About Red Butte Wilderness
Comprised of approximately 1,500 acres, the Red Butte Wilderness includes vibrantly hued sandstone spires and domes, narrow slot canyons, and forested mesa tops of pinyon pine and Utah juniper. Found along the southwest corner of Zion National Park, the wilderness area shares a .75 mile border with the park. The western side of the wilderness area incorporates a portion of the Lower Kolob Plateau, which offers the closest vehicle access route. A high degree of solitude can be experienced in the Red Butte Wilderness, as well as many scenic vistas. The upper reach of Smith Creek, designated as “wild” in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System lies within the northwest corner of this wilderness. Only a third of a mile long, the steam channel is moderately sloped and heavily vegetated. Elevation within the wilderness area ranges from a high of 7,400 feet to a low of 5,600 feet. The diverse topography supports many wildlife species. A great benefit to wildlife is the large expanse of wildland that is formed by this wilderness area, other contiguous BLM managed lands, and the contiguous lands in Zion National Park.
How to Get There
Interstate 15, Exit 16 to Hwy 9, turn left onto Kolob Terrace Rd/Pocketville Rd in Virgin, turn left onto Smith Mesa Rd until you hit wilderness.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Red Butte Wilderness
Heading to Red Butte Wilderness? 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 Red Butte Wilderness?
No central reservation system listed for Red Butte Wilderness. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/16348) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Red Butte Wilderness?
Interstate 15, Exit 16 to Hwy 9, turn left onto Kolob Terrace Rd/Pocketville Rd in Virgin, turn left onto Smith Mesa Rd until you hit wilderness.
How do I contact Red Butte Wilderness?
You can reach the park at phone: 435-688-3200 or email: utsgmail@blm.gov .
References & Official Resources
