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 was created for the purpose of protecting and maintaining public land all over the US. One such site is the Dominquez Escalante Trail. This trail was established in 1776 when a team of locals left Santa Fe to explore potential trade routes to California. After the group ran into trouble, they ultimately decided to return to Santa Fe. This trail is near the city of Delta on the outskirts of the Sevier Desert in central-west Utah. The nearby Sevier River gives visitors plenty of fishing opportunities. You can also hike or climb across some of the nearby peaks, including Tabernacle Hill and the Swasey Mountains.
The Dominquez Escalante Trail is two and half hours northwest of Capitol Reef National Park and two hours and 50 minutes northwest of Bryce Canyon National Park. The Great Salt Lake and Salt Lake City are about two and a half hours to the north.
Lovell Hollow, located 37 minutes northeast of the Dominquez Escalante Trail, is a great trail if you're looking for a leisurely walk with a moderate elevation gain of 849 feet. Most of the trail is generally flat, but you should expect a steeper hill toward the end of the path. This hike typically takes visitors about two hours.
Length: 3.3 miles
Intensity: Easy
An hour and 20 minutes northeast of the Dominquez Escalante Trail, Fool Creek Peak is best for experienced hikers and rock climbers who are ready to spend a full day climbing to the top. Fool Creek Peak is in the Fishlake National Forest and requires hikers to trudge through an elevation gain of 3,238 feet. While the trail is open throughout the year, the best time to visit is between May and October when you don't have to worry about snow.
Length: 8.1 miles
Intensity: Hard
This trail is just outside of Levan, Utah and about an hour and 20 minutes northeast of the Dominquez Escalante Trail. Enjoy the amazing views of the nearby peaks and rivers while managing a slight 406-foot elevation gain. There's minimal shade along this trail, which makes it great for early hikes before the afternoon heat.
Length: 2.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Dominquez Escalante Trail is near the Sevier River and the Beaver River, which are both rich in rainbow and cutthroat trout. You could also try your luck at the Gunnison Bend Reservoir, which is 24 minutes north of the Dominquez Escalante Trail. It mostly contains bass and catfish. At the Miller Canyon Reservoir an hour to the southwest, you can catch cutthroat and rainbow trout.
If you want to go mountain climbing while visiting the Dominquez Escalante Trail, there are a couple of mountain peaks nearby. Swasey Peak, an hour and 23 minutes to the northwest, has an elevation of 9,678 feet and is the highest point in the House Range. The easiest route is the Southeast Ridge at less than four miles round trip. You may even spot the remains of a helicopter crash. Fool Creek Peak, an hour and 22 minutes northeast of the Dominquez Escalante Trail, is 9,717 feet high, making it the highest peak in the Canyon Range. On the summit is an old triangulation tower.
While exploring the Dominquez Escalante Trail, you may run into Gila monsters, bison, moose, gray wolves, or elk. Always be aware of any predator sightings in the area, and minimize all contact with the wildlife.
An hour and three minutes southwest of the Dominquez Escalante Trail, Amasa Basin One Day Ride is comprised of 33 miles of trails along with a picnic area. You can also stop by Baker Hot Springs an hour to the north or the Jericho Picnic Area, which is an hour and eight minutes northeast of the Dominquez Escalante Trail.
If you're looking to cover a significant amount of distance, consider bringing along your all-terrain vehicle. The Little Sahara Recreation Site, located an hour northeast of the Dominquez Escalante Trail, is near several prominent campgrounds. Use your off-highway vehicle to quickly get between sites or to easily explore more of the area.
If you want to go RV camping somewhere where there are amenities, you have several choices that are near the Dominquez Escalante Trail. Antelope Valley RV Park, which is 23 minutes to the north, offers full-hookup sites with 30- and 50-amp electricity, free Wi-Fi, bathrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. Fifty minutes southeast of the Dominquez Escalante Trail is Wagons West RV Park & Campground, where there are 55 secluded, full-hookup RV spots, free Wi-Fi, cable hookups, and shower and restroom facilities. There is also a store and a laundry. You could also choose to stay at the Fillmore KOA Journey, which is an hour southeast of the Dominquez Escalante Trail. Here, you will find pull-through and back-in, full-hookup sites in a park setting. You can also enjoy the pool, hot tub, game room, and playground. In addition, there are restrooms, a laundry, a dump station, and a camp store.
If you would prefer a more rustic experience, you can stay at a Bureau of Land Management free camping site. If you search for "BLM camping near me," you will find several places to stay in the area. Baker Hot Springs and Sand Mountain Campground, which is an hour and 13 minutes northeast of the Dominquez Escalante Trail, both offer primitive camping spots. Dispersed camping with tents is allowed on the trail if you're interested in setting off on your own adventure. Minimize your campfire's impact, and be respectful of the site and other visitors. This area can get popular during the warmer months, which may prompt more local activity.
White Sands Campground is a convenient option in the Little Sahara Recreation Center. There's an on-site dumping station as well as clean bathrooms, water, and plenty of available sites. Visitors have easy access to the nearby dunes. You'll have to pay a daily fee, and the campground may not have facilities for larger rigs.
When you start your camping adventure across Utah, don't forget that there are limited spaces available in and around the Dominquez Escalante Trail. Be sure to pack the essentials, including cookware, insect repellant, an abundance of water, and appropriate hiking gear. You need comfortable and sturdy shoes and clothes that will protect you against the weather and local fauna. Keep a careful eye on the weather when you plan to hike or climb.
Bureau of Land Management campgrounds allow you to experience amazing sights and once-in-a-lifetime thrills. Be fully informed before and during your adventure to maximize your time and overall enjoyment. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Preserve the natural environment by thoroughly cleaning up after your stay. Collect all debris and garbage from your trip to throw away outside the trail. Bury all human waste at least 200 feet away from any moving water. Do your part to protect and to maintain this important site for future generations.
To reach the trail from the city of Delta, head west on Main Street toward South Center Street for five miles. Take a left turn onto UT-257, and follow this route for about five miles. Go past Fort Deseret State Park, and look for signs indicating the Dominquez Escalante Trail.
Address: 95 East 500 North, Fillmore, UT 84631
Ready to visit the Dominquez Escalante 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.
