The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The North Caineville Mesa Trail takes hikers to the top of the mesa, which rises over 1,300 feet above the Mancos badlands. Ferron sandstone forms the mesa's cap as the trail goes along the badlands' spines into the mesa. It takes between one and 1.5 hours to hike and is about two miles long. Several names are etched into the rock near the top of the trail, marking early explorers and ranchers. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a federal government agency, maintains North Caineville Mesa Trail and its natural beauty. Once at the top, there is a register box to sign in. Views from the top of the mesa are unparalleled. A second trail to the top of North Caineville Mesa starts along State Route 24 near the "old cement truck" in Caineville. There are no developed facilities in this area.
Located near Capitol Reef National Park the trail is in the vicinity of some impressive naturally preserved areas. The nearest city, Torrey, UT, is 24 miles from Capitol Reef National Park. This is a part of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) trail and wilderness landholdings. This federal agency's vast expanse of land provides opportunities for free public recreation to anyone with a spirit of adventure.
Hikers can obtain one of Utah's more distinctive views by hiking up and onto South Caineville Mesa. This is a tough hike with some very steep slopes, but the views are well worth it. Ravines slope out in all directions at the base of eroding mesas and mountains. It is approximately five miles from the base to the top of the mesa where you can sign the register box. Some hikers may be content to reach the summit, but when you're there, you should consider walking across the mesa to see the old rock cabin constructed by some of Utah's earliest ranchers.
Length: 5 miles
Intensity: Difficult
The hike takes between one and 1.5 hours and covers two miles. Several names are etched in the rock near the summit of North Caineville Mesa Trail, where there is a register box to sign in. The top of the mesa offers unparalleled views. State Route 24 near the "old cement truck" in Caineville offers a second trail to the summit of Caineville Mesa. There are no facilities in this region.
Length: 2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The scenic vistas of the Bentonite Hills to the west and South Caineville Mesa to the east are worth noting as you climb North Caineville Trail. Their summit plateaus are thought to be fiercely guarded by dangerous-looking cliffs, but there are steep hiking routes up each one. Factory Butte, a desert Class 5 landmark, is visible further east.
The wildlife viewing on Caineville Trail is second to none. While hiking, keep an eye out for the desert bighorn sheep that frequent the steep hillsides of this trail. The characteristic "baa-ing" call of the bighorn sheep can be heard echoing throughout the area. Also be on the lookout for other desert wildlife, including jackrabbits, ground squirrels, kangaroo rats, mule deer, and several varieties of lizards. The landscape around the Caineville Trail is also home to several species of desert birds, such as the roadrunner, red-tailed hawk, magpie, and others.
Caineville Trail is a popular picnicking and camping spot. There are several campsites located along the trail as well as a large picnic area at the bottom. Roadside picnickers must clean the area before leaving.
Caineville Trail is an excellent place to stargaze. The clear and dark skies of the desert make this a prime location for amateur astronomers. The night sky on Caineville Trail can be seen with the naked eye, but it is also a great location for binoculars and telescopes.
If you don't want to camp on rustic BLM public land, there's an RV camping option within 20 miles of North Caineville Mesa Trail. Sleepy Hollow Campground offers RV campsites for rigs up to 25 feet in length. The campground provides restrooms with flush toilets, fire rings, grills, and picnic tables. There are several other RV campgrounds in Caineville, including Capitol Reef East Dispersed Camping, Pleasant Creek dispersed camping, and Offroad RV Resort. These Bureau of Land Management Campgrounds are between 20-40 miles from Caineville Trail. Searching "BLM camping near me" is also another way to find camping spots.
In Utah, Bureau of Land Management free camping is possible. There are several good spots for dispersed camping along the Caineville Trail. It is recommended that you camp at least 500 feet from any road, trail, or water source. Camping is free, but dispersed camping can be limited to 14 days in any 30-day period.
Always check the weather forecast, and plan for your RV trip accordingly. The North Caineville Mesa Trail can get very hot during the summer, with temperatures in excess of 100 degrees. Be sure to bring plenty of water. It's crucial to pack correctly, with plenty of spare clothes and shoes, because of the weather. Cookware, sunblock, and insect repellent are also critical items to have.
BLM RV camping is less costly than staying elsewhere, and campers are friendly and seek the same isolation that you do. Bureau of Land Management camping is the closest you can get to nature. Before you leave, check out our blog for everything you need to know about BLM camping.
The BLM requires visitors to North Caineville Mesa Trail to clean up after themselves. Campfires must be extinguished with water, and the ashes must be buried. Pack out all your trash, including food scraps, which can attract animals. Respect the wildlife by avoiding confrontation. By adhering to these guidelines, you can help preserve the environment.
To reach Caineville Mesa Trail from Caineville, UT, head north on UT-24 for about seven miles. Turn right onto Caineville Mesa Road, which is marked by a BLM sign. After driving two miles, turn left at the sign for North Caineville Mesa Trailhead.
Ready to visit North Caineville Mesa 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.
