Curated route · verified camps and provenance

San Rafael Swell — Buckhorn Wash & The Wedge

Region: San Rafael Swell, Utah
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 55 km
Surface: Graded dirt and sand wash
Technical: High-clearance 2WD (dry); 4WD advised
Season: Spring & Fall

Provenance

BLM: BLM Price Field Office — San Rafael Swell; dispersed camping per BLM Utah travel management. This is BLM land (not USFS), so legality is governed by BLM route designations, not a Forest Service MVUM.

About this route

A classic, accessible Desert-West overland corridor through the northern San Rafael Swell. Runs Buckhorn Wash Road past the Buckhorn Wash pictograph panel, across the Swinging Bridge over the San Rafael River, with a spur to The Wedge Overlook above the 'Little Grand Canyon' of the San Rafael. Graded dirt suitable for most high-clearance rigs in dry conditions; the clay surface becomes impassable when wet. Best in spring and fall — avoid summer heat. No services, no reliable water, no fuel in the interior — carry everything.

Legal Camps

Buckhorn Wash — Dispersed Pullouts ✓ Verified

BLM dispersed (existing sites only) · 39.1539, -110.6878

Why it's legal: BLM Price Field Office — Buckhorn Wash Road corridor; dispersed camping in established pullouts/previously-used sites only to protect the wash and cultural sites.

no facilities · no water

Pullouts along Buckhorn Wash Road near the pictograph panel. Do not camp at or disturb the rock-art panel. Pack out all waste; no campfires near the cultural site.

San Rafael Bridge Campground ✓ Verified

BLM developed campground · 39.0786, -110.6686

Why it's legal: BLM Price Field Office — San Rafael Bridge Recreation Site, beside the historic Swinging Bridge over the San Rafael River.

vault toilet · fire rings · picnic tables · no potable water

Small developed BLM campground on the river. First-come, first-served; bring water. Good basecamp for the Buckhorn Wash corridor.

The Wedge Overlook — Dispersed ✓ Verified

BLM dispersed (allowed) · 39.0939, -110.7025

Why it's legal: BLM Price Field Office — The Wedge Overlook; free dispersed camping at established rim sites, no permit required. Camp on durable surfaces / existing sites only.

vault toilet nearby · existing fire rings at some sites · no water · no hookups

Rim sites overlooking the Little Grand Canyon of the San Rafael. Exposed and windy; spectacular sunrise. Pack out all waste; use existing fire rings only and check for fire restrictions.

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