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BLM Camping

Deep Gulch

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

BLM sites are made up of public lands that have been set aside. These lands are protected, creating safe, natural areas for plants and animals. They’re also an excellent way for visitors to explore wilderness areas in different parts of the country. To find BLM sites that offer camping options, search for “BLM camping near me.”

Deep Gulch is located south of Rawlins, Wyoming, near the Medicine Bow National Forest. The gulch features a trail that is ideal for mountain biking. Visitors can bike the trail in a loop or access it from either end for an out-and-back journey. The loop is about 30 miles long and generally takes between two and five hours to completely traverse. The area also provides other side trails for mountain biking and hiking, and the gorgeous scenery and native wildlife offer excellent photography opportunities.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Bridger Peak Trail

This trail in the Medicine Bow National Forest is quiet and offers beautiful views.

Length: 7.7 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Hahns Peak Trail

This trail is great for either hiking or mountain biking, and the higher elevations offer incredible views of the landscape.

Length: 3.6 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Tombstone Nature Loop Trail

Located in Steamboat Lake State Park, this gorgeous trail offers views of the lake and is a great way to spot wildlife.

Length: 1 mile

Intensity: Easy

Gilpin Lake Trail

This trail in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness offers beautiful views and also provides access to fishing areas.

Length: 9.7 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Three Island Lake Trail

This trail can be a bit rugged in areas, but it offers lovely views, and it is generally quiet.

Length: 6.3 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

The area around Deep Gulch offers many options for fishing. Gilpin Lake is a great place to swim or catch trout. Anglers can also head to the nearby North Platte River for some excellent river fishing, and Teton Reservoir offers good rainbow and brown trout fishing.

Climbing

Climbing enthusiasts can head to the Owl Roofs outside of Rawlins. The rocks are mostly high-quality quartzite, and there are several bouldering opportunities. The nearby Seminoe Mountains offer several traditional, sport, and top-rope climbs. The Rawlins Uplift is also a good option, and provides mostly sport and top-rope climbs with a few traditional climbs mixed in.

Wildlife Viewing

Deep Gulch is a great place to spot wildlife. Visitors can often see raptors, songbirds, elk, mule deer, and pronghorn. The Medicine Bow National Forest is also a fantastic place to view or photograph wild animals such as bobcats, coyotes, beavers, moose, and black bears.

Picnicking

Seminoe State Park offers several picnic areas, including group picnic shelters, and it also provides access to hiking, biking, and fishing opportunities. Washington Park in Rawlins offers picnic tables, playgrounds, grills, and restrooms. Bolton Park also has picnic tables and grills, and there are two pavilions, one of which has electricity.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

You can find standard and BLM RV camping near Deep Gulch at the Rawlins KOA Journey. The campground offers sites for RVs up to 70 ft. in length and provides 50 amp hookups. There is also a dog park and a Kamping Kitchen. The Red Desert Rose Campground offers restrooms, showers, a laundry area, a dog park, and a playground. The Saratoga Lake Campground offers gorgeous views, restrooms, picnic tables, and fire pits. Both electric and non-electric sites are available, and the fees for camping are minimal.

Free Camping

There are Bureau of Land Management free camping opportunities available at the Teton Reservoir Campground. This campground offers five sites, each with a picnic table, grill, and fire ring. There are vault toilets and a boat ramp. The Dugway Campground is another great place to set up a primitive site. The campground is first come, first served, and visitors can stay for up to seven consecutive days.

RV Rentals Near Deep Gulch Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Deep Gulch BLM trip

The area around Deep Gulch and Rawlins experiences mild summers that are mostly dry, making summer the perfect time to explore the gulch and the surrounding area. Winters can be extremely cold, so plan ahead and dress in warm layers if you want to explore the area then. Even spring and fall days can be cold, and the temperature can drop swiftly at night, even during the summer. Always check the weather forecast before you begin your adventure.

Some parts of the Deep Gulch trail can be rough, steep, or overgrown. Be prepared to stop and carry your bike as you move over fallen branches or around brush. You can also plan a route that includes turning back before you encounter the trail’s less well-kept areas.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace practices can help to protect and preserve Bureau of Land Management campgrounds and other wild areas. Always stay on the trail to reduce your impact on the environment and plants around you. Be polite and share space with fellow travelers. If you plan to build a campfire, make the fire in a designated area and ensure that the fire remains controlled at all times. If there are no trash cans available, pack out all of your trash. If you see trash along the trail, pick it up and dispose of it properly.

Deep Gulch Location

From Rawlings, take State Highway 789 south. In the extinct town of Dad, take Carbon County Road 608 east for about 6 miles. Turn onto BLM Road 3305 and continue for about half of a mile. Continue on BLM Road 3308 for about four miles. You’ll see Cow Creek on your right. You can park there or continue along a two-track road that leads farther into the gulch.

Ready to visit Deep Gulch? 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.