The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The North Wash Recreation Area is a picturesque natural haven located in southeastern Utah. The site is one of many federal areas in Utah under the administration of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM site, which is located very close to both Capitol Reef National Park and Canyonlands National Park, is known for its stunning beauty. The area is also widely regarded as an exceptional destination for outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, and canyoneering. In total, there are more than 800 sites protected by the BLM across the United States, and there may be several in your region. If you enjoy connecting with nature and exploring new outdoor areas, search online for "BLM camping near me" to find the coolest BLM destinations near your home.
The Golden Cathedral Trail is a rocky out-and-back trail located within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The trail takes hikers over sandstone and loose sand, and although there isn't much climbing required, the route can still be fairly challenging to traverse. The views of the surrounding desert are beautiful, but there's not much shade to be found, so bringing lots of drinking water is always a good idea.
Length: 9.1 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Located within Canyonlands National Park, the Grand View Point Trail is an out-and-back trail that's suitable for hikers of all ability levels. The first portion of the trail is paved; after that, you'll traverse stairs and rocky cliff edges. You'll most likely encounter other people in the area, but you'll need to leave the dogs at home. This trail is beautiful to visit all year long.
Length: 1.8 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Chimney Rock Loop Trail is a scenic loop trail located within Capitol Reef National Park. The beginning of the trail is relatively strenuous, featuring challenging climbs up switchbacks. After that, the route becomes significantly easier. During your hike, you'll enjoy plenty of breathtaking views of the nearby rock formations and the surrounding desert.
Length: 3.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
If you're looking to enjoy some water-based recreation, you'll probably want to travel southwest to the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. There, you can head to either the Colorado River or nearby Lake Powell to cast your line for bass, crappie, walleye, bluegill, and catfish. Boating is also extremely popular in the area; Lake Powell features five marinas and many public boat ramps. If you're looking for a bit more excitement, you can also enjoy watersports on the placid lake.
If you're a canyoneering enthusiast, you'll have a wonderful time visiting the North Wash Recreation Area. There are canyons in the area appropriate for all levels of experience, with a couple of the most popular spots being the Irish Canyons and the Hog Canyons. You can do some climbing right around the BLM site or head to one of the nearby national parks, where you'll find opportunities for both bouldering and canyoneering.
Many interesting animals make their home in the desert environment around the North Wash Recreation Area. While you're exploring the site, you'll want to keep your eyes open for creatures like mule deer, coyotes, porcupines, black-tailed jackrabbits, and desert cottontails. There are also multiple types of hawks and eagles that you may spot soaring above, and it would be wise to keep an eye on the ground for lizards and snakes while hiking through the region.
You may not find any picnic tables or facilities at the North Wash Recreation Area, so you'll likely need to bring a blanket or your own seating. If you are looking to have a picnic, though, one great option will be to choose a peaceful spot beside the waters of the nearby Colorado River. Alternatively, you could hike to one of the higher-elevation spots around the area and enjoy lunch with a breathtaking view of the region.
It's possible to partake in BLM RV camping at the North Wash Recreation Area, but there aren't any established Bureau of Land Management campgrounds at the site. That said, there are quite a few great campgrounds in the area, and several of them offer RV hookups and modern amenities. One quality option in the area is the Bullfrog Painted Hills RV Park, which features 22 RV campsites with full hookups. If you prefer a primitive campground, you could go with the nearby Stanton Creek Campground instead.
As long as you put up your campsite outside the area's established campgrounds, you're free to enjoy Bureau of Land Management free camping virtually anywhere in the area. For the ideal dispersed camping experience, you may want to stake out a quiet, peaceful spot somewhere on the shores of either the Colorado River or Lake Powell.
When you're planning a trip to the North Wash Recreation Area, you'll want to keep in mind that very few of the area's campgrounds provide potable water or other supplies. Due to the region's potential for extreme temperatures, you won't want to be stuck without enough drinking water. You should also plan for the relative lack of shade around the BLM site; if you're visiting during spring or summer, make sure you bring plenty of sun protection. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
While you're visiting the North Wash Recreation Area, please make a point to treat the land as if it were your personal home. Try to avoid leaving any trace of your visit, and if you decide to put up your own dispersed campsite, make sure you're doing it on durable land surfaces.
The North Wash Recreation Area is located between the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Canyonlands National Park, right beside State Route 95. To reach the BLM site from Hanksville, UT, travel south on State Route 95 for approximately 28 miles. The site will be on your right, very close to the Colorado River.
Ready to visit North Wash Recreation Area? 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.
