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) is a U.S. government agency that oversees the management and public use of federally owned public lands in the United States. In Utah, the BLM manages over 22 million acres of public land, making it a great destination for camping and outdoor recreation. You can locate BLM sites by searching "BLM camping near me." Mansard Trail is a stunning BLM site in Kanab, Utah, known for its spectacular landscape of alcoves and vermilion cliffs. It is popular in the spring and fall months when the climate is mild and the environment is teeming with wildlife. Visitors will find plenty of night sky activities such as astronomy and astrophotography. Take a short drive to Zion National Park and spend the day exploring its canyons or to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, where you'll find some of the most unique cliffs in the world.
This out-and-back trail has a rocky terrain and is great for day hiking or mountain biking. You will enjoy stunning views of the red rocks and desert scrub scattered along its path. Access the trailhead from the parking lot at the entrance of Mansard Trail. Length: 5.2 miles Intensity: Moderate
Enjoy the scenic landscape of orange cliffs, dry washes, and pinon trees at this out-and-back trail near Mansard Trail. Length: 45.8 miles Intensity: Difficult
Pugh Canyon's out-and-back trail is great for those looking for a scenic hike or mountain bike ride. Along the way, you will encounter various wildlife and vegetation, including pinon trees, sagebrush, and even desert bighorn sheep. Length: 3.2 miles Intensity: Easy
Tom's Canyon Trail takes visitors through lush vegetation and high canyon walls. Park your rig at Kanab Civic Center and walk east to access the trailhead. Length: 3.5 miles Intensity: Moderate
The nearby Kanab Creek offers plenty of opportunities for fly-fishing and other types of angling. This creek has been stocked annually with rainbow trout since 1980 and contains smallmouth bass, cutthroat trout, channel catfish, yellow perch, and black bullhead. A valid Utah fishing license is required when fishing on public lands.
Rock climbing is popular in the Moqui Caverns, located on the Goshen Trail near Mansard Trail Campground. This sandstone cave is well-known for its unique climbing routes, which range from easy to challenging. Johnson Canyon has unique sandstone cliffs that tower over the area and provide a variety of routes with varying degrees of difficulty. Ranging from single-pitch climbs to challenging multi-pitch courses, this area has ways ranging from 5.5 to 5.13. The site is also famous for its panoramic views of the surrounding cliffs and desert landscape.
Mansard Trail is home to predators like coyotes and bobcats and birds like the roadrunner and scaled quail. Visitors may even spot the rare desert bighorn sheep, which can be found in the nearby canyons. Colorful wildflowers bloom in the spring and summer months, adding a layer of vibrancy to the desert landscape. Birdwatchers also frequent the area as many species of migratory birds congregate here in the spring and fall months.
BLM RV camping is possible near Mansard Trail. Ponderosa Grove Campground and White House Campground are some of the Bureau of Land Management campgrounds near the site. Ponderosa Grove Campground has six RV sites. Enjoy the gravel access road of White House Campground leading to seven RV-friendly sites. You can also check out nearby Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, which has 61 sites with full hookups.
For those looking to get off the beaten track, plenty of Bureau of Land Management free camping sites are available in the area with no reservations or fees required. Visit Hog Canyon and enjoy dispersed camping on the OHV trail system. No other amenities or services are available here, so visitors should bring their own drinking water and necessary supplies. Campers can stay for a maximum of 14 days in a month at a specific location.
When planning your Mansard Trail Bureau of Land Management camping trip, check the weather forecast before as it can get extremely hot in the summer. You should stay on designated roads and trails to avoid damaging vegetation and wildlife. Ensure you have a full gas tank before departing from town as no refueling services are available nearby. Motorized vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), are not allowed on the trails, and mountain biking is only allowed on designated trails. Before heading out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
When camping on BLM land, it is important to "Leave No Trace" by packing out all your trash and any leftover food waste so that the natural areas remain pristine for other visitors to enjoy. It is also important to be mindful of these areas' wildlife and vegetation. Avoid disturbing them, and always practice the "Leave No Trace" principles, such as being aware of campfires, respecting nature, and using only designated trails.
From Kanab, drive east on Highway 89 for 5.6 miles and turn left to join Vista Avenue. Drive for 0.3 miles and turn right to join Red Cliffs Drive. Stay on this drive for 0.5 miles and turn left onto County Road 2540. Drive north for 0.3 miles and join Cedar Ridge. Drive on this ridge to Mansard Trail, which is on your right. BLM Kanab Field Office: 669 S Highway 89A, Kanab, UT 84741 Ready to visit Mansard 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 of exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, enjoying 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.
