Discover the outdoors: 10 unforgettable recreational activities on public lands

If you’re craving wide-open spaces, striking scenery, and outdoor adventure without crowds, lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management are your perfect getaway. With around 245 million acres of public lands across the United States, BLM offers some of the country’s most spectacular and accessible natural areas – many of which are free to explore.

1. Hiking and backpacking

From desert canyons to Alpine ridges, BLM lands offer an incredible variety of hiking experiences. You’ll find well-maintained trails, rugged wilderness routes, and everything in between. Popular hiking destinations include Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah and the King Range National Conservation Area in California.

2. Camping

BLM lands are a haven for campers, offering both developed campgrounds and opportunities for dispersed camping (camping outside of developed sites). This makes it easy to find a peaceful spot under the stars— no reservations or fees required in many areas. To find developed camp sites, visit recreation.gov.

3. Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) riding

For thrill-seekers, BLM lands feature hundreds of designated OHV trails and open riding areas. Whether you’re on a dirt bike, ATV, or side-by-side, you’ll find adrenaline-pumping terrain in places like the Imperial Sand Dunes in California and Moab’s famous Sand Flats Recreation Area in Utah.

4. Rock climbing and bouldering

World-class climbing destinations like Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in Nevada and the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area, California, draw climbers from all over the globe. Many BLM-managed climbing areas offer dramatic landscapes and minimal crowds.

5. Hunting and fishing

If you’re a licensed hunter or angler, BLM lands offer access to big game hunting, waterfowl, upland birds, and fishing in pristine rivers and lakes. Many areas in the West and Alaska provide public access to prime habitats and backcountry experiences. 

6. Mountain biking

From flowy singletrack to rugged backcountry routes, BLM lands offer a variety of terrain for mountain bikers. Iconic destinations like Fruita, Colorado, and Vernal, Utah, are renowned for their BLM-managed trail systems. 

7. Horseback riding

Horse lovers can enjoy vast open spaces and quiet trails across BLM lands. Whether you’re hacking into the backcountry or through sagebrush plains, many areas are horse-friendly and lightly trafficked.

8. Wildlife viewing and birdwatching

BLM lands are home to an amazing variety of wildlife, from wild horses and pronghorn antelope to nesting raptors and migrating songbirds. Grab your binoculars and explore wildlife corridors and protected habitats across the western U.S. 

9. Boating and river running

Love being on the water? The BLM manages sections of Wild and Scenic Rivers perfect for everything from whitewater rafting to canoeing. The Rogue River in Oregon, Lower Salmon River in Idaho, and stretches of the Colorado River offer unforgettable boating experiences.

10. Stargazing and photography

Remote and wild, many BLM areas are far from city lights, making them ideal for stargazing, astrophotography, and sunset or landscape photography. Places like Pacific Crest Trail in California offer exceptional areas to view dark skies. 

These 10 activities are just the beginning. Public lands offer a wide range of experiences, from exploring cultural and heritage sites to rockhounding, target shooting, gold panning, and more. Whether you’re seeking solitude, adventure, or a connection to nature and history, there’s something for everyone.

BLM lands are your public lands—open to all but fragile in places. While exploring, be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles, check local regulations, and respect cultural and archaeological sites.

With easy access, a plethora of activities, and stunning natural beauty, BLM lands are one of the best-kept secrets for outdoor recreation across the nation. So, plan your trip, pack your gear, and start your adventure! To find your next destination, visit www.BLM.gov/visit.