BLM public lands offer some spectacular activities and places to enjoy the outdoors without the crowds that you’ll find at most National Parks.
Skip the packed trails and discover amazing outdoor adventures on Bureau of Land Management areas near you. From incredible stargazing spots to wildlife watching and hiking trails that feel like your own private wilderness, these overlooked public lands offer big experiences without the tourist crowds.
Public lands are calling your name
Public lands are managed by the Bureau of Land Management and offer some serious recreation opportunities and off-the-beaten-path adventures that can be perfect for you. There are more than 245 million acres of public lands across the United States that fall into this category, offering some amazing opportunities for your outdoor experiences. The best part is that you can avoid the crowds that head to designated National Parks. You’ll have the same wonderful experiences without the challenges of crowds on the trails and in the area, making things much more hectic than you want.
These destinations have names
Public lands are protected and managed, with names and designated spaces, without being part of the National Parks list. Some popular destinations for hiking and public land camping include Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument in Utah and the King Range National Conservation Area in California. These locations offer uncrowded hiking trails and wildlife watching spots that can be perfect for you to enjoy the area and get the most out of your experience on public lands. These lands are right for you and your family or friends to enjoy some outdoor adventures wherever you want to go for a vacation in a quiet and secluded area of the country.
Enjoy the night
Are you looking for some of the best stargazing locations? If so, some of the most remote and wild BLM locations could give you a remote, quiet, and dark place to see the stars at night. Places like the Pacific Crest Trail are perfect for this activity in California. This location is well known for its exceptional areas where you can view the dark skies and see the galaxy as it unfolds at night. Just imagine how clear and beautiful the sky would be if there weren’t any light pollution or satellites blocking the views of the sky and what it has to offer as the wonders of the heavens unfold before us.
Enjoy some boating and river rafting
Although BLM public lands sound like some hidden outdoor destinations, some of them don’t feel as hidden once you discover them. You’ll love the fun of whitewater rafting and canoeing in locations like the Rogue River in Oregon, the Lower Salmon River in Idaho, and some portions of the Colorado River. The experiences you’ll have will be unforgettable and will give you the experience you want on the water. Boating with your family can be some of the most fun you’ll have when you want to do something special, and going to these locations can give you much better access with fewer lines than National Parks.
Different types of campgrounds
Public lands are still managed and maintained, which means you can enjoy camping in both developed and dispersed, undeveloped campgrounds. Whether you like to stay where you have facilities or prefer a primitive way of spending your time in the wilderness, these lands offer some amazing opportunities. You can easily find a peaceful spot under the stars, and you don’t need a reservation and won’t pay fees in many areas. There are many great places to go on public lands, which means you’ll want to do a search to find the right places to go.
Great rock climbing opportunities
BLM public lands offer some amazing opportunities for rock climbing if this is what you enjoy. Some of the top destinations include Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in Nevada and Alabama Hills National Scenic Area in California. Climbers from all over the world head to these areas for some adventure and fun. Many BLM areas give you similar landscapes without the crows, which means you won’t have to worry about other climbers in the same place, making it easy for you to enjoy your climb and have the peace you’ve been looking for.
Go hunting and fishing
That’s right, you can easily enjoy some big game hunting on BLM land and grab that elusive creature that you’ve been after for many years. These lands are also great for hunting birds and fishing. Some of the most pristine rivers and lakes are located on public lands. Most of these lands and areas are in the western part of the country and Alaska, which are places that many people don’t get to go for their adventures and fun, but you can, and you’ll be able to experience the solitude you’ve been looking for.
The right scenery
Just because its not one of the most popular places in many National Parks doesn’t mean you won’t find beautiful scenery. In fact, many visitors to the BLM public lands have said the unspoiled nature of these areas makes for more scenic views, allowing you to enjoy the wildlife, which might be spooked by the presence of large crowds, or the natural landscape that can be destroyed by litter and footsteps. The beauty of a quiet place with unspoiled views is an unmatched delight.