About BEAR CANYON
Overview Bear Canyon Campground is situated on the boundary of the Mount Nebo Wilderness Area just off the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway at an elevation of 6,800 feet. Visitors enjoy hiking and fishing in this quiet canyon.Recreation Salt Creek runs along the edge of campground, offering rainbow trout fishing. Bear Canyon Trail, for hiking, biking and horseback riding, begins at the campground entrance.Facilities The campground contains three large group sites with picnic tables, serving tables, grills and campfire circles. Site A can accommodate up to 60 people, Site B can accommodate up to 40 people, and Site C can accommodate up to 20 people. Group A has Porta Potties, all other sites vault toilets are provided. This is a pack-in-pack-out campground, come prepared. No water is available at this campground, water can be obtained at Ponderosa Campground filling station.Roads, parking spurs and walking paths within the site are paved. Natural Features Each campsite within Bear Canyon offers beautiful views of the surrounding Wasatch Range. Aspen and fir trees line the edges of the campground, which sits in a large grassy meadow. Few trees are located within the campsites, so shade is very limited. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (385) 273-1100. Nearby Attractions The Mount Nebo Wilderness Area is adjacent, brimming with beautiful mountain scenery, pristine waters, abundant wildlife, vibrant summer wildflowers and numerous trail opportunities. The Nebo Loop Scenic Byway stretches 37 miles through high alpine terrain, dense forests and colorful meadows. Devil's Kitchen Geological Area can be found along the loop, just 6 miles from Bear Canyon. It offers a 1/2-mile round-trip trail to interesting red rock hoodoos.Charges & Cancellations Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees Overnight and Day Use Facilities: To ensure fairness, reservation arrival or departure dates may not be changed beyond the booking window until 18 days after booking the res
How to Get There
From I-15, take Nephi exit 225. Travel about 5 miles east on Highway 132 to the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway. Turn left onto the byway and travel 3.5 miles to the Bear Canyon turnoff. Turn left. Bear Canyon Campground is located at the end of the road, just past Ponderosa Campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to BEAR CANYON
Heading to BEAR CANYON? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for BEAR CANYON?
No central reservation system listed for BEAR CANYON. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232226) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to BEAR CANYON?
From I-15, take Nephi exit 225. Travel about 5 miles east on Highway 132 to the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway. Turn left onto the byway and travel 3.5 miles to the Bear Canyon turnoff. Turn left. Bear Canyon Campground is located at the end of the road, just past Ponderosa Campground.
How do I contact BEAR CANYON?
You can reach the park at phone: SPANISH FORK RANGER DISTRICT 801-798-3571 OR UTAH RECREATION COMPANY 385-273-1100 or email: comments@AmericanLL.com.
References & Official Resources
