The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
All over the United States, outdoor enthusiasts frequently visit Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sites to get closer to nature and explore unique outdoor areas. The BLM administers more than 800 sites, and the majority of them feature campgrounds, impressive landmarks, and opportunities for various recreational activities. One of these BLM sites is the Fivemile Pass Recreation Area, which lies in central Utah near the major cities of Provo and Salt Lake City. In addition to being an excellent camping destination, the recreation area is a popular spot for off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding as well as mountain biking and horseback riding.
There may be BLM locations in your area, and if you're adventurous and enjoy the outdoors, it's worth taking the time to visit some of them. If you want to find the nearest sites in your region, search online for "BLM camping near me."
The Bridal Veil Falls Trail is a beautiful out-and-back trail located near Provo. The partially paved trail takes hikers through lush woodlands, along a river, and near an impressive waterfall. The majestic Bridal Veil Falls is a 607-foot, double cataract waterfall, and the hike provides visitors with an excellent view of it. The best times to visit are between May and September.
Length: 1.4 miles
Intensity: Easy
Located in Rock Canyon Park, the Rock Canyon Trail is a relatively long out-and-back trail. The rocky trail is an excellent spot for hiking and bird watching, and when it snows, it's also a great destination for cross-country skiing. The trail is open year-round, and there's no bad time to visit. Feel free to bring your dogs along with you; they can even be off-leash in some areas.
Length: 5.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Lost Creek Falls Trail is located in Provo Canyon within the lush Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. The out-and-back trail requires a bit of climbing, but it isn't overly difficult to traverse. Ideally, visitors should avoid this route during winter and early spring because of the possibility of avalanches.
Length: 2.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Fivemile Pass Recreation Area is located very close to the vast Utah Lake, which offers top-notch opportunities for fishing and boating. Many visitors head to Utah Lake State Park to fish for channel catfish, walleye, white bass, black bass, and several species of panfish. The lake is also an excellent place to enjoy swimming, paddle boarding, and a variety of watersports. The lake has an average temperature of 75 degrees, so it will be quite pleasant if you decide to take a dip!
Although rock climbing isn't one of the most common activities around the Fivemile Pass Recreation Area, there are some exciting nearby opportunities for mountaineering. The closest such opportunity is Flat Top Mountain, which is located only a short distance north of the BLM site. The majestic peak is a popular destination for mountaineering enthusiasts, and with a height of 10,620 feet, the views for those bold enough to reach the summit are absolutely spectacular.
If you're looking to observe unique wildlife species, the best opportunities near the Fivemile Pass Recreation Area may be found in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest to the east. If you explore the forests or hike through the Uinta Mountains, you'll have a great chance of spotting moose, mule deer, elk, coyotes, black bears, ptarmigan, river otters, pine marten, cougars, and many other awesome creatures. You'll want to keep your eyes on the treetops and skies as well; the area is home to roughly 75 percent of Utah's bird species.
There aren't any picnic tables or shelters found at the Fivemile Pass Recreation Area, but many visitors still partake in picnicking at the site. If you plan to enjoy lunch at the site, you'll want to be sure to bring along a blanket or some type of seating. Then you can eat comfortably while watching your friends or family members ride their OHVs!
OHV riding is the most popular activity for visitors at the Fivemile Pass Recreation Area. The large area features many makeshift motocross tracks as well as miles of ATV trails winding through rugged hills and valleys. While parts of the area are suitable for beginners, experienced OHV riders will get the most out of the tracks and trails. Keep in mind that the area can get very slippery and muddy during and after wet weather.
BLM RV camping is permitted at the Fivemile Pass Recreation Area, but you won't find any official Bureau of Land Management campgrounds at the site. The only conveniences provided for campers at the site are five pit toilet restrooms. If you're in search of a modern campground with amenities and RV hookups, you'll want to travel east toward the nearby cities. A couple of quality nearby options are iPark RV and the Mountain Shadows RV Park.
If you're looking to enjoy Bureau of Land Management free camping at the Fivemile Pass Recreation Area, you'll be in luck. Dispersed camping is permitted within the site, and no fee is required. There are also many dirt roads around the site that lead to potential spots for secluded primitive camping if you want to get away from the main area of the BLM site.
When you're planning your trip to the Fivemile Pass Recreation Area, you'll want to consider what time of the year it is. During holiday weekends and other peak times for camping, the BLM site tends to be very busy, and it may be difficult to find a quiet, secluded spot for your dispersed campsite. You should also remember that no drinking water, trash receptacles, or any other amenities are provided for campers at the site.
If you end up needing to make a run into town for water, supplies, or recreational equipment of any kind, the closest options will be towns like Saratoga Springs, American Fork, and Lehi. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
The BLM asks that all visitors to its sites adhere to the Leave No Trace principles. If you encounter any wildlife while you're exploring the area, make sure that you only observe the animals from a safe, non-threatening distance.
To reach the Fivemile Pass Recreation Area from Salt Lake City, follow Interstate 15 southbound until you reach exit 279 for Lehi. Take the exit, then head west on SR 73 for approximately 25 miles and look for signs for the BLM site's main parking area.
Ready to visit Fivemile Pass Recreation Area? 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.
