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Show Grand Gulch, Dark Canyon primitive hiking Backpacking is a popular form of recreation enjoyed by many on public lands in the state, a recreation report issued by the Bureau of Land Management pointed out. Hiking the beautiful red and white sandstone canyons of southeast Utah is an experience experi-ence long remembered. Two areas that have been set aside for protection of the cultural and natural values by the BLM are Grand Gulch and Dark Canyon Primitive Areas. Grand Gulch Primitive Area encompasses over 40.000 acres of narrow canyons. Cliffs of 400 to 500 feet enclose the winding canyon bottom for over 65 miles. Hanging gardens, gard-ens, small mammals, bird life, and archaeological values may be found. Grand Gulch and the Cedar Mesa area lie approximately approxi-mately 35 miles west of Blanding. Utah. To provide assistance to visitors and for resource management, the BLM has a ranger staff at Kane Gulch Ranger Station, five miles south of Junction U-5 and U-261. Visitors may receive area information at the station. For those wanting to hike the Grand Gulch Primitive Area a required free permit can be obtained at the ranger station. This permit system provides visitor use information and may assist in locating visitors in case of emergencies. Dark Canyon Primitive Area lies approximately 20 miles north of Grand Gulch. Deep walled canyons typify this area. Access is difficult and contact with the BLM area office in Monticello is advised before entering the canyon. Hiking conditions are excellent excel-lent in both areas but proper footwear and hiking gear should be utilized. Water sources should be marked on maps prior to the trip; drought conditions with higher summer sum-mer temperatures have limited the water sources. |