Coal Canyon

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

The Bureau of Land Management is tasked with managing many American lands for modern recreation and resource preservation for the future. That includes nearly 23 million acres across Utah, a state known for its unrivaled scenic beauty that ranges up soaring mountain peaks, across vast salt flats, and down into mesmerizing canyons of red rock. Coal Canyon Wildlife Study Area (WSA) is one BLM site north of I-10 and just west of the Colorado border. This dissected landscape features v-shaped canyons and steep ridges with a high desert ecosystem dominated by pinyon and junipers. Come here to spend time among many different erosional features; they include arches, overhangs, balanced rocks, alcoves, and pinnacles. Coal Canyon WSA is just north of Thompson Springs, Utah. Only a few dozen residents still call this census-designated place home in Grand County, and it sits right off I-70. This was one of many places that dried up after Route 66 was replaced by the interstate system, but it has a few RV parks out of which you can base your local adventures. "The Silver Spur Cafe" is a murder mystery written by Chinle Miller, and it was partially set here. Moab is less than 40 miles to the south, and that's the same direction you can find both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Devils Garden Full Lollipop

Take in tremendous scenery while enjoying spurts of solitude if you hike early or late to avoid crowds. This trail is your chance to see eight named arches. Hike in the late afternoon for the best color photographs for Devils Garden. Pack plenty of water, apply sunscreen, and wear a hat. Length: 5.0 Miles Intensity: Moderate to difficult

Fishing and Boating

The Green River under Flaming Gorge Dam has emerald waters with trout galore. Rugged terrain limits your access points to just under the dam, Browns Park, and Little Hole. Check the latest state proclamations for harvest limits, or do catch-and-release fishing with artificial lures of flies.

Climbing

Thousands of hiking opportunities are available between Monument Valley and Moab, and you could fill a lifetime full of soft sandstone climbing here. Everyman's Endless Edge is a 5.9 YDS route where you can do trad and aid climbing up 1,200 feet. The 17 pitches are grade VI climbs. Also, head to the Fisher Towers, one of the biggest free-standing towers in America. The Titan was the first of these towers to be climbed, and National Geographic coverage helped it join the list of 50 Classic Climbs of North America.

Wildlife Viewing

Coal Canyon WSA has year-round populations that you might see including bighorn sheep, black bears, mountain lions, and elk. Other mammals include mule deer, desert cottontails, and kangaroo rats. Birdwatching varies by season; in the summer, you might see white-throated swifts or turkey vultures, but winter sights might include white-crowned sparrows and juncos. Snakes here are usually harmless and nocturnal, but you might see an occasional midget-faded rattlesnake.

Picnicking

O.K. Anderson City Park in Green River is a great place to stop if anyone in your RV needs to burn off energy outside. There are plenty of picnic benches, a sheltered area, and usually a Mexican food truck on the street. The park includes a field, playground, and restrooms. Green River State Park has modern restrooms and sheltered picnic tables where you can relax and enjoy river views.

Pictographs

The Sego Canyon Pictograph Trail is very close to Thompson Springs, and it's an easy 0.2-mile route that takes you past a trio of rock art panels. A combination of pictographs and petroglyphs are from the Ute and Fremont tribes in two different periods of history, and one is presumed to be around 4,000 years old. This location has a pit toilet, and there are more pictographs across the road behind the modern corral.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Coal Canyon does offer Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, but RV camping isn't always practical in the available spaces. Thompson Springs has several RV parks that you can use; however. Ballard RV Park has gravel spots with Wi-Fi, showers, and full hookups. Pets are welcome. This park is mostly quiet at night with the exception of an occasional train passing by. Desert Moon Hotel & RV Park has pull-through sites with full hookups and Wi-Fi. There are also toilets and dump station services available.

Free Camping

If you can't find a spot at Coal Canyon and look for "BLM camping near me," then BLM 144 Dispersed might come up. This site is south of I-70 on Valley City Road, close to state Highway 191. A combination of RV and tent sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and you can enjoy dispersed camping here with fires, pets, and alcohol all permitted.

RV Rentals Near Coal Canyon Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Coal Canyon BLM trip

Bring plenty of water to help with the combination of high elevation and desert environment you'll find in most of Utah. Remember to make sure that everyone in your RV also drinks it. Staying hydrated is important in summer, but it's also crucial in the rest of the seasons. You should also be ready for serious temperature swings. Summer highs can hit the triple digits, but desert environments can also cool down overnight. Winter can be really unpredictable, too, because it might be in the 60s and sunny or freezing with snow. Rain is also highly unpredictable, and the monsoon season usually runs from July through September. Rainy and wet conditions are dangerous for both you and the sandstone rock you might damage; avoid dirt roads and slot canyons because of flooding concerns. Know your must-do items for your trip, and book them in advance to make sure you get your chance. A national parks pass and shuttle reservations can make most of your trip go smoothly. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Bureau of Land Management free camping might not cost money, but it does carry the responsibility of helping preserve resources and nature for future people. Significant portions of this area suffered fire damage in 2002, and the area is still in the process of revegetation. Don't try to fit your RV where it won't work, and stay close to your campfire. Even with a bathroom in your RV, have a plan for emergencies or going outside. Store anything that animals might smell so that you don't disrupt local wildlife patterns or behaviors, and always do a leave-no-trace check after you've packed up but right before you leave.

Coal Canyon Location

Coal Canyon BLM is around 10 miles north of I-70. Access this site by driving up Sego Canyon Road. Latitude and longitude: 39.1181646, -109.58308123 Ready to visit Coal 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.