The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Wedge, which is also referred to as The Wedge Overlook, is a scenic and remote natural site in central Utah. The area is one of several hundred sites in the United States administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The Wedge is primarily known for its stunning views, which look over the Little Grand Canyon and the majestic San Rafael River. Visitors to the BLM site frequently partake in camping, picnicking, hiking, and mountain biking. Additionally, the area is located within a short driving distance of popular landmarks like Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, and Manti-La Sal National Forest, all of which provide excellent recreational opportunities.
If you're interested in exploring the many diverse BLM sites around the country, you can start by looking up "BLM camping near me." That will reveal the locations in your region, which may provide you with several great options.
This beautiful out-and-back trail is located in Manti-La Sal National Forest near Spring City, UT. The route is a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and birdwatching. During the winter, it's also a great spot for snowshoeing. Parts of the trail are often overgrown, so be prepared to clear the path as you go.
Length: 4.2 miles
Intensity: Easy
This is another scenic nature trail in Manti-La Sal National Forest. The loop trail offers excellent opportunities to observe a variety of bird species and other wildlife. The route is challenging to navigate, but those who do will reach the top of East Mountain, which is the highest peak in the county. So, there's quite a bit of elevation gain to overcome, but the view from the top of the trail is magnificent. You can bring your dogs along, and they can be off-leash in certain areas.
Length: 3.7 miles
Intensity: Hard
This lengthy loop trail is located very close to the BLM site. The mostly flat trail navigates the ridge of The Wedge and is very popular for hikers, mountain bikers, and trail runners. Since the trail is extremely long, most hikers choose to take one of the early exit points rather than trek the entire loop. As you navigate the route, you'll enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding canyons and landscape.
Length: 20.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The nearest body of water to The Wedge is the San Rafael River. Although the river isn't known for its angling opportunities, you may be able to catch a few fish. However, certain sections of the river are popular areas for paddling and whitewater rafting. If you head west to the Millsite Reservoir, you can cast your line for brown, cutthroat, rainbow, tiger, and splake trout. The reservoir is also a lovely destination for a day of boating and watersports.
The most popular place for rock climbing near The Wedge is San Rafael Canyon, also known as Little Grand Canyon. The canyon features several large towers and quite a few walls, offering many opportunities for adventurous climbers to find new routes. The primary route at the site is the Trilobite Tower, which is a trad and multi-pitch aid climbing route at 5.9 C1 difficulty. The rock quality at the site is considered excellent, and the setting offers gorgeous views.
While exploring The Wedge and the surrounding area, you might spot bighorn sheep, deer, elk, a variety of small mammals, and several other wildlife species. However, you may find better opportunities for wildlife viewing in the nearby Manti-La Sal National Forest. As you navigate the forest, you should keep an eye out for black bears, mountain lions, moose, foxes, coyotes, wapiti, red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, turkey vultures, sandhill cranes, osprey, and many other interesting creatures.
There are two picnic areas located at The Wedge BLM site, offering picnic tables and a scenic setting to enjoy while you eat. You could also head southeast to the city of Green River, UT, and have a picnic at the lovely Green River State Park. There, you'll be able to have lunch right beside the water with access to several restrooms.
Before you reach the canyon rim, you'll find an area that's designated for camping, and BLM RV camping is possible there. There are no official Bureau of Land Management campgrounds with amenities located within The Wedge site itself, but there are several well-maintained campgrounds in the surrounding area. For example, you could stay at the nearby San Rafael Bridge Campground or camp at the aforementioned Green River State Park, which offers RV campsites with water and electrical hookups.
All camping at The Wedge BLM site is Bureau of Land Management free camping. If you choose to stay in the designated camping area, you'll need to stake out your own dispersed campsite.
When planning a trip to The Wedge BLM site, be aware that camping is not permitted along the rim of the canyon. That section of the site is specifically for day use, picnicking, and parking. If you plan on camping anywhere at the site, remember to come equipped with all the camping supplies, food, and water that you anticipate needing. Because the BLM site is somewhat remote, it will not be convenient to make trips to any of the nearby towns for supplies. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
When you spend time at The Wedge, the BLM asks that you make an effort to minimize your impact on the land. During your stay, please refrain from disturbing or removing anything natural that you find on the land and as always practice the "Leave No Trace" guidelines.
To reach The Wedge BLM site from Woodside, UT, head south on US-191 until you reach Green River Cutoff Rd. Head west on Green River Cutoff Rd and continue onto Buckhorn Draw Rd, then take an immediate left onto S Lawrence/Wedge Cutoff. After 1.4 miles, take a left onto S Wedge, and follow it until you see signs for The Wedge Overlook. The address is 125 South 600 West, Price, UT 84501
Ready to visit The Wedge? 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.