Hog Spring Recreation Area ~ Utah

The Hog Spring Recreation Area is a fine example of a lesser known destination that is all too easy to overlook when planning a long tour of the National Parks in central Utah. This BLM Recreation Area is located on Highway 95 near the Dirty Devil River and Hite in the north end of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Canyonlands National Park is right next door and Hog Spring shares a similar majestic red rock landscape. In fact, the red rock formations are the prime attraction at Hog Spring and there are a few unique geological features that are rarely seen anywhere else.

It does take some zooming in to find the Hog Spring Recreation Area on a map. Doing a map search for landmarks, day use picnic areas, historic sites and other points of interest is always recommended when planning a long trip, because this technique will provide plenty to enhance the overall experience. Searching for BLM campgrounds and recreation area will always turn up a few surprises too, so the regional BLM websites should be included in the research mix. These methods are the best way to find the lesser known places like Hog Spring, yet the highest percentage of tourists will still end up discovering this relatively unknown spot by sheer dumb luck!

Hog Spring is basically a BLM day use picnic area and it is a fine one at that! There is a creek that runs under the foot bridge entranceway and plenty of shade trees can be found. The short path goes to several picnic areas that offer chargrills and canopies. The views of the red rock outcrops and canyon bluffs are simply amazing, so be prepared for doing some mindless gazing while grazing on some picnic lunch.

For activities, there are a few foot trails to follow in this area that are well worth checking out. One goes to a waterfall and pool further up the canyon, but this is a two mile round trip over rough ground and some preparation will be involved. Several ancient petroglyph carvings can be seen on the red rock formations, so be sure to stop to take a closer look at the surroundings when exploring this majestic place. The natural alcove rock formations along the roadside are also worth noting and one actually looks like a nice place to call home. The Hog Spring Recreation Area may just appear to be a tiny little speck on a map, yet a world of adventure awaits to be found in this amazing place!