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 (BLM) falls under the jurisdiction of the United States Department of the Interior. Its primary role is to manage and govern an extensive area of public lands encompassing over 245 million acres. Furthermore, the BLM oversees an additional 700 million acres of mineral estates. The BLM conserves and regulates these public lands, ensuring they are responsibly utilized by the public. If you are a fan of outdoor activities, there are many Bureau of Land Management campgrounds scattered across the country. You just have to search for "BLM camping near me" to find an ideal camping destination within the Bureau of Land Management's domain. Located about 30 minutes from Saratoga Springs, Utah, Lake Mountains showcase a blend of canyons, rugged cliffs, and scenic pinyon-juniper forests that afford breathtaking vistas of Utah Lake and the expansive Wasatch Mountains across the horizon. It's the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts who are up for the extra adventure. Visitors can enjoy mountain biking, target shooting, hiking, exploring ancient petroglyph sites, and off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding at this BLM site. Two of the state's national parks, Arches and Capitol Reef, are about 200 miles to the southeast and southwest, respectively.
Located in the nearby Wasatch Mountains, the Lake Blanche Trail is a popular choice among hikers seeking captivating alpine scenery. It leads hikers through picturesque meadows, aspen groves, and rocky terrain. The trail's highlight is Lake Blanche, a pristine mountain lake nestled amidst towering peaks. Length: 6.7 miles Intensity: Difficult
Situated in the nearby Big Cottonwood Canyon, the Bell Canyon Trail offers a diverse hiking experience. It leads hikers through a charming canyon with cascading waterfalls, lush vegetation, and unique rock formations. The trail culminates at a picturesque reservoir, rewarding visitors with stunning views. Length: 6.5 miles Intensity: Moderate
Nestled in the enchanting Big Cottonwood Canyons, the Lake Mary Trail is renowned for its alpine beauty and accessibility. It guides hikers through forests of spruce and fir trees and features meadows and breathtaking mountain vistas. Lake Mary, the trail's endpoint, is a serene alpine lake surrounded by majestic peaks. Length: 2.8 miles Intensity: Moderate
Located in Albion Basin, the Cecret Lake Trail is known for its vibrant wildflowers and panoramic views. Along the way, visitors can enjoy colorful meadows and alpine slopes before arriving at the picturesque Cecret Lake, which reflects the surrounding peaks. Length: 2 miles Intensity: Moderate
With options for shore fishing, boating, and river wading, the area around Lake Mountains caters to all fishing and boating preferences. Utah Lake, which is situated near the mountain range, is a renowned fishing spot with diverse fish species, including walleye, catfish, bass, and trout. Anglers can fish from the shoreline or use boat ramps and docks to embark on boating and fishing. Boaters can explore Utah Lake's vast waters and engage in water sports like water skiing and wakeboarding. The nearby Provo River is also a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts who are seeking trout.
The nearby Wasatch Mountains offer diverse climbing routes suitable for all skill levels. With rugged peaks, sheer cliffs, and stunning rock formations, climbers can indulge in thrilling adventures while enjoying breathtaking views. Other climbing destinations located near Lake Mountains include American Fork Canyon and Big Cottonwood Canyon. These locations provide a variety of traditional, sport, and bouldering routes, catering to climbers of different abilities.
Lake Mountains is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Utah Lake, which is nestled near the base of this magnificent mountain range, provides an ideal setting for observing a diverse array of waterfowl, including ducks, geese, and pelicans. Exploring the canyons and rocky areas might offer glimpses of elusive wild animals like mountain lions and bobcats. Additionally, the surrounding pinyon-juniper woodlands attract a wide range of wildlife, including mule deer, elk, squirrels, and chipmunks.
Lake Mountains has several picnic areas that offer comfort and convenience for outdoor dining. With sturdy picnic tables and trash cans for proper waste disposal, visitors can enjoy their meals while immersing themselves in the picturesque surroundings. Vault toilets are also available at this site.
There are several BLM RV camping spots in and around Lake Mountains. One such spot is Utah Lake State Park. The park offers scenic picnic areas with shaded tables and grills. It also provides stunning views of Utah Lake and the surrounding mountains.
There are various Bureau of Land Management free camping spots within a few miles of Lake Mountains. Dispersed camping is permitted in various areas within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, allowing visitors to set up camp and enjoy the serenity of the wilderness. Cedar Valley and Ophir also provide free camping opportunities. These sites offer basic amenities like fire pits and picnic tables. However, they do not have access to water or restroom facilities.
Lake Mountains is open year-round. Before embarking on your trip to Lake Mountains, you are advised to bring a map or GPS device so as to be able to navigate the site with ease and avoid getting lost. You should note that the temperatures within the area vary depending on the season. Therefore, depending on the weather forecast, make sure to bring proper clothing to accommodate any changes in weather during your visit. You should also pack enough food and water, insect repellent, and sun protection. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
When camping at Lake Mountains, it is essential to follow BLM regulations, which emphasize adherence to the Leave No Trace principles. All campers must correctly dispose of their trash in designated trash bins. It is also crucial to refrain from touching or damaging historical artifacts and rocks found within the area. Finally, campers are encouraged to utilize existing trails and adhere to marked pathways so as to minimize any potential damage to vegetation.
To reach Lake Mountains from Salt Lake City, UT, travel south on I-15, and then take Exit 282 onto US 89. Turn right onto UT-85/W 2100 N and continue driving for 2.6 miles. Afterward, make a slight left turn onto UT-85. Stay on UT-85, which will merge with UT-68 South. Continue driving on UT-68 South for approximately 15.8 miles. The first access route to Lake Mountains will be on your right. Address: Salt Lake Field Office, 2370 South Decker Lake Boulevard, West Valley City, UT 84119 Ready to visit Lake Mountains? 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 also 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.
