Cliff Ridge Hang Gliding Area

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

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Cliff Ridge Hang Gliding Area

If you're searching for an exciting adventure, consider the Cliff Ridge Hang Gliding Area in Utah. Though its name might imply that this is a designated haven just for hang gliders, you can actually find various other recreational opportunities here. The Bureau of Land Management operates this protected natural site near Dinosaur National Monument. You can find plenty of areas to camp out for your vacation, although these locations are a bit primitive.

The Cliff Ridge Hang Gliding Area is located 8,150 feet above sea level, nestled at the top of the Blue Mountain Plateau. While there, take in the spectacular natural beauty of the Yampa River and Green River valleys. Hang gliders can take off and soar above the deep canyons. This location has been the site for both national and international hang gliding competitions.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Moonshine Arch Trail

Consider hiking on the Moonshine Arch Trail for a relaxing walk. Many people travel down this trail, making it a little crowded, but it's a beautiful walk that will get you closer to the natural arch.

Length: 4.1 miles

Intensity: Easy

Jones Hole Trail

Another great option is this out-and-back trail in Dinosaur National Monument. It is open throughout the year, and it's a great route to get an up-close look at the beautiful canyons and mountains.

Length: 7.7 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing

If you travel to the Red Fleet Reservoir, you can find a variety of fish, including crappie, catfish, rainbow trout, bluegill, sunfish, and largemouth bass. For those in the Cliff Ridge Hang Gliding Area, it's the ideal place to try to catch some fish by spinning, baitcasting, or flyfishing.

Wildlife Viewing

The Cliff Ridge Hang Gliding Area is the ideal spot to stop and enjoy the local wildlife. The slopes and peaks of the Diamond, Blue, and Uinta mountains are home to deer, moose, bighorn sheep, elk, goats, and black bears. Keep your eyes open for golden eagles, ospreys, and red-tailed hawks in the skies. During the colder months, you'll see big game herds roaming throughout the region.

Picnicking

You can find several picnicking areas near the Cliff Ridge Hang Gliding Area. There are a few tables where you can enjoy a relaxing lunch. Take a few chairs and set up a picnicking spot under the gorgeous juniper trees when camping with an RV.

Hunting

You can pursue hunting opportunities at certain spots within the Cliff Ridge Hang Gliding Area, but you'll need a permit. Many hunters come to hunt elk, antelope, and wild turkeys in the region.

Vehicles

RVs, automobiles, and ATVs are permitted in the Cliff Ridge Hang Gliding Area. While most vehicles stick to the paved routes, you can take off-road vehicles to get a stunning view of the scenic canyons and elevated plateaus.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

You'll find plenty of RV camping options for your trip. Remember that these are not Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, but they are privately maintained. If you're looking for a little family fun, check out the Vernal/ Dinosaurland KOA. This RV park was built to accommodate those bigger RV rigs, with 63 sites that offer full hookups for your vehicle. It also has a mini-golf course, camping kitchen, and pool. There are other RV campgrounds in the area, including Red Fleet State Park Campground and Steinaker State Park Campground.

Free Camping

If you want to take advantage of Bureau of Land Management free camping sites, there are a couple of options. Many of the state parks in Utah charge a nightly fee to camp. Remember that the BLM RV camping sites are primitive in the Cliff Ridge Hang Gliding Area as these spots are primarily for those who want to park the rig and set up for the night. There are no modern facilities, so you'll have to be self-sufficient for the duration of your trip. When searching for "BLM camping near me," you'll find that Cliff Ridge Hang Gliding Area near the Dinosaur National Monument hosts several camping spots. While they're not designated BLM locations, many of these spots allow RVers to boondock for a short period of time.

RV Rentals Near Cliff Ridge Hang Gliding Area Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Cliff Ridge Hang Gliding Area BLM trip

Before you drive your RV to this Bureau of Land Management campground, it's crucial to make a plan in advance. During certain parts of the year, there are hang gliding competitions taking place; visiting at those times might lead to a difficult time finding a quiet spot for your vacation. The Cliff Ridge Hang Gliding Area is semi-remote, so make sure to have plenty of water and supplies. The town of Vernal is located near the BLM area, but it's a thirteen-mile drive to civilization.

Since the Cliff Ridge Hang Gliding Area is located in an isolated spot, you need to be mindful of the wildlife, especially at night. Black bears love to roam around the site, and they may disrupt your camp if food is not stored correctly. Make sure to visit our blog to learn all about BLM camping before you take the rig to the Cliff Ridge Hang Gliding Area.

Leave No Trace

When it comes time to visit this BLM location, you should remember the Leave No Trace principles. Proper planning can ensure that you leave the area without a trace of your visit. All garbage and other waste must be placed in a garbage can, and you should clean up all campsites during and after your visit. The Dinosaur National Monument is located near this site, and it has plenty of fossils. While it may be tempting to bring home a souvenir, never take any rocks or fossils from the region. You want to keep these areas preserved for future generations.

Cliff Ridge Hang Gliding Area Location

If you travel from Vernal, head 30 miles east on US 40. At the Dinosaur National Monument sign, turn north and follow the signs to this location.

Ready to visit the Cliff Ridge Hang Gliding Area? RV camping 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 of 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.