The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
A Bureau of Land Management site is a federally managed land that's open to the public. Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are usually close to these sites so that you can plan for a longer visit. Search "BLM camping near me" to find campgrounds close to you. Arch Canyon is a box canyon that features bedrock walls and several arches. The canyon is about twelve miles long. As you walk through the canyon, you'll notice some hanging gardens and cliff dwellings. Dixie National Forest and Canyon of the Ancients National Monument are other natural attractions nearby that you may want to explore while you're in the area.
Colored sandstone formations and layered rock are some of the sights you'll enjoy along the Yant Flats Trail. It winds across the southern slopes of the Pine Valley Mountains. Horseback riding is allowed in the area. You could also bring a dog as long as they are on a leash.
Length: 3.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Arches Trail in the Dixie National Forest is a short loop trail with beautiful scenery. It's also known for having good birdwatching opportunities.
Length: 0.6 miles
Intensity: Easy
This loop trail in the Dixie National Forest provides views of the Red Canyon. As its name suggests, you'll see some golden walls along the route in addition to red rock layers.
Length: 4.2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
For an adventure, you may want to hike the Cascade Falls Trail. Part of the trail is narrow with a steep drop-off. Although there is a waterfall, it's sometimes dry, depending on when you visit.
Length: 1.2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Several lakes and streams in the Dixie National Forest provide fishing opportunities. Brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, and cutthroat trout are some of the fish species you could catch. Navajo Lake is a popular area for fishing and boating. If you like the thought of fishing from a high mountain lake, head to the Escalante Ranger District. When the weather is cold enough, ice fishing is possible in the Cedar City Ranger District and the Powell Ranger District.
Dreamspeaker and Cathedral Arch Tower are two popular towers you could climb in Arch Canyon. About 10 miles from Arch Canyon, you'll find Texas Canyon, where you can climb the Lone Star and the 800-foot Texas Tower.
Keep a lookout for Utah prairie dogs, cottontail rabbits, golden eagles, bobcats, and cougars in the Dixie National Forest. Other wildlife that you may spot includes blue grouse, wild turkeys and antelopes. Some of the prime spots for viewing wildlife are the Cascade Falls Trail #32055, Pine Valley Reservoir, and Lower Pines Picnic Area.
The Lower Pines Picnic Area, Pine Valley Recreation Area, Escalante Ranger District and the Powell Ranger District are beautiful areas to have a picnic. You have views of Pine Valley Mountain at the Lower Pines Picnic Area and the Pine Valley Recreation Area. Flush toilets and drinking water are available at the Lower Pines Picnic Area. Plenty of trails are accessible from the Pine Valley Recreation Area, including Pine Valley Canal Trail, Equestrian Trail, Gardner Peak Trail, and Brown's Point Trail.
The US Forest Service grooms many trails in the Dixie National Forest for skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. Other winter activities possible include snowshoeing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. A ski resort in the forest that you could visit is Brian Head Resort. It has options for all skill levels.
Horseback is one way you could experience the Arch Canyon. You also have horse-friendly trails available in the Dixie National Forest, including High Mountain Trail #32052, Crystal Springs Trail #32023, Burro Canyon Trail #34007 and the Great Western Trail #34001. Horses must only be fed weed-free hay during your stay.
In the Dixie National Forest, you'll find trails open for ATV, UTV, four-wheel drive and motorcycle use. Tommy Creek Loop, Bull Valley Mountain ATV Trail #31003, West Hunt Loop and Strawberry Loop are some of the areas you can go OHV riding.
Panguitch Lake Campground in the Dixie National Forest offers RV camping for RVs up to forty feet long. It has flush toilets, water, and a sanitary dump station. You can use generators at the campground outside the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Duck Creek Campsite, Equestrian Campground, and Honeycomb Rocks Campground are other top areas for RV camping.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at Comb Wash Campground, which is close to Arch Canyon. Other areas in the region where you can find free camping are the Toms Best Spring Road Dispersed Camping, Yankee Designated Dispersed Camping Area and the Lava Flat Designated Dispersed Camping Area.
There are a few things you should know before your Arch Canyon trip. Water from the creek at the bottom of Arch Canyon isn't safe to drink unless you treat it. You should also avoid climbing on wet rock in the Arch Canyon because it becomes more delicate when it's wet. Sidewinder rattlesnakes and bears live in the region, so you should know what to do if you encounter one of these animals. Stay three feet away from a rattlesnake, and don't attempt to attack it or throw anything at it. If you hear a rattle, freeze and locate where the sound is coming from before you continue moving. This will help you avoid accidentally stepping on or running into the snake.
Arch Canyon and the surrounding area provides a wide variety of terrain to explore. Dixie National Forest, consisting of nearly two million acres of forests and mountains, is the largest national forest in Utah. There are hoodoos, artifacts, pictographs and dwellings in the forest. Hoodoos, also known as "fairy chimneys" and "tent rocks," are large pillars of rocks. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Cleaning up after yourself and doing your part in protecting the land helps preserve it for many generations to come. This region sometimes has fire restrictions in place. You should make sure that a fire is thoroughly extinguished before leaving the site. If the coals are too hot to touch with your bare hands, then you should cool them off more. Water can help speed up the process.
Arch Canyon is located at Arch Canyon, Utah 84719. From Blanding, Utah, head west on Highway 95. Turn north on Comb Wash Road, which is a dirt road. About 2.5 miles down the road, you'll see the mouth of Arch Canyon.
Ready to visit Arch Canyon? 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.
