The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are terrific places to camp when roaming the Western United States and Alaska. These campgrounds are often in remote locations and operated by the Bureau of Land Management to protect unique areas. Dispersed camping is allowed for up to 14 days out of 28 days with the condition that the next camp must be 25 miles away and not near a campground, conservation area, or other paid camping areas. The Red Cliffs Conservation Area, which covers more than 45,000 acres in Southwest Utah is about 40 miles from Zion National Park, 146 miles from Bryce Canyon National Park and about 330 miles from Arches National Park and offers scenic views, excellent wildlife, and challenging trails. The Mojave Desert, Colorado Plateau, and Great Basin converge at Red Cliffs Conservation Area, making it a unique place for a hike. Parts of the Virgin River, Quail Creek, and Leeds Creek run through this facility. This area near Santa Clara, Utah, is very remote, making it ideal for stargazing. Visitors can see dinosaur tracks, trackways, bone beds, plant fossils, and petrified wood. The area is home to several highly threatened species, including Mojave Desert tortoises. Red Cliffs Conservation Area is next to Red Cliffs Recreation Area, where you can view structures of the Ancestral Puebloans at the Red Cliffs Archaeological Site and see an 1880s homesite.
The Babylon Arch Trail in Red Cliffs Conservation Area is a fantastic out-and-back trail where you can see numerous sandstone formations. Hikers will also climb a few sandy hills and wander through some gulches near the Virgin River while following this trail. Length: 1.5 miles Intensity: Moderate
This trail runs along Quail Creek in the Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness and is a terrific spring hike option to view melting snow pools in natural rock bowls. Be sure to follow the trail markers carefully, as this trail is remarkably close to the Prospector Trail and the Cottonwood Trail. Length: 5.6 miles Intensity: Moderate
Silver Reef Trail is well known as the only area where miners could dig up silver out of the sandstone. Follow the trail to view Jurassic-age dinosaur tracks like Eubrontes, Kanyentapus, and Grallator tracks. Silver Reef Trail starts in the Red Cliffs Campground. Length: 0.2 miles Intensity: Easy
Largemouth bass fishing is usually super at Sand Hill State Park from March to May. If the water temperature is around 50 degrees, try fishing in shallow reservoir areas. Once the water warms to 60 degrees, the fish will move into deeper water and start biting more.
Padre Canyon is a terrific place for climbing, with at least six routes rated above 5.1. The sandstone rock in this area of Red Mountain Wilderness is home to several homes of Mojave Desert tortoises, and climbers must avoid nesting areas. Before climbing, remember to check the weather conditions, pack emergency gear, and bring ample drinking water.
Snow Canyon State Park visitors often see coyotes and kit foxes, especially at sunrise and sunset. Some visitors will also see Gila monsters, tortoises, bobcats, and jackrabbits. Visitors may also see various birds, including roadrunners, hawks, and other raptors. Visitors should not be surprised to see many other animals.
Red Cliffs Desert Reserve is a fantastic place for a picnic near the visitor's center. After your picnic, visit the reserve's animals and learn from the staff. Then, you can hike across the step-over gates into the non-motorized area to explore more.
RV camping is available near the Red Cliffs Conservation Area at the Red Cliffs Campground in the Red Cliffs Recreation Area. The facility has 11 campsites with shade shelters, picnic tables, potable water, and grills. Snow Canyon State Park is also nearby. This site has 31 campsites, and 14 of them have water and electrical hookups. RV camping is also available at Sand Hollow State Park.
While the Bureau of Land Management free camping sites exclude primitive and disbursed camping near the Red Cliffs Conservation Area, free camping is available nearby. To find suitable free locations, search "BLM camping near me" and choose from the 54 campsites in the Hurricane Cliffs Trail System. Or you can find a suitable location at the Baker Dam Recreation Area, which sits on the south end of the reservoir. You should consider camping at multiple points along the Gooseberry Mesa National Recreation Trail as well.
When hiking at Red Cliffs Conservation Area, consider obtaining topographical maps. Follow the lines on the map to gauge elevation, location, and direction with a compass. Bringing a weather radio to stay up-to-date on the weather forecast will help prevent you from getting stuck in storms. Furthermore, ensure you have plenty of gas to reach this remote site and return to the nearest service station. Remember to bring a communication device in case of emergencies. Camping in Bureau of Land Management campgrounds is a wonderful experience filled with memory-making activities, like hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. Make the most of your trip by checking out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping before you go.
When visiting Bureau of Land Management areas, ensure you follow the Leave No Trace guidelines by leaving the site pristine for others visiting during or after your trip by packing out your trash. In addition, ensure that you camp only on durable surfaces for your camp's safety. Ensure that you leave the area as you found it, taking only photos of your findings. Be courteous to other visitors and never bother wildlife.
From St. George, Utah, head north on South 700 East. Turn right on East St., George Boulevard. Turn left onto 900 E Street. Then, turn right on East Red Hills Parkway. Finally, turn left onto Cottonwood Springs Road. Red Cliffs Conservation Area Address: Field Office, 345 East Riverside Drive, St. George, Utah 84790 Ready to visit Red Cliffs Conservation 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.
