BLM Camping

Grouse Creek Mountains Designated Routes

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

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Grouse Creek Mountains Designated Routes

Grouse Creek Mountains Designated Routes is a mixed bag of Bureau of Land Management, private, and state lands. The area is filled with trails and routes for OHV drivers and auto touring. Grouse Creek Mountains sit on the edge of the Great Salt Lake Desert and provide a range of outdoor activities from hiking to primitive camping. The area is in the center of an isolated region close to the small ranching town of Grouse Creek. Grouse Creek Mountains are encircled by several National Forests, including the Craters of the Moon National Monument. The proximity of Salt Lake City across the Great Salt Lake makes the region a popular one with hikers and OHV drivers.

Bureau of Land Management is charged with protecting the environmental importance of certain public lands. The work of the agency includes protecting the environment from the impact of visitors to its lands.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Grouse Creek Trail

The area around Grouse Creek Mountains Designated Routes is filled with trails, including this difficult trek through the mountains. The challenge comes from the terrain on this in-and-out hike that crosses the border between Utah and Idaho. To travel this trail all at once takes about seven hours with an elevation gain of 1,775 feet.

Length: 15.1 miles

Intensity: Hard

Salt Lake Overlook via Destination Trail

Grouse Creek is located to the west of Salt Lake and offers wonderful views across northern Utah. The trail is open throughout the year, but the best times to visit are from May to October to avoid the snow. Snowshoe hiking has become a popular activity during the winter months on this trail of over five miles.

Length: 5.2 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

As you climb into the mountains of Grouse Creek, streams and rivers come into view. RVers can enjoy fishing along the border between Utah and Idaho. Fly fishing has become one of the most popular options in the Grouse Creek Mountains, and trout are among the fish that you can expect to catch. Daily limits of six trout are in place across the border in Idaho, and sturgeon and whitefish are in plentiful supply.

Climbing

Climbing is available in many areas in the Grouse Creek Mountains, but some restrictions do remain. The patchwork of private and public lands can make it difficult to find a clear route to the summit of its many peaks. The rolling nature of the hills of northwestern Utah makes most climbs more like hikes to the summit.

Wildlife Viewing

The Grouse Creek Mountains have always been important to the ecosystem of northwestern Utah. BLM camping in the Grouse Creek Mountains gives you the chance to come into contact with some of the popular animals in the region. Mammals you can see during your stay include elk and deer. As you transition from the desert to the mountains, the number of birds you can see increases to include eagles and hawks.

Picnicking

There are a few picnic tables available for you to enjoy along the designated routes. The picnic areas in the region include those in the Great Basin recreation areas.

Winter Sports

The winters in northwestern Utah are harsh with skiing and snowshoeing popular sports in the region. Snowboarding and other winter sports are popular in the Grouse Creek Mountains Designated Routes area.

Hunting

Hunting is permitted on Bureau of Land Management property. The plentiful deer and birds in the area make it easy for hunters to find their prey during any trip.

OHV Driving

The Grouse Creek Mountains Designated Routes are designed for driving OHV and off-road vehicles. Sticking to the dedicated trails is the best way to make your way through the region.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

RV camping is permitted at the Bureau of Land Management campgrounds at Grouse Creek Mountains Designated Routes. However, the primitive nature of the location means that there are no hookups or water available. RVers can choose to base themselves across Salt Lake in Salt Lake City. RV camping options include Camp VIP, which has all the amenities an RV driver could want.

Free Camping

If you choose to take advantage of Bureau of Land Management free camping at Grouse Creek Mountains, you will return to nature. Free camping is available at primitive sites around the designated routes. Another option is to choose a campsite as you hike or drive through the trails. If you choose primitive camping, you should ensure you are fully prepared to be self-sustaining during your camping trip.

RV Rentals Near Grouse Creek Mountains Designated Routes Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Grouse Creek Mountains Designated Routes BLM trip

During the summer months, you will find a beautiful location filled with wildflowers and plenty of people. It is important to stock up on supplies for your trip in Salt Lake City or the small settlement at Grouse Creek. Carrying gas for your RV or off-road vehicle is important along with plenty of drinking water.

The arrival of winter changes the landscape to a far harsher location. The snow and ice make this a difficult location that should be driven with care in the cold periods of the year. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

The BLM RV camping options at Grouse Creek Mountains Designated Routes are plentiful and give you the chance to enjoy the beauty of nature. The Bureau of Land Management believes its land should be preserved for future generations. For this reason, the BLM requires all visitors to pick up their trash and to leave the location as they found it.