The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Notch Peak Wilderness Study Area (WSA), located in western Utah, is one of more than 800 pieces of natural land administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). As an agency of the federal government, the BLM is responsible for watching over and protecting various sites across the western United States. These BLM sites vary greatly in their sizes, ecosystems, and attributes, and many of them are popular destinations for campers and other travelers.
Utah's Notch Peak WSA is about 30 miles east of the Nevada border and 45 miles from the lush forests of Great Basin National Park. The BLM site's main feature is its majestic namesake mountain. Standing roughly 4,450 feet tall, the spectacular mountain is visible for more than 70 miles and takes its name from a shallow grove near its peak. The mountain is a thrilling challenge for skilled climbers. Many people also visit the park to hike through the mountainous area, check out the local wildlife, or participate in winter sports. There may be BLM locations in your area; just search for "BLM camping near me" to find out what's reasonably close to your home.
The Devils Den trail is a moderately busy out-and-back trail that's located a short distance east of the Notch Peak WSA. The hike traverses an open area with varying elevations, and lots of wildlife inhabits the land. Just about anyone should be able to handle the trail regardless of fitness or ability level.
Length: 2.3 miles
Intensity: Easy
Winding through Fishlake National Forest, the Delano Ridgeline Trail offers a peaceful hike through the Tushar Mountains. The rocky trail cuts through fields of beautiful wildflowers, and the scenery overall is unique and memorable. The best time to embark on the hike is between May and October, and you'll find adequate parking near the trailhead.
Length: 3.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Mammoth Crossing Loop is a lightly trafficked trail near the town of Beaver, UT. An excellent destination for both hiking and mountain biking, the area is open and quite serene. During your trek, there's a good chance you'll see a few cows and maybe a deer or two. The best time to hike here is from March through October.
Length: 4.1 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The vast Sevier Lake is just southeast of the Notch Peak WSA BLM site, and depending on the water level, you may be able to enjoy boating and fishing here. The sizable reservoir is inhabited by walleye, perch, northern trout, rainbow trout, tiger trout, and carp. Other than Sevier Lake, there aren't many bodies of water in the area. However, if you drive a few hours northeast, you can visit the famous Great Salt Lake and enjoy a variety of activities there.
The entire Notch Peak WSA is mountainous and somewhat of a climbing enthusiast's paradise. Skilled climbers will find not only extreme solitude but also outstanding opportunities for rock climbing and spelunking in this area. There are several different routes you can take to summit the 4,450-foot high peak, but you'll also find plenty of other climbing and adventurous hiking routes if you don't have those aspirations.
Many fascinating wildlife species make their home within the mountains of the Notch Peak WSA. The bird-watching opportunities, in particular, are excellent at the site. If you're paying attention, you may spot ferruginous hawks, burrowing owls, long-billed curlews, peregrine falcons, or golden eagles. While hiking around the rocky area, you also may come across a few kit foxes or mountain goats.
Although it might take some time to find a flat spot for your picnic, the Notch Peak WSA will most certainly make for a peaceful place to enjoy lunch. The area is known for its serenity, and combined with the incredible views from the higher-elevation spots, it's sure to set the stage for an unforgettable picnic. Bring your own blanket, though, as you likely won't find any picnic tables at the site.
Technically, BLM RV camping isn't possible at the Notch Peak WSA due to the federal restrictions for wilderness areas. There are a few nearby options for RV camping, but none of them are Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. You could head west and into Nevada to camp at the Whispering Elms Motel & RV Park. It offers RV campsites with full hookups and plenty of modern comforts. Alternatively, you could travel east of the BLM site and camp at the Antelope Valley RV Park, where you can rent an RV site with 30/50-amp electricity for $45 per night.
Bureau of Land Management free camping around the Notch Peak WSA is not particularly practical, but if you're determined, you can surely make it work. Since you can't drive any vehicles into the wilderness area, your best option will likely be staking out a campsite around the outer edges of the site. Because of the rocky land and varying elevation, it may take some time and effort to find a suitable spot to set up your campsite. However, if you manage it, you'll get to enjoy a peaceful and unique camping experience.
The Notch Peak WSA is truly out in the middle of the wilderness, so resources and conveniences will be limited or nonexistent. You likely won't have any cellular service in the area, so be prepared to lose your communication ability. You should also plan to bring all the food and drinking water you're going to need for the trip as well as any equipment you may need for the rocky terrain. For all you need to know about BLM camping, take a look at our blog before you head out on your trip.
Because the Notch Peak WSA is such a remote area, it's up to visitors like you to help keep the area clean and healthy. Leave no food, waste, or trash at the site. If you encounter any wildlife in the area, observe the creatures from a safe distance, and leave everything you find on the land just as it was when you arrived. Additionally, treat fellow campers and visitors with respect, and if you set up a campsite, only do so on durable land.
To reach the Notch Peak WSA from Salt Lake City, UT, follow I-15 S for about 80 miles to exit 228 for UT-28 S. Stay on UT-28 S for 2.7 miles, then turn right onto UT-132 W and follow it for 33.2 miles. Next, turn left onto US-6 W, stay on it for 57.3 miles, and turn right onto County Rd 780. After 1 mile, take a slight right onto 3c Rd, then follow it for 2.4 miles, then take a slight left onto Miller Canyon Rd. Follow that road for 5.1 miles, then turn left onto County Rd 20 and follow it until it turns into County Rd 1398. Continue onto County Rd 1400, which will take you to the Notch Peak WSA.
Ready to visit Notch Peak WSA? 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.
