This Memorial Day weekend promises to be the first of many busy weekends on the national forests of Utah. Some higher-elevation campgrounds, roads, and trails will remain closed due to snow and extremely wet, muddy conditions.
Safety is always a concern. Rivers, streams, and creeks are running very high and fast and are extremely dangerous. Please be careful and keep a watchful eye on children and pets while recreating in these areas, especially in campgrounds near water sources.
For the safety of the public and protection of bears, the Forest Service is encouraging campers and visitors to practice Bear Aware safety while visiting the forest.
Forest users are reminded to ride only on designated routes. Remember to always be a responsible rider. You can obtain Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM’s) that display the roads and trails are open to motorized vehicles at https://www.fs.usda.gov/uwcnf
When hiking, always carry extra water, food, and outerwear. Let someone know where you are hiking, approximately what time you will return, and avoid hiking alone. Be prepared for a change in weather conditions. Make sure campfires are completely extinguished. Most importantly, enjoy your national forests!
The following is a listing of Forest Service campgrounds that will be open for Memorial Day weekend. Before heading out for the holiday weekend, check with local ranger district offices for the most current information regarding the area you are planning to visit.
Manti-LaSal National Forest (435) 637-2817 or https://www.fs.usda.gov/mantilasal
Price (435) 637-2817 or Ferron Ranger District (435) 384-2372:
Huntington Canyon is closed to camping on either side of State Route 31 from the Forks of Huntington to North Hughes Canyon. Joes Valley campground is open with fees; drinking water is available. Indian Creek, Lake Canyon, Little Bear, Miller Flat Reservoir, Potters Pond, Willow Lake, Gooseberry, Gooseberry Reservoir, and Fish Creek are open but with no water. The Ferron to Mayfield road is gated beyond Willow Lake, due to snow. Campsites in lower Huntington Canyon (below Forks of Huntington) will also be open with no water. Other road gates are expected to be open for the weekend. Please contact the district for up-to-date information.
Moab Ranger District (435) 259-7155: Warner Lake, Oowah Lake and Buckeye Reservoir campgrounds are open with fees and no water. Geyser Pass and La Sal Pass are closed at higher elevations due to snow.
PHOTO COURTESY OF U.S. FOREST SERVICE