The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Wherever you roam in the western United States, you can search for "BLM camping near me" to find RV and tent camping locations. These campgrounds are on public lands that are managed by the Bureau of Land Management, a United States government agency, and offer free or low-cost camping. While most of these campgrounds have few services, they are usually surrounded by beautiful scenery. One public site in Utah that is managed by the BLM is Sidewinder Trail. This is a mountain biking and hiking trail near the Candy Mountains and the town of Santa Clara, Utah. This 1.7-mile-long trail is only accessible by following the 5.7-mile-long Barrel Roll Trail or the 0.8-mile-long Precipice Trail. Sidewinder Trail is about 40 miles from the famous Zion National Park and about 146 miles to Bryce Canyon National Park.
You will love the views of the Santa Clara River, Red Mountain, Snow Canyon, Paradise Redhills, and Pine Mountains from this trail in the Santa Clara River Reserve. There is a dirt parking lot at this trail's start. While hiking this desert trail, you may see rabbits, lizards, and squirrels. Length: 4.3 miles Intensity: Moderate
Cove Wash West Trail is also in the Santa Clara River Reserve. It follows the wash starting at a dirt parking lot. This trail is gorgeous in the spring when the wildflowers are blooming. Length: 7.8 miles Intensity: Moderate
The Anasazi Trail starts across from campsite 11 at Red Cliffs Campground. It leads to the Red Cliffs Archaeological Site, where prehistoric Ancestral Puebloan sites have been preserved. Near this trail's end, it intersects with the Metate Trail, giving hikers a longer option if desired. Length: 1.5 miles Intensity: Moderate
Baker Reservoir is a fantastic place to go trout fishing. The best fishing is usually in the spring and fall. Start your fishing trip at Baker Dam Recreation Area, at the reservoir's south end. There is an 18-site campground if you'd like to stay overnight.
There are at least three climbing areas in the Cove Wash of the Santa Clara River. The furthest upstream area is the Shooting Gallery, which contains various sports climbs. The mid-canyon area, called Dark Lands, contains mostly sports climbs that are a little harder than those in the Shooting Gallery area, plus some triad climbs. One of the most popular climbing spots is found at Graboid Tower, which is a 35-foot-tall rock tower.
Red Cliffs Desert Reserve is a fantastic place to see a variety of wildlife because of the desert and Great Basin landscapes found at this location. Visitors will want to start their visit at the visitors center, where they can see animals from across the 45,600-acre facility and interact with park rangers. You can choose from numerous hikes at this location and keep an eye out to spot bobcats, foxes, beavers, muskrats, and tortoises.
The Grotto Picnic Area at Zion National Park is a terrific place for a picnic. Large cottonwood trees make this the perfect spot to escape the sun's rays. Follow the West Rim Trail after your picnic to see the Virgin River. You can easily get to this site by riding the Zion shuttle bus.
While you cannot go RV camping at the Sidewinder Trail, there are terrific choices nearby. Quail Creek runs through Red Cliffs Campground, and the area surrounding the river is a terrific place for a hike. There is a campground at Snow Canyon State Park, which sits within the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. Be sure to bring your camera to capture images of the red Navajo sandstone capped by an overlay of black lava rock. There are also campgrounds at Zion National Park. Watchman Campground is open all year but does require reservations. Camping is also available at Baker Dam Recreation Area. Ensure you stay within the recreation area's boundaries as much of the land surrounding the lake is private property.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available in most areas of Santa Clara River Reserve, except near the river and in the Land Hill Heritage Site. There are 55 campsites along the Hurricane Cliffs Trail System. Most sites are accessible by any RV. Gooseberry Mesa National Recreation Trail offers dispersed camping at many points along the trail.
The Santa Clara River Reserve is a terrific place to take landscape photos. Unlike nearby canyon areas, photographers often capture the best shots in the late afternoon. Consider using a wide-angle lens. Southwestern Utah is one of the places in the U.S. where you can find the Mojave rattlesnake, the world's most venomous rattlesnake. Especially in July through September when they're birthing and rearing young, the Mojave green, as it's known, can be aggressive if provoked or disturbed, so be especially careful around bushes, and avoid going off trail. Before you head out on your trip to any of these Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
When visiting Sidewinder Trail or any BLM land, please do your part to preserve these lands and keep them beautiful for other generations to visit by packing out your trash. Include the BLM "Leave No Trace" guidelines in your exit plan.
From St. George, Utah, head north on Bluff Street and turn left on Sunset Boulevard. Drive three miles west until you are almost through Santa Clara, Utah. Turn left on West 1700 North. Cross the river and go 0.4 miles. Turn left on Stucki Springs Road. Go 0.7 miles and turn right into the Santa Clara River Reserve. Drive past a water tank and continue for 1.3 miles until you reach a log-fence parking area. Follow the Barrel Roll Trail until it intersects with the Sidewinder Trail. Address: Sidewinder Trail, Santa Clara River Reserve, St. George, Utah 84790 Ready to visit Sidewinder 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.
