The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
BLM sites, which are protected public lands, let visitors get close to nature. The areas are often spacious and secluded, and they provide various options for camping or other recreational activities, including hiking. To find out what BLM sites in your area offer, search “BLM camping near me.”
The Portal Trail is located right outside of Moab, Utah at the Jaycee Park Recreation Site. This trail is almost a twin to the nearby Moab Rim Trail, which is located on the opposite side of the Colorado River. The trail can be a bit steep, but it offers gorgeous views of the area’s landscape. Both hiking and mountain biking are popular on the trail. The trail is also located not too far from Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.
Delicate Arch Trail passes by one of the most recognizable rock formations in the United States, and visitors can enjoy some excellent photography opportunities.
Length: 3.2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Located in Arches National Park, this trail passes some of the most gorgeous scenery and stone arches in the area.
Length: 0.6 miles
Intensity: Easy
This trail, located in Canyonlands National Park, offers stunning views of the area, and it’s a great way to spot wildlife.
Length: 1.8 miles
Intensity: Easy
This gentle trail in Arches National Park is one of the best ways to view the area’s beautiful and unique landscape.
Length: 1.9 miles
Intensity: Easy
Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities abound on this fun trail located in the Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area.
Length: 5.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Some of the best fishing opportunities are at the many streams and lakes in the nearby La Sal Mountains. The area is an excellent place to catch trout. The Colorado River is also a great place for fishing, and anglers can often catch bass, sunfish, and catfish.
Moab is one of the best locations in the country for rock climbing. Climbers can start at Potash Road, which offers several single-pitch and bolted climbs. The nearby Ice Cream Parlor is another popular crag that offers several sport and traditional climbing options. There are also many climbing options in Arches National Park, including Elephant Butte, the Three Gossips Formation, and Owl Rock.
There are dozens of places in the area around Portal Trail and Moab that are perfect for wildlife viewing. Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and the Grandstaff Canyon Wilderness Study Area are always great choices. Native species include mule deer, cottontail rabbits, bighorn sheep, kangaroo rats, black bears, mountain lions, a number of bird species including eagles, and several lizard and snake species.
The Fisher Towers Picnic Area is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a quiet picnic option. There are several picnic tables and the area offers easy access to hiking options. The Pack Creek Picnic Area is also a good option. The area offers benches, picnic tables, and fire rings.
The area around Moab and the Portal Trail has many options for great RV camping. Portal RV Resort offers large RV spaces with full hookups, and there is a dump station available. The Moab Rim Campark also offers full hookups. Visitors can also rent a portable fire pit for their camping space from the campground store.
There are several options for free tent and BLM RV camping near Moab and the Portal Trail. Many campers enjoy finding a site along the La Sal Loop Road, which starts only six miles outside of Moab and winds its way through the La Sal Mountains. Castleton Campground is also a great location, particularly as it offers easy access to many great rock climbing spots. The amenities at both locations are limited, so plan ahead and bring everything you need with you.
Hiking Portal Trail is exhilarating, but there are some areas that can be dangerous. Since there are no safety fences, visitors should take care at the overlook area. Bicyclists are also encouraged to walk their bikes at the top of the trail. The section is very narrow, and some mountain bikers have fallen.
Many visitors opt to visit the area around the Portal Trail in the spring, fall, or winter months when temperatures are cooler. During the summer, temperatures can reach well over 95 degrees, although most of the trail itself is shaded during the day. Evenings and nights can be chilly, even on days when the weather is warm. If you’re planning to camp, bring gear for cold weather. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
If you’re enjoying Bureau of Land Management free camping, it’s always a good practice to respect the area and leave it better than you found it. Always take any trash with you and dispose of it properly. If you find trash along the trail, pick it up and dispose of it. Stay on the trail so as not to disturb the area’s plants and animals. Only make a fire in designated areas and only when the fire danger is low. Ensure that all fires remain contained.
From Moab, drive north to Highway 279. Take a left onto Highway 279, continuing in a westward direction for four miles. You’ll see the Jaycee Recreation Site and Bureau of Land Management campgrounds area. From the park, follow signs for the trailhead.
Ready to visit Portal 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.
