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California National Historic Trail (NHT)

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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California National Historic Trail (NHT)

The Bureau of Land Management oversees millions of acres of public land, most of which is spread across 12 states, including Utah. The agency's primary focus is to preserve land for the use of present and future citizens. Many of their parks feature public trails, recreation areas, and campgrounds. The Hasting Pass site along the California National Historic Trail (NHT) is a BLM park located just outside of the historic ghost town of Argonite, Utah. This portion of the 5,000-mile trail that extends across 10 states was named after Lansford W. Hastings. While there are no camping spots at Hastings Pass, there are plenty of nearby campgrounds and RV parks. Search for BLM camping near me to discover tent and RV campsites in the area.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Stansbury Island Mountain Bike Trailhead

This 10-mile loop begins with an intensive 800-foot climb. The trail takes you up the western side of Stansbury Island Mountain in Tooele.

Length: 8.8 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Hastings Pass

This lengthy trail winds through nearly 18 miles of desert. Conditions are best during spring and autumn.

Length: 17.4 miles

Intensity: Easy

Dark Trail

This family-friendly trail is situated in the Settlement Canyon Recreation Area in Tooele, Utah. The canyon trail is open year-round.

Length: 3.3 miles

Intensity: Easy

Butterfield Peak

This 3.6-mile out-and-back trail takes a few hours to complete. It offers stunning views of Tooele's mountainous terrain.

Length: 3.6 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Bates Canyon Trail

This forested out-and-back trail is over 10 miles long. It starts at the Oquirrh Wave Trailhead at Bates Canyon.

Length: 10.7 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Each year, Settlement Canyon Reservoir, Grantsville Reservoir, and Veron Reservoir are stocked with trout. The Great Salt Lake is another nearby spot with ample opportunities for boating. Many people enjoy kayaking or canoeing to the lake's islands. The water is safe for swimming. Plus, there are several white-sand beaches along the shores. Keep in mind that the Great Salt Lake's high salinity makes it uninhabitable to fish.

Climbing

Climbing is a popular activity within the Stansbury Mountains in western Tooele. The area is home to Desert Peak, Gun Point, Lone Rock, South Willow Canyon, and more. The area's limestone cliffs make for excellent sports climbing.

Wildlife Viewing

The Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge is one of Tooele County's most popular destinations for birding. The park is home to a 10,000-acre marsh that is frequented by thousands of birds. Visitors can also drive the so-called "Raptor Loop" on Highway 36. This stretch of Utah highway is a great place to view falcons and other birds of prey.

Picnicking

Tooele's Gleneagles Park is an excellent place for a family picnic. The park has a large playground and recreational fields, along with ample tree cover and plenty of benches. Unfortunately, there are no bathrooms. Aragonite, a nearby ghost town, is another unique spot for an afternoon picnic. The area is home to an abandoned mine and other remains.

Skiing

This section of Utah is home to some of the state's most epic ski resorts. Check out the trails at Nordic Valley, Alta, or Powder Mountain. The Ogden Valley is home to the nation's largest ski area. During the summertime, the area's trails are frequented by hikers and mountain bikers.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

There are several developed and undeveloped Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in and around the Great Salt Lake area. RV camping is welcome at the Knolls Off-Highway Vehicle Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA). The area encompasses over 36,000 acres of dunes, hills, and mud flats in the Great Salt Lake Desert. The park charges a $10 entry fee for day-use visitors. There are established campsites at Upper Narrows Campground in Tooele. The campground does not have water or a dump station. Single sites cost $16 per night. The group site costs $105 per night. Visitors can stay a maximum of seven consecutive nights.

Free Camping

Plenty of Bureau of Land Management free camping is available near the California National Historic Trail at Hastings Pass. Check out the primitive campsites at Goose Creek Reservoir, Trapper Creek Recreation Site, and Backwaters Recreation Site. You can even find free overnight parking at the Upper Blackrock Parking Area. There's an unmarked roadside camping spot in Grantsville, Utah.

RV Rentals Near California National Historic Trail (NHT) Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your California National Historic Trail (NHT) BLM trip

This otherworldly landscape is accessible year-round. However, many of the area's campsites and trails are not maintained during the winter. Tourism picks up during the summer months. During this season, washouts and high temperatures are the biggest issues. Warm, dry weather is the norm during the summer months. Meanwhile, freezing temperatures and snow are common during winter.

The California National Historic Trail at Hastings Pass is situated in a remote area to the northwest of the Utah Test and Training Range and the Dugway Proving Ground. The nearest restaurants, shops, and gas stations are over an hour away. Visitors should bring along a surplus of food, water, fuel, and emergency supplies. Visitors should pack a wide variety of clothing, including everything from summer wear to jackets. Bug spray and sunscreen are essential during the spring, summer, and fall. Keep in mind that water is rarely available at local campgrounds.

Let someone know your itinerary before you head to this remote area. Cell service is extremely limited. Road and trail conditions can change overnight. Moreover, the desert and nearby canyons can be particularly unforgiving environments. The Utah desert experiences dramatic and unpredictable weather patterns. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Visitors should take care to leave no trace when visiting California National Historic Trail at Hastings Pass. Camp at developed and marked campsites. According to the principles of the Leave No Trace program, a good campsite is found, not made. Carry out what you carry in. Prepare yourself for worst-case scenarios. Observe but do not interfere with wildlife. Respect the environment for current and prospective visitors. Remember, Bureau of Land Management land is preserved for the use of current and future citizens!

California National Historic Trail (NHT) Location

When traveling from Salt Lake City, take Interstate 80 West to Exit 56 for Aragonite. Drive south for two miles. Turn east on Hastings Pass Road. Continue for four miles. The BLM site is located at the summit.

Ready to visit the California National Historic 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.