ALKALI DRAW WILDERNESS STUDY AREA

 

Values

The study area includes a pan of the Red Desert Area from the Great Divide Basin. A series of small draws creates a washboard topographic effect. Ecological, geological, scientific, educational, scenic and historic special features enhance the wilderness characteristics of the WSA. Big sagebrush and grease wood are the main vegetative species. Eocene fossils of snails, clams, and leaves can be found in several layers of geologic strata, suggesting a former riparian habitat which occurred roughly 36.6 million years ago. The fossils occur in most of the Wasatch Formation and in the Tipton shale of the Green River Formation.

Visitation Information

This area offers primitive and unconfined recreation such as hiking, horseback riding, camping, photography, and sightseeing. Some small caves are found in the area and offer opportunity for recreation. The rims and cliff escarpments provide some non-technical climbing opportunities and challenging hikes. The area is located 25 miles north of Point of Rocks. Northern boundary is accessed by County Road 21. Some notable nearby natural areas include Bush Rim, Bush Creek, and Steamboat Mountain. Motorized travel is expressly prohibited. Additionally, the WSA is closed to mineral entry, including gold panning.

Visitor Advisory

Access to wild lands inherently requires good navigational skills and four-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicles. Visitors should be prepared for adverse weather and road conditions. The WSAs in the BLM Field Office are primarily accessed by unnamed or unsigned two-track roads that in many cases may be difficult to find without sufficient navigational skills and equipment.

Wilderness Study Areas

WSAs are undeveloped federal lands that retain their primeval character and influence, without permanent improvements or human habitation, and are managed so as not to impair their suitability for preservation as wilderness. Backcountry recreation is a common use along with Leave no Trace Outdoor ethics. Please be advised these areas are restricted and do not allow for the use of motorized and mechanized equipment.

QUICK FACTS

Location

Sweetwater County

Nearest Town

25 miles north of Point of Rocks

BLM Acreage 

16,990 acres