Tucked into the Book Cliffs in Carbon and Emery Counties west of Tavaputs
Plateau lies the Range Creek Valley. Within the canyon lie numerous well
preserved remains of the prehistoric Fremont Culture who lived in the area a
thousand years ago. The prehistoric habitation sites and rock art are subtle
and take a careful eye to notice.. Range Creek Canyon includes properties
managed by the BLM, SITLA, and private lands. Permits for access must be
obtained from the Utah DWR or the Natural History Museum of Utah to access the
non-BLM lands. Commercial tours are also available. In addition to the
archaeology also enjoy viewing wildlife, hiking, horseback riding, and
photography as well as spectacular canyon views. The BLM lands within the
canyon are part of a wilderness study area, which prevents mechanized travel
and lands managed by other agencies also prohibit vehicular travel.

Tucked into the Book Cliffs in Carbon and Emery Counties west of Tavaputs Plateau lies the Range Creek Valley. Within the canyon lie numerous well preserved remains of the prehistoric Fremont Culture who lived in the area a thousand years ago. The prehistoric habitation sites and rock art are subtle and take a careful eye to notice..  Range Creek Canyon includes properties managed by the BLM, SITLA, and private lands. Permits for access must be obtained from the Utah DWR or the Natural History Museum of Utah to access the non-BLM lands. Commercial tours are also available.  In addition to the archaeology  also enjoy viewing wildlife, hiking, horseback riding, and photography as well as spectacular canyon views.   The BLM lands within the canyon are part of a wilderness study area, which prevents mechanized travel and lands managed by other agencies also prohibit vehicular travel.

Bird's eye view of the park

Range Creek

Flat areas in the southern portion of the WSA are limited to canyon floors,
ledges, and narrow ridge tops. South of the cliffs, alternate layers of soft
and resistant rocks form a landscape of benches and slopes cut by canyons 100
to 500 feet deep. Range Creek drains to the east of the WSA

Flat areas in the southern portion of the WSA are limited to canyon floors, ledges, and narrow ridge tops. South of the cliffs, alternate layers of soft and resistant rocks form a landscape of benches and slopes cut by canyons 100 to 500 feet deep.  Range Creek drains to the east of the WSA

Turtle Canyon WSA

At 290,845 acres, the Desolation Canyon Wilderness Study Area is the largest
WSA managed by BLM in the contiguous 48 states. The 84 mile segment of the
Green River through Desolation and Gray canyons is the most prominent
feature.The WSA has an extensive system of deep canyons. The canyon at Rock
Creek is more than 1 mile deep. The WSA contains arches, pinnacles, and other
erosional remnants not known to occur elsewhere in the Wasatch Formation in
similar concentrations or settings.Vegetation is diverse, ranging from desert
to high mountain types in a distance of only 5-10 miles.

Desolation Canyon WSA is located within the Price and Moab Field Offices. The
WSA includes lands along the Desolation and Gray Canyons of the Green River
and tributary drainages from the Tavaputs Plateau to the river. The 84 river
miles of the Green River is the WSA's major feature.

Commercial outfitters offer river trips from spring through fall. Reservations
for noncommercial private river trips may be obtained through an advance
lottery-type permit system (Contact BLM at the Price Field Office 435-636-3600
for further information).

Elevations within the WSA vary by 5,600 feet. Vegetation types include:
pinyon-juniper woodland, Douglas fir, riparian, saltbrush, grassland, mountain
mahogany, sagebrush, and blackbrush. Elk were transplanted into the area in
1988; Rocky mountain bighorn sheep also frequent the WSA.

In addition to outstanding whitewater river recreation, the WSA has
exceptional opportunities for hunting, geological study, backpacking and the
study of historic and prehistoric cultures.

At 290,845 acres, the Desolation Canyon Wilderness Study Area is the largest WSA managed by BLM in the contiguous 48 states. The 84 mile segment of the Green River through Desolation and Gray canyons is the most prominent feature.The WSA has an extensive system of deep canyons. The canyon at Rock Creek is more than 1 mile deep. The WSA contains arches, pinnacles, and other erosional remnants not known to occur elsewhere in the Wasatch Formation in similar concentrations or settings.Vegetation is diverse, ranging from desert to high mountain types in a distance of only 5-10 miles.</p>Desolation Canyon WSA is located within the Price and Moab Field Offices. The WSA includes lands along the Desolation and Gray Canyons of the Green River and tributary drainages from the Tavaputs Plateau to the river.  The 84 river miles of the Green River is the WSA's major feature.  </p>Commercial outfitters offer river trips from spring through fall.  Reservations for noncommercial private river trips may be obtained through an advance lottery-type permit system (Contact BLM at the Price Field Office   435-636-3600 for further information). </p> Elevations within the WSA vary by 5,600 feet.  Vegetation types include: pinyon-juniper woodland, Douglas fir, riparian, saltbrush, grassland, mountain mahogany, sagebrush, and blackbrush. Elk were transplanted into the area in 1988; Rocky mountain bighorn sheep also frequent the WSA.  </p>In addition to outstanding whitewater river recreation, the WSA has exceptional opportunities for hunting, geological study, backpacking and the study of historic and prehistoric cultures.

## 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

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.

## 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.

<h2>Overview</h2>
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. <h2>Recreation</h2>
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.<h2>Facilities</h2>
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.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
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.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
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.

DESOLATION GRAY CANYONS SCREEN CABINS

Bureau of Land Management brown portal sign for Sand Wash Portal to Desolation Canyon

Desolation Gray Canyons Screen Cabins

## Overview

The Swaseys Beach campground and day use area allow for camping and picnicking
opportunities on the Green River across from Swaseys Boat Ramp. The beach and
many campsites are shaded with large cottonwoods. Both areas are often full on
summer weekends with recreationists floating the Green River Daily, swimming,
enjoying the beach, and camping.

## Recreation

Thousands of visitors float the Green River Daily each year, putting in at
Nefertiti Boat Ramp eight miles north of Swaseys Beach. Many more day users
find relaxation on the beach, picnicking, fishing, and swimming during the
warm summer months. While BLM rangers maintain the campground and patrol the
river, there are no lifeguards, and visitors are responsible for their safety.
**Campfires are only allowed in fire rings. Please do not build fires on the
beach**.

## Facilities

Thousands of visitors float the Green River Daily each year, putting in at
Nefertiti Boat Ramp eight miles north of Swaseys Beach. Many more day users
find relaxation on the beach, picnicking, fishing, and swimming during the
warm summer months. While BLM rangers maintain the campground and patrol the
river, there are no lifeguards, and visitors are responsible for their safety.
**Campfires are only allowed in fire rings. Please do not build fires on the
beach**.

## Natural Features

This recreation site is located beside Swaseys Rapid near the takeout for
river runners floating the Green River Daily and Desolation-Gray canyons. It
is framed by steep canyon walls, and cottonwoods provide a reprieve from
summer heat. Hastings Road continues north paralleling the river, providing a
scenic drive through the canyon and opportunities to appreciate the lush
riparian ecosystem, rock art, sounds of the Green River, and outstanding
canyon scenery including views of Desolation Canyon Wilderness across the
river. This segment of the Green River is designated as a Wild and Scenic
River Recreational Segment.

## contact_info

For facility specific information, please call (435) 636-3600.

## Nearby Attractions

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>The Swaseys Beach campground and day use area allow for camping and picnicking opportunities on the Green River across from Swaseys Boat Ramp. The beach and many campsites are shaded with large cottonwoods. Both areas are often full on summer weekends with recreationists floating the Green River Daily, swimming, enjoying the beach, and camping.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Thousands of visitors float the Green River Daily each year, putting in at Nefertiti Boat Ramp eight miles north of Swaseys Beach. Many more day users find relaxation on the beach, picnicking, fishing, and swimming during the warm summer months. While BLM rangers maintain the campground and patrol the river, there are no lifeguards, and visitors are responsible for their safety. <strong>Campfires are only allowed in fire rings. Please do not build fires on the beach</strong>.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>Thousands of visitors float the Green River Daily each year, putting in at Nefertiti Boat Ramp eight miles north of Swaseys Beach. Many more day users find relaxation on the beach, picnicking, fishing, and swimming during the warm summer months. While BLM rangers maintain the campground and patrol the river, there are no lifeguards, and visitors are responsible for their safety. <strong>Campfires are only allowed in fire rings. Please do not build fires on the beach</strong>.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>This recreation site is located beside Swaseys Rapid near the takeout for river runners floating the Green River Daily and Desolation-Gray canyons. It is framed by steep canyon walls, and cottonwoods provide a reprieve from summer heat. Hastings Road continues north paralleling the river, providing a scenic drive through the canyon and opportunities to appreciate the lush riparian ecosystem, rock art, sounds of the Green River, and outstanding canyon scenery including views of Desolation Canyon Wilderness across the river. This segment of the Green River is designated as a Wild and Scenic River Recreational Segment.</p>

<h2>contact_info</h2>
For facility specific information, please call (435) 636-3600.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>

Individual campsites are $15/night and fit 1-2 vehicles. Group campsites are
$3/person/night with a minimum of 5 people in the group. There is one self pay
station at the campground entrance.

A ewe and a lamb standing amongst some rocks.

Bighorn sheep

Orange flowers on the beach with the Green River, beach, and trees in the mid-ground and buttes in the background.

Swaseys Beach

Looking across the river at Gunnison Butte

A photo looking across a river rapid to low buttes on the other side

View from Swaseys Beach

Swasey's Beach Campground

Bird's eye view of the campground

Desolation Canyon

Nerfertiti offers a put in for floating the Green River (8 river miles),
trailhead for backpacking/equestrian users and prehistoric petroglyphs. Aea
includes two outhouses.r

Nerfertiti offers a put in for floating the Green River (8 river miles), trailhead for backpacking/equestrian users and prehistoric petroglyphs. Aea includes two outhouses.r

Range Creek

Directions

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Turtle Canyon WSA

Desolation Canyon

Nefertiti Recreation Area