The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable vacation destination, San Rafael Reef might offer just what you’re searching for. Not only is the area famous for mysterious slot canyons and stunning desert views, but it’s also home to some of the most unique geology in the world. Furthermore, this iconic BLM site features plenty of excellent opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and much more.
The region features a dry climate that offers warm, sunny, and pleasant days throughout the year. The park is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This helps to ensure that the site’s trails are properly maintained. Furthermore, the Bureau of Land Management allows camping on BLM land in Utah. However, you need to make sure that you always practice the principles of Leave No Trace while camping in San Rafael Reef, and never stay in any one location more than two weeks per month.
This trail is a loop, which features a modest climb of approximately 500 feet. It offers beautiful views of the San Rafael Reef, which includes mesas and vast expanses of desert.
Length: 6.5 miles
Intensity: Easy
Good Water is a steep canyon, which is often called the "Little Grand Canyon." This trail runs along the rim of it, and you'll be able to enjoy stunning views throughout the entire length of the trail.
Length: 20.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
If you’re looking for a great place to go fishing, you can rest assured that the Green River and San Rafael River offer exceptional opportunities. They’re both great places to catch walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, and sauger. Furthermore, both rivers offer world-class kayaking and whitewater rafting.
San Rafael Reef offers some of the best climbing spots in the country, and rock climbing is one of the most popular activities at the site. In fact, you’ll be able to enjoy world-class climbing in the park’s slot canyons and cliff faces.
If you’re headed to this BLM site, your chances of seeing the local wildlife are quite high. In fact, the park is home to the largest herd of bighorn sheep in the state, and you’ll also be able to see donkeys, mules, mountain lions, and forked antelope in San Rafael Reef. Some of the best viewing spots can be found alongside the Green and San Rafael Rivers.
Not only does the whole park offer some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, but there are several designated picnic areas in the park as well. Cedar Rim Picnic Area and Cedar Mountain Recreation Area both offer tables, shelters, and grills. Another great spot to enjoy a picnic is Cedar Rim View Area, and exceptional picnicking spots can be found on many of the park’s trails as well.
Seeing the night sky in the wilderness of Utah is an experience like no other. Not only will you be able to enjoy incredible views of galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters, but you’ll also be able to get exceptionally good views of the moon and planets. That’s because the site's unique combination of dry desert conditions, clear skies, and high elevation leads to an exceptional night sky viewing experience.
If you’re looking for BLM camping, you can rest assured that there are plenty of options for RV parking in San Rafael Reef and the surrounding area. RV camping is available for a small fee in the site's parking lots. Furthermore, Goblin Valley State Park and San Rafael Swell Recreation Area offer exceptional opportunities for RV camping. These sites offer a unique mix of affordable prices, activities for the whole family, easily accessible hookups for electricity and water, and on-site dump stations.
In addition to the Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in the area, primitive trailside camping is allowed in the park. However, it’s important to never stay longer than two weeks in any location. The Bureau of Land Management sets and enforces this limit. Furthermore, it’s important to practice the principles of Leave No Trace at all times while you’re enjoying Bureau of Land Management free camping in San Rafael Reef or elsewhere on BLM land.
If you’re headed to San Rafael Reef, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the best hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing in the world. However, it’s important to never go out unprepared. Weather conditions in the area can change rapidly, which means that it’s essential to know the forecast before you head out. Summertime storms can kick up fast, which may lead to high winds and heavy rainfall. This could lead to the flooding of slot canyons. So it’s best to avoid these areas unless you’re certain that the weather will remain dry.
If you plan to stay the night in the park, it's important to bring a camp stove, a knife, and other wilderness survival essentials. Also, make sure that you take plenty of snacks and water bottles with you. In addition, it’s a good idea to carry a fire starter, and keep in mind that a mirror can be used to direct sunlight to create a campfire on sunny desert days. If you’re planning to spend your nights in the RV, there’s parking available at several lots within the park, and RV campgrounds can be found in the area, too.
However, there are other ways that you can prepare yourself for the wilderness of San Rafael Reef. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Going out and enjoying the beauty that nature has to offer is a timeless pastime. However, in order for future generations to be able to enjoy the wildlife and stunning scenery of San Rafael Reef, it’s essential for us all to minimize our impact on the pristine landscape. This is why leaving no trace is so important.
San Rafael Reef is located in Emery County, Utah. In order to get to the park from the city, take I-15 south until you reach Utah Route 6. As you travel on this road, it will turn into Utah Route 191. Continue to follow this roadway until you reach Price. Then you can take local roads to travel to various regions within the park.
Ready to visit San Rafael Reef? 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.