The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
If you love to collect fossils, spend time exploring Fossil Mountain in the western section of Utah's Millard County. If you find any prize-worthy fossils, you must surrender them to officials, but you are more likely to find fossilized snail shells and seashells. Located at the southern end of the Confusion Range, it is the second tallest mountain in this range. After spending some time fossil hunting, set off on a hike to reach the summit to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding desert. This mountain about 200 miles from Salt Lake City is also about 240 miles from Canyonlands National Park and 200 miles north of Zion National Park. It is approximately 225 miles from Arches National Park, 155 miles from Bryce Canyon National Park, and 140 miles from Capitol Reef National Park.
There are over 50 Bureau of Land Management campgrounds across Utah. Most require a minimal fee to stay in them, and stays are limited to 14 days. You can also find terrific places to go boondocking, including Fossil Mountain. You can usually find the closest options by searching "BLM camping near me" online. This mountain's centralized location makes it one you will want to experience often, so start laying out your plans to stay in Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in the area.
This trail in Oak Creek Canyon near Delta leads to the site where firefighter Spencer Koyle lost his life fighting a wildfire. The first part of this rocky trail is well marked, and there is a memorial at its summit. There are plaques along the trail to teach you more about wildfires and how the forest rejuvenates itself. This trail has several switchbacks along it, and it goes almost straight up in places.
Length: 4.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Notch Peak Trail runs through the Notch Peak Wilderness Study Area. Whenever this trail forks, be sure to stay to the left on your way up to the summit. The first two miles are well marked before the trail goes up the mountain over some switchbacks. If you do not have an all-terrain vehicle, park at the picnic area, which will extend your out-and-back hike by about 2.3 miles.
Length: 8.2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
After parking near the old miner's cabin, hike over the gravel trail until you see a fork to the left. This allows you to follow the wash through the canyon. As the canyon gets narrower, you will need to do some rock scrambling. This trail ends at a summit right before North Peak.
Length: 3.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Sevier River is a fantastic spot to go fishing. While you can fish this river at several points, the best fishing is usually found in Kingston Canyon. You can fly-fish or rod fish for cutthroat, brown, and rainbow trout. Be sure to fish on public land because several areas are private property, especially near Kingston Reservoir's head and tailwaters.
About 40 miles west of Delta, the House Range is a fantastic place for a climbing adventure. You can climb North Peak, one of the tallest cliffs in the Contiguous United States. The granite rock formations at West Sawtooth Canyon and Painter Spring are terrific options. It is easy to access this area off US 6.
Each year, you can see thousands of snow geese on Gunnison Bend Reservoir in February. The Delta, UT Chamber of Commerce holds a family-friendly festival to celebrate this event. The water turns white with these birds, and you will not want to miss seeing them land at about 10 a.m. or leave at about 4:30 p.m. Stay in your car so that you can follow the geese as they move to different parts of the reservoir during the day.
The Neighborhood Pavilion in Delta is a great place for a family picnic. If you have children along, they will love the playground. There is a basketball court and two baseball diamonds. This park near the hospital has five picnic tables.
While Fossil Mountain does not feature established BLM RV camping sites, there are other outstanding options nearby. There are three Bureau of Land Management camping opportunities in the Henry Mountains. Lonesome Beaver Campground has five camping sites, and each has its own fire ring and picnic table. If you are going camping with your horses, McMillan Springs Campground offers livestock troughs and corrals. You will love climbing Mount Hillers when you stay at Starr Springs Campground.
Fossil Mountain is a great Bureau of Land Management free camping opportunity, but you will not find any hookups or services. You can also camp for free at the Maple Hollow Recreation Site within Fishlake National Forest. You can also disperse camp in many areas of this national forest for up to 16 days if they are not within 100 yards of a stream or near an organized recreation area.
There is very little shade at Fossil Mountain, and it is in a desert environment. Therefore, you need to take precautions to protect yourself from the sun. Be sure to wear a hat with a wide brim covering your neck. The hike can be strenuous, so bring plenty of water along. It is best to hike this mountain in cooler weather, so plan to visit in the spring or summer. If you must visit in the summer, get an early start.
You can build great memories while fossil hunting with your friends and family on this mountain. Since you can keep most fossils that you find for personal enjoyment, it is easy to recall all the great times you had on this trip. Before you head to fossil hunt, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
You will want to bring plenty of water and a snack or two to enjoy while fossil hunting and climbing Fossil Mountain, but please do not litter. There is no trash service, and you want to keep the area looking great. Therefore, make sure to carry out all that you bring along, and always stay on established trails and roads to limit the impact you have on the landscape.
It is easy to get to the Fossil Mountain from Salt Lake City by taking Interstate 15 South to Santaquin, Utah. Take US 6 West through Delta. After passing through Delta, continue for 51 miles. Take the Tule Valley Road south and continue on that road for eight miles. After the road turns west, watch for the turn-off to Blind Valley. Follow that road until it comes to a "T" intersection. Turn right and go six miles. You will see the mountain and a small parking lot.
Ready to visit Fossil Mountain? 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.
