The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Appendicitis Hill Wilderness Study Area is a mountainous area that is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a federal government agency responsible for preserving the health and ecological diversity of the land. Throughout the expansive wilderness area, visitors have great opportunities to hike, climb, view wildlife and enjoy Bureau of Land Management camping in primitive areas. The Appendicitis Hill Wilderness Study Area is also within 250 miles of Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park — two of the country's most iconic natural areas.
While there are no marked trails in the Appendicitis Hill Wilderness Study Area, hikers can explore primitive routes to the summit and previously disturbed paths that explore the nearly 22,000 acres of BLM land that comprise the wilderness study area. Formal trails are located just south of Appendicitis Hill off of US Highway 26 in another wilderness area that's managed by BLM at the Hell's Half Acre WSA.
Though Antelope Creek does not run through BLM land, it does border the northwest side of the WSA, offering fishermen great chances to catch rainbow, brook, steelhead and brown trout, perch, catfish, and chinook salmon. More opportunities for fishing and boating can be found north of Appendicitis Hill at the Mackay River Recreation Site in the Big Lost River Valley. This BLM site has a boat launch and permits motorized watercraft during the summer. The reservoir is stocked with rainbow trout and kokanee, which are the main game fish. However, brook and Yellowstone cutthroat trout are often caught in the reservoir as well. Ice fishing is a popular winter activity.
The rugged terrain of the canyons in the wilderness study area makes it a challenging place to rock climb. Climbers will find Grade III rock walls on the south ridge of Appendicitis Hill, which is marked with a summit cairn. On the descent, you'll encounter choppy, rocky areas with patches of mountain mahogany.
Appendicitis Hill is home to a variety of wildlife that includes coyotes, foxes, and rabbits. Mule deer, elk, and antelope are frequently seen roaming the hills, and different species of lizards and snakes inhabit the lava fields throughout the wilderness. Raptors such as golden eagles and red-tailed hawks share the skies with smaller birds that include common ravens, mountain chickadees, and bluebirds.
Picnicking is permitted in the Appendicitis Hill Wilderness Study Area though there are no developed picnic areas.
Since it is a wilderness area, there are plenty of opportunities for explorers to enjoy backpacking excursions. Visitors are allowed to pack in their supplies and camping equipment for a maximum of 14 days.
Developed BLM RV camping is located north of Appendicitis Hill at the Joseph T. Fallini Campground/Mackay River Recreation Site. This campground has two separate RV camping areas at the Grouse Loop and Chukar Loop. Each area features picnic tables, fire rings, and power and water hookups. Another semi-developed BLM campground exists south of the wilderness study area at Fish Creek Reservoir. The reservoir is at its fullest in spring and has five primitive campsites for RVs, which fill up quickly during hunting season.
RV parks in nearby towns offer seasonal accommodations at Mountain View RV Park and Restaurant in Arco and Moose Crossing RV Park in Mackay if you want additional amenities such as full hookups and Wi-Fi.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is permitted in the Appendicitis Hill Wilderness Study Area. Non-designated areas for camping are open for off-the-beaten-path exploration though campers are encouraged to use previously disturbed primitive campsites to preserve the natural integrity of the area.
As you plan your Appendicitis Hill BLM trip, keep in mind that developed Bureau of Land Management campgrounds may not be located in the exact area you're visiting. You can find public lands that accommodate RVs by searching "BLM camping near me," or you can park your rig at an RV park in a nearby town and travel to your destination from there. Be sure to pack your rig with important items that include water bottles, kitchen supplies, chargers, and clean bedding. You'll also need to keep a few essentials handy such as bug spray, sunblock, flashlights, and batteries. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
While you're in the Appendicitis Hill Wilderness Study Area, make sure to follow BLM "leave no trace" guidelines that require visitors to stay on main roads and trails while exploring the area. Seasonal campfire restrictions may also apply. If you plan to enjoy some of the primitive recreational activities at this location, remember to pack out what you pack in, and remove trash from the area to help keep the natural environment pristine.
To get to the Appendicitis Hill Wilderness Study Area from Arco, head north on US-93 toward Moore for about 16 miles. As you enter Moore, take exit 3000N, and turn left. Keep going west until you reach an unsigned road with a cattle fence that has a sign for the Appendicitis Hill Wilderness Area. You can park in the designated area and hike to Appendicitis Hill from there.
Ready to visit Appendicitis Hill Wilderness Study Area? 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.
