Burning Hills

Burning Hills

Utah

Burning Hills offers a unique geological landscape in Utah where ancient underground coal fires have transformed the terrain into striking red and orange formations. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, this area provides opportunities for dispersed camping throughout the public lands, allowing visitors to set up camp in undeveloped settings away from established facilities.

The rugged terrain features dramatic escarpments and canyon systems, including Last Chance Creek Canyon near Smoky Mountain. Visitors can explore on foot, photograph the unusual colorations created by centuries of subsurface burning, and experience genuine solitude in this remote corner of Utah.

Access requires high-clearance vehicles on unpaved roads, and travelers should carry adequate water, supplies, and detailed maps. Cell service is unreliable throughout the area. The landscape is exposed with minimal shade, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for camping and exploration.

This BLM land follows standard dispersed camping guidelines—camp on previously disturbed sites, pack out all waste, and practice Leave No Trace principles. The otherworldly scenery rewards those willing to venture off the beaten path.

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