The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Bull Mountain is a dome-shaped hill that reaches almost 3,000 feet from the surrounding plains, bringing its overall elevation to 9,187 feet. It's part of a vibrant Wilderness Study Area (WSA) in the Henry Mountains. Bull Mountain features spots for camping with minimal amenities and promises outstanding recreation opportunities. Part of the land is also used as ranges for peregrine falcons, cougars and bison herds. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), an organization responsible for administering federal lands, protects and maintains Bull Mountain. Campers in Utah are expected to follow rules for campfire safety and leave the land as they found it. Capitol Reef National Park is only 58 miles to the east while Canyonlands National Park is 175 miles west. Other prominent nearby attractions include the Bears Ears National Monument and the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (NRA). Since Bull Mountain is so secluded, it's best to stop for supplies in nearby towns like Loa, Hanksville or Green River.
Trek your way up the highest peak in the Henry Mountains range. It's best to visit in the summer as the wet season can make the clay and sand paths impassable. Make sure to bring a vehicle with four-wheel drive or an ATV to make it to the trailhead. Length: 5.6 miles Intensity: Moderate
This partially paved route starts in Hanksville and runs down to Dirty Devil River. Much of the trail is on BLM lands and promises exceptional views of the canyons. Keep an eye out for petroglyphs as well as places to camp for the night. Length: 90 miles Intensity: Hard
To the south of Bull Mountain in the Glen Canyon NRA, fishing is allowed on both the Colorado River and Lake Powell. These waters are overflowing with bluegill, bass, crappie, walleye and catfish. Either a valid Arizona or Utah fishing license is required for anglers interested in Lake Powell. All those over the age of 10 must have an Arizona fishing license to cast in the Colorado River. You're also welcome to boat, kayak, canoe or paddle out on Lake Powell's calm waters.
Established climbing routes can be found throughout Glen Canyon NRA in Willow Canyon and the Andy Miller Flats. The Hueco Wall near Lake Powell offers a traditional, 40-foot climb. Depending on where you start, it can be as easy as a 5.8 climb or as hard as 5.11. The Bishop is a 150-foot climb with three pitches and good exposure. You'll need two ropes to tackle the free-hanging rappel. Some scrambling will be required to safely descend.
Birdwatchers will love the chance to spot ducks, eagles, condors, mergansers, grebes, loons, goldeneyes, gulls and long-eared owls. Local reptiles include striped whipsnakes, spiny lizards, chuckwallas and at least four western rattlesnakes. While hiking through the valleys and foothills, you may also come across black-tailed jackrabbits, kangaroo rats, badgers, coyotes, desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, gray wolves and black bears.
There are plenty of beautiful picnicking spots along the beautiful Colorado River. If you head to the Mount Ellen Summit Trailhead, you can find primitive resting spots nearby at the Dandelion Flat Picnic area. This day-use site has an elevation of more than 8,000 feet and offers fire rings, potable water, restrooms and picnic tables.
There are many paved and unpaved paths in the Glen Canyon NRA designated for conventional vehicles as well as ATVs. This national recreation area has almost 400 miles of open roads, with a majority of them unpaved. The speed limit for unpaved roads is generally 25 miles per hour unless otherwise posted. All riders and passengers under the age of 18 must legally wear a helmet. Eye protection, gloves, over-the-ankle footwear and sturdy clothing are also recommended.
Search for BLM camping near me to find convenient campsites at Lonesome Beaver Campground and McMillan Spring Campground. Lonesome Beaver Campground sits in Sawmill Basin and can be difficult to access depending on the road conditions. It has five spots that come with benches, parking areas, fire rings, restrooms and potable water. Rather than a formal minimum fee, you're welcome to pay what you want. Bureau of Land Management campgrounds like the nine-site McMillan Spring Campground are particularly popular with big game hunters. Along with picnic tables, seasonally available potable water and fire rings, you can also freely use the corrals and troughs. Stop by Duke's RV Park in Hanksville for a luxurious RV camping experience. This campground is open year-round and offers a small gift shop, restrooms, coin-operated laundry facilities and shared campfire pits. The tent sites start at $20 a night per tent while the full-hookup sites have a $40 nightly rate.
You'll have access to Bureau of Land Management free camping options at both Lonesome Beaver Campground and McMillan Spring Campground. These camping areas use a first-come, first-served system and don’t accept reservations. Off-the-grid explorers should stick to parking their RVs on durable roads. If your trailer isn't equipped to handle off-roading, you could get stuck or damage your vehicle. If you're interested in backcountry camping, consider parking your RV at a BLM campground and heading out into the wilderness with a tent.
Always bring more water than you think you’ll need. Traveling in the desert with minimal shade can quickly dehydrate you and put you at risk of sunstroke. Plan to pack about two gallons a day per person. Don't forget to prepare for challenging weather conditions like storms, snow and freezing temperatures. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Limit your impact on the land by following local campfire restrictions and avoiding pristine areas. Don't leave behind any garbage or food scraps that may be harmful to the wildlife. When hiking, travel in a single-file line across hard, durable surfaces like existing rock, sand or gravel trails. Remember to use the "Leave No Trace" principles as you enjoy your stay.
From Hanksville, head east on Utah Highway 24 until it becomes Utah Highway 95. Follow this road for almost 10 miles and then turn right onto Energy Fuel Road. Turn left at Sawmill Basin Road and drive three miles to reach Bull Mountain. Address: 380 South 100 West, Hanksville, UT 84734 Ready to visit Bull Mountain? 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.
