees at this site bordering Grand Canyon Parashant National Monument. While there is no organized camping at this isolated location about 52 miles south of St. George, Utah, you can stay up to 14 days for free because it is public land.
Tassi Ranch Trailhead is about 100 miles from the north rim at Grand Canyon National Park. It is also about 50 miles from Zion National Park and about 90 miles from Bryce Canyon National Park.
It is best to hike this during the spring and fall because of winter snow and summer heat. Start this trail along BLM Road 1044. Enjoy views of Toroweap Valley, the Grand Canyon, the Kaibab Plateau, the western Vermilion Cliffs, and the Pine Valley Mountains as you ascend and descend over 1,500 feet in elevation along this trail.
Length: 5.1 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This trail starts off BLM Road 111 between the Grand Wash Cliffs and the Virgin Mountains. You will love seeing the streams along this trail. It is one of the hottest trails in the Grand Canyon Parashant, so summertime hiking is not recommended. Also, you should not try to hike this trail after heavy rains.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Moderate
This trail has three parts. During the first and second parts, you will hike along an old roadbed, and you will love seeing the colorful rocks. The third part is a rock scramble, so bring your leather gloves.
Length: 2.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Sand Hollow Reservoir is a terrific place to fish for largemouth bass. Try fishing with jigs and crankbait near the top when the water is calm. Usually, the best fishing is in the spring and fall, but you can fish at this destination throughout the year.
The Virgin River Gorge near Littlefield, Arizona, is a fantastic spot to go climbing on limestone rocks and in Mentor Cave. Find numerous routes rated about a 5 along Blasphemy Wall. If you love to climb crags, head to the Sun Wall. Be aware that temperatures at this climbing location, where experts rate most routes about a five, can get hot in the summer. Many climbers go early while the rocks are still cool.
Sheep Bridge Nature Preserve near Virgin, Utah, is a beautiful place to see wildlife. As you explore this pristine landscape, you may see southwestern willow flycatchers, a highly endangered bird. You may also catch a glimpse of mule deer, ringtail cats, bobcats, and foxes. You are more apt to see cottontail rabbits and rock squirrels.
Virgin River Gorge Day Use Area near Littlefield, Arizona, is a fantastic place for a picnic. You can watch the Virgin River flowing by while enjoying your food. As you look around, enjoy seeing many similar rock formations to those in the Grand Canyon. After dining, enjoy a short stroll through on the nature trail through a Joshua tree grove.
There are many Bureau of Land Management campgrounds for RV camping near St. George, Utah. Two Bureau of Land Management camping facilities to consider are Red Creek Campground and Baker Dam Recreation Area. Red Creek Campground is about 11 miles northeast of St. George. There are 11 campsites at this Bureau of Land Management campground nestled on Quail Creek's shores. You will enjoy BLM RV camping under the pinyon and juniper trees at Baker Dam Recreation Area about 17 miles north of St. George. Hunters and anglers often use this campground.
Consider Bureau of Land Management free camping in the designated zone at Santa Clara River Reserve. You can also boondock along either side along the Smithsonian Butte Backcountry Byway. This nine-mile-long dirt road runs between Big Plain Junction and Rockville, Utah, just south of Zion National Park. Boondocking is allowed at Grand Canyon Parashant National Monument if you camp at least 200 feet from any water source. To learn more, search online for "BLM camping near me."
Consider packing along your telescope and a good star guide when planning your camping trip. Grand Canyon Parashant has received gold-star status from the International Dark Sky Association for its exceptionally dark skies. If you have a choice, consider going when there is no moon as it will be easier to see distant stars. An astronomy festival is held in late August annually at several nearby locations. Before leaving home, learn more about BLM camping by checking out our blog.
One responsibility you need to take care of while camping is to dispose of your trash properly. Be sure to pack it with you until you can get to a place where you can dispose of it properly so that you do not ruin the scenic views for others.
After filling up with gas in St. George, take the Mesquite Exit off Interstate 15 and get on Riverside Road. Go three miles and turn right on New Gold Butte Road. Go 42 miles. Once this road becomes NPS 1213, continue for seven miles, and you will see the ranch.
Address: Tassi Ranch Trailhead, NPS 1213 Littlefield, Arizona 86432
Ready to visit Tassi Ranch Trailhead? 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.
