Black Ridge Wilderness
RV Guide
Introduction
Spanning over 13,000 acres, Black Ridge Wilderness is spread over the state of Utah. It is considered an extension of Zion Wilderness. With that being said, it is the largest extension of the Zion wilderness and one of the Bureau of Land Management's most incredible sights. When visiting here, you'll find a variety of different plants such as the Douglas fir, rocky mountain juniper, and ponderosa pine.
The elevation in Black Ridge Wilderness ranges from 3,650 to 6,550 feet, which makes it a climber's and hiker's paradise. There are several different types of wildlife that roam around and soar above the land. While there are no maintained trails in Black Ridge Wilderness, visitors can take part in a variety of activities, including wildlife viewing, hiking, climbing, photography, camping, and more.
Many people enjoy visiting during spring and autumn. The summer temperatures in the area often surpass 100°F. Winters there are around 50°F during the day and below freezing after sundown, making it not as enjoyable as the warmer months. With that being said, many people visit Black Ridge Wilderness all through the year. Whether you are on a solo mission, camping with some friends, or taking an RV trip with the family, there is plenty to enjoy at Black Ridge Wilderness.
RV Rentals in Black Ridge Wilderness
Transportation
Driving
Because Black Ridge Wilderness is near Zion National Park, it's fairly easy to get to. The area is surrounded by giant cliffs and massive mountains, which can make driving large vehicles such as camper vans and RVs a bit difficult. With that being said, if you plan on taking a vehicle like that, it is advised to drive a bit slower around sharp curves and if the road is wet or snowy.
You can check road conditions before you leave for your trip to make sure that you won't find yourself at a road closure. Black Ridge Wilderness is northeast of Zion and can be found by following brown colored road signs along the highways. The main roads near the area are Interstate 15 and Highways nine and 17.
The roads throughout Black Ridge Wilderness are grave and maintained, making them incredibly easy to travel on. When exploring the area, remember that there is both public and private land on Black Ridge and to not trespass unless the land is public. Lastly, there may not be a lot of cellphone service nearby, depending on your provider. You may want to bring a map in case you get lost.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Black Ridge Wilderness
Campsites in Black Ridge Wilderness
First-come first-served
Baker Dam Campground
Baker Dam Campground is just 17 miles north of Saint George, Utah. There are 19 campsites throughout the area. This campground stands at 5,000 feet in elevation. The campsites are surrounded by the beautiful forest and near the Baker Dam Reservoir. There are no reservations, and campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The campsite is open all year round, and each camper's stay is limited to 14 days. There are gravel roads throughout the campground. You will have access to vault toilets, but there is no potable water or hookups available for RVs. When visiting here, you can experience activities such as fishing, hiking, horseback riding, photography, and wildlife viewing.
Since it is located at the foot of Pine Valley Mountain, you won't have to worry about this campground being too warm, and you'll have a beautiful view. This is the perfect spot to get away from the stress of your daily life and delve into nature.
Red Cliffs Campground
If you're looking for a smaller campground while visiting Utah, the Red Cliffs Campground is a great place to lay your head after a long day at Black Ridge Wilderness. It is 14 miles northeast of Saint George, Utah. Located under dense trees, you will find 11 campsites.
It is important to note for RV campers that the paved road that you take to access the campground is limited to vehicles that are less than 12 feet in height as well as width. There are beautiful, deep red and orange canyon walls surrounding this campground.
You'll be able to fall asleep to the steady flow of Quail Creek that runs right through the campground. You have access to potable water and vault toilets, but there are no hookups available for RVs. The campground is open year-round, there are no reservations allowed, and campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Camper's stay is limited to two weeks per month.
Lava Point Campground
Lava Point campground has six primitive campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are pit toilets and trash cans available, but no potable water. RVs and trailers must be shorter than 20 feet when camping here. There are picnic tables around the campground and campfires are allowed.
You will be surrounded by beautiful views of valleys and mountains, as well as forests. This campground is open from May through September each year. It is located at an elevation of nearly 8,000 feet. It is quite primitive, but that is one of the best things about it.
You won't have to worry about getting bothered by a ton of other campers when staying here. There are also activities that you can do to experience the great outdoors. You can go biking or hiking right from the campground, so it's a wonderful place to stay for outdoor enthusiasts.
Seasonal activities in Black Ridge Wilderness
In-Season
Climbing
Because of all of the mountains and cliffs surrounding the area, climbing is one of the more popular activities that visitors enjoy. It is a great way to get in a bit of exercise, as well as see the beautiful views at the top of the mountains and cliffs. There is nowhere to rent gear in the area, so you will need to bring your own climbing gear and safety equipment. If you plan on climbing during the summer months, bring extra water as the Utah heat can reach over 100°F.
Hiking
Similarly to climbing, hiking is another popular activity visitors take part in when visiting Black Ridge Wilderness. There are not any man-made designated trails for you to take, allowing you to explore the entire area as you please. Just like climbing, you should bring proper hiking gear such as boots and walking sticks if needed.
The area around Black Ridge is full of rocky terrain. If a hike seems a bit too intense for you, it is best to avoid the activity since there are no rangers or first aid nearby.
Hunting
If hunting is an activity that you enjoy, there are plenty of animals near Black Ridge Wilderness. You will find wildlife such as mule deer, antelope, elk, ducks, pheasants, rabbits, grouse, wild turkeys, and more. Hunting is allowed as long as you are not in a National Park, State Park, or near monuments. Residents and non-residents will require a permit for hunting in Utah. These are available at dealers statewide, as well as on the Internet.
Off-Season
Photography
Whether you preferred to use a fancy DSLR camera or just the one built into your smartphone, photography is another great activity that you can do at Black Ridge Wilderness. The entire area is filled with picturesque locations just waiting to be captured.
You can take photos of the landscape, wildlife, plants, or your loved ones enjoying the vacation. This is a great creative way to capture your time visiting Utah.
Picnicking
Who doesn't enjoy a relaxing picnic? While there may not be picnic tables at Black Ridge Wilderness, that doesn't stop visitors from enjoying a delicious meal surrounded by beautiful scenery. This is a great way to fuel up before a hike or relax after a bit of climbing.
The entire area is a "No trace left behind" area, meaning it is enforced to clean up after yourself to help preserve the wilderness. Trash cans are provided throughout Black Ridge.
Wildlife Viewing
If you enjoy animals and you're looking for a relaxing outdoor activity to do while visiting Black Ridge Wilderness, consider a bit of wildlife viewing. Be sure to pack your binoculars to see a variety of different species of birds, reptiles, and amphibians. You may also spot larger animals such as foxes, deer, wild turkey, elk, and more. For your own safety, be sure not to approach any wild animals and know what to do if they approach you.
