Things to Do in Beartrap Canyon Wilderness

Beartrap Canyon Wilderness refers to two distinct wilderness areas. One is located in southwest Montana, encompassing 6,000 acres along the Madison River. The other is a smaller 40-acre area in Utah, bordering Zion National Park.

The Montana section offers hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and whitewater rafting on the Madison River. The Utah section is suitable for hiking, exploration, nature study, and wildflower viewing, with opportunities for backpacking and canyoneering.

In the Montana section, the 9-mile (14.5 km) Bear Trap National Recreation Trail provides hiking opportunities along the Madison River. The Utah section does not have maintained trails within its boundaries, but access for hiking is possible via the LaVerkin Creek Trail from Zion National Park. More information on hiking can be found in the Hiking in Beartrap Canyon Wilderness guide.

The Montana area features the Madison River winding through a canyon with 2,000-foot (610 m) cliffs and whitewater rapids. The Utah area is characterized by rugged, steeply sloped terrain, deeply incised canyons with vertical sandstone walls, and unique 'hanging gardens' within a mixed conifer forest.

In Montana, visitors may encounter mule deer, bears, and eagles, and the area is known for trout fishing. The Utah wilderness is home to diverse wildlife including mountain lions, black bears, ringtailed cats, hawks, falcons, eagles, and the threatened Mexican spotted owl.

The Bear Trap National Recreation Trail in Montana starts with easier sections, becoming more strenuous further along. For shorter hikes, a popular turnaround point is Bear Trap Creek. The Utah section offers primitive exploration, which may be more challenging due to the lack of maintained trails.

In the Montana section, a boat launch, parking, and restrooms are available at the north end of the canyon. Primitive camping is also available in this area. Information regarding facilities in the Utah section is limited, as it is a primitive wilderness area.

Access to the Utah section of Beartrap Canyon Wilderness is primarily via the LaVerkin Creek Trail, which originates from Lees Pass in the Kolob Canyons portion of Zion National Park. Other sides of this wilderness border private land.

Beartrap Canyon Wilderness has been visited by more than 100 komoot users. It holds an average rating of 4.75 out of 5 stars, based on 5 ratings. This indicates a positive reception from the komoot community.

Yes, a dedicated guide titled Hiking in Beartrap Canyon Wilderness is available. This guide provides further details on available routes and trails within the wilderness area.

For information regarding Beartrap Canyon Wilderness, you can visit the official website at blm.gov/visit/beartrap-canyon-wilderness. You may also contact the St. George Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management at +1-435-688-3200.