The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
If you want an outstanding whitewater rafting trip, head to Desolation Canyon near Pico, Utah. You can participate in a lottery if you want to go on your own or opt to join a commercial rafting trip. The float trip starts at Sand Wash, located between Roosevelt and Duchesne, Utah, and is 84 miles long, and 64 miles of it goes through Desolation Canyon. The trip ends at Swasey's Beach. You will love seeing the arches, pinnacles, and other erosional remnants not seen at other locations in the Wasatch Formation. While hiking in the area or rafting, you are likely to see Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and Roosevelt elk. There is a small Bureau of Land Management campground at the start of the trip, along with a primitive boat ramp. BLM campgrounds are usually in scenic areas, and campers can stay for 14 days while exploring the area. This location is the largest wilderness study area in the contiguous United States. This site is about 225 miles from Capitol Reef National Park.
Squaw Peak Trail is paved for the first part as it crosses five bridges. This trail offers stunning views of Rock Canyon from above its steep walls. The out-and-back course gains over 3,000 feet in elevation. Length: 7.5 miles Intensity: Moderate
The Y Trail crosses 12 switchbacks before it summits Y Mountain. There is truly little shade along this trail, so hike it in the cooler part of the day. You will love hiking through Slide Canyon and a pine tree forest. Many hikers choose to turn around at the end of the Y, but crossing the meadow allows you to climb to the mountain's summit. Length: 8 miles Intensity: Moderate
The first part of this trail is well maintained as it leads to Stewart Falls and is a popular hiking destination on the weekends. The two-tier waterfall is very scenic, so bring your camera. You will be hiking across a stream, so wear shoes with great tread as they can be slippery. Length: 3.6 miles Intensity: Moderate
Strawberry Reservoir is a terrific place to fish for rainbow and cutthroat trout and rainbow, cutthroat trout, and kokanee salmon. The bacterial blooms at the bottom of this lake provide great food for the fish, so anglers often catch large fish here. Many people choose to float fish here.
There are over 400 climbing routes at American Fork Canyon. Most of the climbs are sports climbs that are easy or moderately difficult. Climbers looking for a unique experience will want to climb in Hell Cave. This location has lots of shade, making it an excellent spot for summer climbs.
Ouray National Wildlife Refuge is a terrific spot to go wildlife viewing. The Green River runs through this site that covers almost 12,000 acres. Experts have counted more than 350 fish and wildlife species at this location, including ducks, geese, cranes, herons, white-tailed prairie dogs, and pronghorns. Visitors can see many of them by driving an eight-mile-long scenic route.
Red Fleet State Park is a terrific spot for a picnic. Sit at the tables overlooking Red Fleet Reservoir and watch people playing on their paddle boards and fishing. After your picnic, take a short hike to see the dinosaur tracks, believed to be about two million years old.
While there is no RV camping in Desolation Canyon, there is RV camping at Sand Wash Recreation Area, where most people choose to start their float trip. Another terrific option is Indian Creek Campground, which is on the Green River, about 15 miles east of Roosevelt. This area of the Green River often offers outstanding fishing. While the National Forest Service operates it, a third option is Moon Lake Campground in Ashley National Forest. You can also camp at Red Fleet State Park.
When searching the internet for "BLM camping near me", consider that Desolation Canyon has a small campground. Four of the eight sites will accommodate travel trailers or RVs. There is also free camping available for up to three days at the Duches County Centennial Event Center and along the road at McCoy Flats Trailhead, which is an excellent option for bikers as there are several bike tracks in this area.
Desolation Canyon is a fantastic place to go on a float trip. The upper part of the river is quieter while the lower part has over 50 rapids, and most people spend four to five days floating in the river. When packing for the trip, you must put your stuff in dry bags. Those with a volume of about 30 gallons are usually best because they easily fit into the bottom of a raft but are big enough to hold all the stuff you need on an organized trip. Still, if you are going alone, you will need a separate one with a volume of about 110 gallons to hold your camping gear. Upright bags are usually easier to keep organized than duffle bags. You will love exploring Desolation Canyon. There are excellent swimming spots, hiking trails, rock art, and historical artifacts. Before leaving home, learn more about BLM camping by reading this blog.
Desolation Canyon is a remote area. Therefore, you will need to pack out your trash. Mesh bags with closures are a fantastic way to keep your trash contained until you get somewhere to dispose of it. You will want to eliminate as much trash, such as excess packaging, as possible before leaving home so that you will have less waste to contend with on the trip."Leave No Trace" is the goal.
Desolation Canyon covers most of the West Tavaputs plateau and stretches north of Green River, Utah. Most people choose to start their float trip at Sand Wash Recreation Area. Getting to this area from Roosevelt, Utah, by heading south on US 191 South is easy. After about 10 miles, turn south on South Pariette Road. In 11.3 miles, turn right on Sand Wash Road. In about 25 miles, turn left on Sand Wash Recreation Area Road. Address: Desolation Canyon, Sand Wash Recreation Area, Sand Wash Recreation Area Road, Roosevelt, Utah 84066 Ready to visit Desolation Canyon? An RV rental is a fantastic 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.
