The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
If you enjoy spending time outdoors and exploring new places, Bureau of Land Management camping is an option. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a federal government agency responsible for protecting many of the most beautiful and unique public lands in the United States, including 22.8 million acres in Utah. These various natural sites are popular destinations for campers and all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts, with many BLM locations featuring peaceful campgrounds, scenic hiking routes, breathtaking landmarks, and opportunities for watersports. In most locations in Utah, you can stay in BLM campsites for up to two weeks in a given month. The agency also asks that you obey local fire restrictions while enjoying your visit. One unique BLM site located in southern Utah is the Skylight Arch Trailhead. Situated just north of the Utah-Arizona border, the site is primarily known as an impressive hiking destination for those who enjoy fantastic desert views. The Skylight Arch Trailhead is near beautiful Wahweap Bay and the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. If you are planning on visiting the Grand Canyon National Park, it is a 124-mile drive to the south in Arizona.
This peaceful out-and-back trail is the primary attraction at the BLM site. The route takes visitors to the breathtaking Skylight Arch formation and offers spectacular views of the surrounding desert. The trail is popular for hiking and running, but it still provides opportunities for solitude. You're welcome to bring your dogs along, but they must be on a leash. Length: 2.0 miles Intensity: Easy
This out-and-back trail takes hikers through the gorgeous landscapes of Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. The route culminates at the magnificent Lower Calf Creek Falls, where visitors will find pristine waters and lush vegetation surrounded by cliffs and sandstone. Along the trail, there's also fascinating pre-historic rock art that dates back nearly a millennium. Length: 6.1 miles Intensity: Moderate
Located near the town of Kanab, UT, this out-and-back trail is a popular destination for hiking, trail running, and birdwatching. The rocky route is kid-friendly, but there's very little shade, so bring plenty of water. This trail also offers spectacular views of the area's unique rock formations that have white bottoms and reddish tops resembling toadstools. Length: 1.8 miles Intensity: Easy
If you're looking to do some fishing during your visit to the Skylight Arch Trailhead, one of the best nearby destinations is Wahweap Bay. You can reel in many types of fish, including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, striped bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish. Wahweap Bay is also a fantastic destination for boating and watersports. If you do not have your own kyack or canoe, you can rent one at Wahweap Marina.
The general area surrounding the Skylight Arch Trailhead BLM site provides many excellent opportunities for rock climbing. Many of the most popular climbing routes are in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. A few great spots include Buckskin Gulch, Long Canyon, and the Organ Pipes Tower.
You'll have a great chance to observe local wildlife if you explore the trails of the nearby Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. There are over 300 species of birds, amphibians, and reptiles, as well as 30 species of mammals in the area. Some land animals to watch out for include desert bighorn sheep, pronghorns, coyotes, and black bears. Birders might be more interested in the area's owls, long-billed curlews, peregrine falcons, and bald eagles.
Perhaps the best place to enjoy a picnic near the Skylight Arch Trailhead BLM site is on the shores of nearby Wahweap Bay. There are several beaches, swimming areas, an picnic tables in the shade.
There are no developed BLM RV camping sites at the Skylight Arch Trailhead. However, Lone Rock Beach Primitive Camping Area is less than 11 miles to the east. The camping spots at this site are on a sandy beach at Wahweap Bay, and vault toilets, potable water, and cold showers are available. If you are looking for more amenities, Wahweap Campground & RV Park offers 139 full-hookup sites, laundry facilities, and hot showers.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available on the northern edge of Glen Canyon National Recrecreation land about 20 miles south of Skylight Arch Trailhead. If you want more options, you can search "BLM camping near me" on your device once in the area.
When planning a trip to the Skylight Arch Trailhead BLM site, keep in mind that you probably will not have cellular service in the area. Purchase maps and guidebooks or download the information you need before leaving home. This region of Utah is in an arid environment, and you can easily drink a gallon of water daily to stay hydrated, so bring plenty with you. Finally, while you need light clothing during the day, it can get chilly once the sun sets. Make sure you bring warm layers to wear around camp in the evenings. Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in Utah are excellent places to get close to nature and a low-cost way to enjoy your trip. However, planning to stay in camping areas with few or no amenities can be a tricky task. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
When staying at BLM campgrounds and exploring public lands, adhering to the "Leave No Trace" principles is essential. These guidelines help to keep public lands pristine for future generations. Clean up and dispose of trash properly when leaving your campsite. Stay on designated trails to reduce your impact on the local environment when hiking. Additionally, it is essential to maintain your distance from wildlife and never feed the animals.
From Page, AZ drive 8.1 miles on US-89 North. Turn left onto Ferry Swell Road, which turns into Stud Point Road. The Skylight Arch Trailhead is at the end of Stud Point Road, 6.4 miles from Highway 89. GPS Coordinates: 38.64748333, -110.6627 Ready to visit Skylight Arch 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.
