The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
If you love snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, then head to Viva Naughton Trail. This location in the Wyoming Range near Kemmerer, Wyoming, offers four miles of groomed cross-country skiing trails and access to 343 miles of groomed snowmobiling trails. Before you go on your skiing and snowmobiling adventure, you will want to explore the J.C. Penney Historic District and the Fossil Butte National Monument because there are terrific opportunities nearby to go fossil hunting.
Start planning your adventure by searching online for "BLM camping near me." You can stay in these campgrounds for up to 14 days for free or at a very minimal cost.
This family-friendly trail starts with a steep incline near the picnic area at Fossil Butte National Monument. While many areas offer no shade, there are spots with birch trees to provide relief from the sun. This is a beautiful trail to follow in the springtime when the wildflowers bloom. You will enjoy the views from the lookout near the middle of this looped trail.
Length: 1.3 miles
Intensity: Easy
This trail starts at Hodges Canyon near Garden City, Utah. You will love the scenic forest views as you hike through the old-growth forest at Unita-Wasatch Cache National Forest. In addition to hiking, this trail is a popular choice for mountain biking and off-roading. This trail is beautiful in the fall when the leaves are changing color.
Length: 12.2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Bear Trail is a paved trail to Bear Lake State Park. Access this primarily flat trail at its north end on Bear Boulevard. Enjoy walking through Garden City, Utah, and find many boutique shopping experiences and dining establishments along the way.
Length: 10 miles
Intensity: Easy
Bear Lake is a fantastic fishing destination easily accessible by visiting Bear Lake State Park. You can rent boats from the park's vendor to enjoy fishing for trout and cisco in this lake, where the water is always azure because of high levels of calcium carbonate. While this destination is often called the Caribbean of the Rockies, it is also a fantastic place to go ice fishing. You will find many other water activities to enjoy at this park, including jet and waterskiing.
It is challenging to find a great place to climb near the Viva Naughton Trail, so your best bet is to head to the Ogden, Utah area, which is about two hours away. There are many sport and traditional climbs on numerous crags. A favorite with many climbers is The Schoolroom, which consists of two long tiered quartzite cliffs, one located on top of the other.
While most people come to Fossil Butte National Monument to see the fossils of prehistoric marine life, it can also be a fantastic place to spot wildlife. Follow the road from the visitor's center to the picnic area, where the 1.5-mile-long nature trail begins. The nature trail and the picnic area are often excellent places to see wildlife, including elk, pronghorn, deer, and moose.
Fort Bridger Historic Site is a fantastic spot for a picnic. Consider eating in the aspen grove near Goshon Creek. After your picnic, explore the 27 historic structures spread across 37 acres. The sites showcase the different trails that went through Fort Bridger, including the Oregon, California, Mormon Pioneer, Pony Express, Overland, and Cherokee Trails.
There is no RV camping at the Viva Naughton Trail, but you can find outstanding options nearby. A great choice is Slate Creek Campground, which is very near the Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge and Fontenelle Reservoir. Another fantastic option operated by the National Forest Service is Hams Fork Campground. You will love the hiking trails near this overnight location. Another nearby campground within Bridger-Teton National Forest is Hobble Creek Campground.
While there are not any organized Bureau of Land Management free camping opportunities near the Viva Naughton Trail, you can camp for free at Lake Alice Campground. This campground within the Bridger-Teton National Forest is near excellent fishing, and you will love the scenic hiking trails nearby. There is also free camping allowed near the east entrance to Lake Viva Naughton Public Access Area, which is a great place to see deer and antelope.
Driving on snow to this site may require special skills. Slow down as it may take longer for your tires to firmly grip the ground. Accelerate and decelerate slowly to help your vehicle not go into a skid, especially if you are pulling a trailer; apply firm, steady pressure when you need to stop. If you can avoid it, do not stop going up a hill as you may have to back down the hill and start up again.
Winter is a fantastic time to explore nature with those that you love. Cross-country skiing can be great exercise, and you will be making memories that last a lifetime, so slow down and relax. Before you head out on the trails, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Nature looks so pristine after it snows. You do not want to be the one to ruin its beauty for others. Therefore, make sure that if you create any trash, you take it out with you. That way, everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
It is easy to get to the Viva Naughton Trail from Kemmerer. Head north on Quartz Street. After you cross the railroad tracks, this road becomes Highway 189. Continue for about 0.75 miles, and turn left on Wyoming 233. Go approximately 18 miles, and you will see this site on the east side of the road.
Address: Viva Naughton Trail, Kemmerer, Wyoming 83101
Ready to visit Viva Naughton 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.
