Desolation Gray Canyons Screen Cabins

Show on maputprmail@blm.gov
Bureau oF Land Management Price Field Office - Desolation River <br/> 125 South 600 West
Price, UT 84501

Overview

The Green River splits the 10,000 foot high Tavaputs Plateau to form the rugged canyons of Desolation Gray Canyons. Access to the canyons is the Sand Wash Ranger Station, a remote primative boat ramp and campground. While the canyons and river can be remote, rugged and beautiful during the hot summer months, Sand Wash can be overrun by mosquitos. Weather can run the gamet from hot 100 degree days with no wind, to wind, rain, or snow. Screen cabins are provided to allow the boater an escape from the bugs and weather.

Recreation

Sand Wash is a destination for those that have a permit to float the Desolation and Gray Canyons of the Green River. Remote and primative, the area prepares the river runners for a relaxed river trip where solitude and nature abound. Historic and archaeogical sites are numerous on the river. River runners must be prepared to be self supported on the river.

Facilities

There is a primitive boat ramp at Sand Wash, a primitive eight-site campground, a contact/information station, staffed ranger station and vault toilets. This remote site does not provide trash receptacles or water. Due to the remoteness of the area, many groups camp the night here before their launch on the river. Due to frequent mosquito plagues, Sand Wash offers four campsites with screened cabins. Cabins are 12 feet by 16 feet, screen on all four sides with a door and roof. There is a small table and bench inside. Cabins are limited to one (1) per river party. Please allow others the ability to escape the bugs. 

Natural Features

The Sand Wash boat ramp lies at the end of Sand Wash where a dirt road leads to a natural boat ramp for launching on the Green River. Cottonwood trees, cliffs, sage brush, and greasewood dot the area. Cottonwood trees do provide some shade.

Nearby Attractions

Launch point for the Green River through Desolation and Gray Canyons, 84 river miles before taking out at Swaseys Rapid. Nine Mile Canyon is within driving distance and is rich with rock art and historic sites.

Camp site features

Across 4 camp sites:

  • Picnic table: all 4 sites
  • ADA accessible: all 4 sites
  • Largest party: 8 people

Directions

From Vernal, Utah: Head some 40 miles southwest to the town of Myton. Just west of Myton, turn south off US 40 on the first paved road and follow the signs to Sand Wash Boat Ramp. Boaters must slow down and begin to enjoy the trip. Roads are graded gravel, good tires and spare tires are a must. Cell phone coverage is limited if help is needed. From Duchesne, Utah: Head 17 miles east towards Myton. Turn south off US 40 onto Sand Wash road and follow the signs to Sand Wash Boat Ramp. Boaters must slow down and begin to enjoy the trip. Roads are graded gravel, good tires and spare tires are a must. Cell phone coverage is limited if help is needed.

Stay Limit

Check in from 1 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

49 reviews
5 stars
34
4 stars
10
2 stars
5
Matt N
Loop:Cabins
Site:
Reviewed 7 days ago
Nice little shelter to escape the bugs/weather
David C
Loop:Cabins
Site:
Reviewed 14 days ago
Throw your PACO pad on the floor and it’s a bug free easy night sleep!! Thanks BLM for this keep amenity ay Sand Wash. I wish you had more screened cabins!!
MARK M
Loop:Cabins
Site:
Reviewed 19 days ago
there should be garbage service at this site
MARK M
Loop:Cabins
Site:
Reviewed 19 days ago
there should be garbage service at this site
MARK M
Loop:Cabins
Site:
Reviewed 19 days ago
there should be garbage service at this site
Susan G
Loop:Cabins
Site:
Reviewed 22 days ago
The cabin was clean and the restrooms were clean. Bobby of BLM does a great job of maintaining each cabin and making sure your stay is comfortable. The only gripe I have was that the door wasn’t a screen door and wouldn’t stay latched.
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Popularity: Quiet

Busiest in August, when about 34% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 9 years of reservations.

Camp Sites