The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Hidden Valley Trail is a hiking and biking trail in Utah that is overseen by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a federal government organization. While most BLM lands permit dispersed camping, this trail does not since motorized vehicles are prohibited on or along the trail. However, other Bureau of Land Management free camping options are nearby that both tents and RVs may use. This trail features a steep incline for about a half mile before it evens out and enters Hidden Valley. Hidden Valley features low cliffs, sandstone formations, and a sandy floor covered with grass and juniper. The first 1.5 miles of this section of the trail rise gradually before it slowly dips during the last 0.8 miles. The trail's end is marked by a short hill and saddle where trail users must turn around to hike or bike back out.
The beginning of the Hidden Valley Trail is difficult, with a 680-foot elevation gain. However, the remainder of the trail features spectacular views of Moab and the surrounding area below. Length: 4 miles Intensity: Moderate
The Mill Creek Trail is found just down the road from the Hidden Valley Trail. It features multiple rock scrambles, stream crossings, and views of the spectacular Mill Creek Waterfall. Length: 1.6 miles Intensity: Moderate
The Pinyon Trail is a short and easy loop trail popular with hikers near Moab. This trail also features interpretive signs on the local wildlife and geology. Length: 1 mile Intensity: Easy
The Colorado River, located fairly close to Hidden Valley Trail, offers plenty of opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating. The river can be accessed from the Colorado Riverside Recreation Area or Lions Park, which also features interpretive signs educating visitors about the history of the local Native peoples. Fish species commonly caught in this river include channel catfish, walleye, black crappie, striped bass, rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass.
A popular destination for mountain and dirt bike riders near Hidden Valley Trail is the Slickrock Bike Trail Area. This trail area features multiple rugged loop trails recommended for experienced bikers and a landscape of Navajo sandstone rock formations. Also found at this location are picnic sites and restroom facilities. ATV riding is permitted.
Plenty of picnic areas are free to use near the Hidden Valley Trail. One popular area is Rotary Park in Moab, which features shaded picnic tables plus a playground with unique musical play equipment. Another great area to enjoy is Old City Park, a picnic site featuring grills and a disc golf course. You may also picnic at the covered metal picnic tables found at Lions Park on the Colorado River.
If you would like to go RV camping with full hookups near Hidden Valley Trail, consider staying at OK RV Park, an RV-friendly campground with full hookups plus free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and shower facilities. Also nearby is the Moab KOA Holiday, an RV Park with all the same amenities plus a pool and hot tub, a dog park, a playground, and cable TV hookups. If you would like to stay at an organized BLM campground for a small fee, you can also check out Williams Bottom Campground, which has 17 campsites with picnic tables and shade, or Hal Canyon Campground, which has 11 campsites featuring views of the Colorado River. Both of these campgrounds feature pit toilets but do not offer water or electricity.
If you are looking for BLM camping near me, consider taking advantage of the free dispersed camping available at Sand Flats Recreation Area. This area, overseen by the BLM, offers primitive campsites. You may also enjoy the dispersed camping at Long Mesa Campground, another free BLM campground located at a relatively high elevation, making it cooler than the surrounding towns. Both Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are primitive, meaning they do not offer any electricity or water hookups. However, you may stay at them for up to 14 days at a time as per the BLM's camping guidelines.
If you plan on hiking or biking the Hidden Valley Trail, bring plenty of drinking water since the trail frequently experiences hot days. The BLM recommends that trail users bring at least one gallon of water per person per day while on the trail. You may also want to use sun protection on the trail since there is little shade, such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. If you would like to stay at a BLM campground, make sure that you check the campground's amenities before your stay and pack accordingly. Most of these campgrounds do not offer water, and very few offer restrooms, so you may want to bring your water and a camping toilet if your RV does not have one. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
All users of the Hidden Valley Trail are required to follow the Bureau of Land Management's "Leave No Trace" guidelines during their trail visit. To follow these guidelines, you should leave the trail as clean as it was before you visited it and maintain your distance from any wildlife you encounter. By obeying these simple rules, you can help keep the Hidden Valley Trail open for future visitors to enjoy.
To reach the Hidden Valley Trailhead from the town of Moab, take U.S. 191 South for 3 miles. From there, turn right onto Angel Rock Road and take the third right onto Rimrock Road. You will then immediately find the parking area for the trail. Address: 2962 Rimrock Road, Moab, UT 84532 Ready to visit Hidden Valley 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.
