The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a federal agency within the United States Department of the Interior that oversees the management and conservation of public lands. BLM lands cover over 245 million acres of diverse landscapes across America, including forests, mountains, deserts, and grasslands. Developed BLM campgrounds often offer picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. You usually have to pay a small fee and may need to make a reservation to stay at these sites. BLM free camping is available at dispersed campsites that do not have amenities. When taking advantage of these opportunities, you must use existing sites and fire rings if they are present. In addition, there is typically a 14-day stay limit at these locations. Also, keep in mind that in Utah, a free permit is required to stay at these Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. Rocky Peak Trailhead is within Utah's Three Peaks Recreation Area, offering abundant outdoor recreation opportunities like hiking, biking, boating, and viewing wildlife. Ancient volcanic activity has shaped the region's rocky terrain into one of America's most stunning places to visit. Well known as "Festival Town USA," nearby Cedar City always has something going on, like the annual Shakespeare Festival. It also has amenities like supermarkets where you can get supplies. In addition, the trailhead is only an hour away from Zion National Park and an hour and a half from Bryce Canyon National Park.
Rocky Peak Trail is popular among both hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts. For most of the hike, the incline is gradual until right before the summit, where you will have to do some rock scrambling. At the top, you will have a panoramic view of the desert landscape below and see Red and Antelope Peaks in the distance. Length: 3.7 miles Intensity: Moderate
Located a short drive from the Rocky Peak Trailhead, Turtle Wall Trail is a loop trail with relatively flat terrain, perfect for those seeking a gentler hike or bike ride. The trail meanders through the picturesque desert landscape, offering views of towering cliffs and unique rock formations. Length: 4.6 miles Intensity: Easy
Less than an hour away, Sand Hollow State Park offers excellent fishing, boating, and swimming options in its beautiful reservoir. Anglers can try their luck at catching largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. The park has a boat ramp, restrooms, and a picnic area. RV travelers can also swim and relax at the park's beach.
Graveside Matter Wall is 23 miles southeast of the Rocky Peak Trailhead and offers over 20 sports climbing routes for experienced and novice climbers. If you want a quick climb, The Cone is 20 miles southwest of the trailhead and just a few feet from the roadway. It is considered an intermediate-difficulty climb up a 25-foot cliff on the side of a cone-shaped rock formation.
The area around the Rocky Peak Trailhead serves as a sanctuary for diverse wildlife species, making it an outstanding location for enthusiasts. You'll have the chance to spot deer, bighorn sheep grazing in the area, and smaller mammals like jackrabbits and ground squirrels. Birdwatchers can delight in observing numerous bird species, such as golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and various songbirds. You might even catch a glimpse of reptiles like the desert-horned lizard and the Great Basin rattlesnake.
Several excellent parks have picnic tables and restrooms in and around Cedar City. Discovery Park features an elaborate playground and a large sports field. Alternatively, Canyon Park is dog-friendly and has walking trails along a small creek.
There is BLM RV camping available at Rocky Peak Campground, which is less than a five-minute drive from the Rocky Peak Trailhead. At each site in the campground, there is a fire ring and picnic table, and trees shade most camping spots. There are no hookups, but there are vault toilets available. Reservations are required and there is a $5 fee to stay overnight.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at the Coal Creek dispersed camping area, which is located on the northern outskirts of Cedar City. If you want to find other free camping sites, you can search "BLM camping near me" on your smartphone or another device once you are in the area.
If you plan to camp at the Rocky Peak Campground or other BLM sites, bring plenty of water since there will not be any at these campgrounds. This area of Utah is in an arid environment, and it is recommended that you have a gallon of water available for each group member per day. Keep in mind that in the summer, the days get hot but rapidly cool off at night, so you must bring warm clothing to be comfortable. In addition, it is always a good idea to have a hat and sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. Finally, while planning your trip, remember to make a reservation at any of the campsites you want to stay at that require them. BLM camping in Utah allows you to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of commercial campgrounds and get closer to nature. They also offer you a low-cost way to enjoy your vacation. However, staying in campsites with little or no amenities requires advanced planning. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Taking advantage of BLM camping means adhering to "Leave No Trace" guidelines. When leaving your campsite, you must dispose of trash properly in a garbage can, or if one is not available, pack it out with you. In addition, while camping, you should disturb the local wildlife as little as possible and only walk on designated trails to minimize your impact on the local environment.
Rocky Peak Trailhead is in southern Utah, approximately 20 miles northeast of St. George. The trailhead can be accessed via Interstate 15 by taking exit 22 onto Leeds-Silver Reef Road. From there, follow the road for about one mile before turning left onto a dirt road that leads to the parking area. Latitude/Longitude: 37.759921, -113.18743 Ready to visit Rocky Peak Trailhead? 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.
