Behind the Rocks
Utah
Behind the Rocks is a Bureau of Land Management wilderness study area in southeastern Utah, located just south of Moab. The landscape features dramatic Navajo sandstone formations including massive domes, narrow fins, steep cliffs, and natural arches. Roughly sixty percent of the terrain is bare rock, with juniper woodlands and desert shrubs covering the remaining areas.
Recreation here centers on hiking, fin walking, and rock scrambling. The extreme topography presents significant challenges for foot travel, making this area best suited for experienced hikers comfortable navigating rugged, unmarked terrain. There are no developed trails or facilities within the WSA.
Dispersed camping is permitted on adjacent BLM lands, though the rocky terrain within the wilderness study area itself offers limited suitable sites. Visitors should come prepared with adequate water, navigation tools, and leave-no-trace supplies.
Access is available from several points along Spanish Valley Drive and Pritchett Canyon Road. The best times to visit are spring and fall when temperatures are moderate. Summer months bring intense heat that makes hiking the exposed sandstone dangerous.
Explore Nearby
- Potash-Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Utah
- Dead Horse Point Mesa Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Utah
- Dead Horse Point State Park — Dark Sky Site in Utah
- Utahraptor State Park — State Park in Utah
- Dead Horse Point State Park — State Park in Utah
Nearby Discoveries
12 places to explore within 30 miles
Bridger Jack Mesa WSA
2.2 miles awayMoab Field Office (BLM)
11.4 miles away · 3.5 ★
Moab Rim Trail
11.6 miles awaySand Flats Recreation Area
11.7 miles away · 4.8 ★Williams Bottom Camping Area
11.8 miles away · 4.3 ★Slickrock National Recreation Trail
12.1 miles away · 4.8 ★