HomeProtected PlacesBureau of Land Management forestlands
Bureau of Land Management forestlands adventures

Bureau of Land Management forestlands Adventures

Bureau of Land Management forestlands encompass extensive forested areas across the western United States, offering diverse outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing amid varied ecosystems.

20 million (approximate forested lands under BLM management)
Acres Protected
Over 15,000 miles of multi-use trails across managed forestlands
Miles of Trails
Estimated 5 million (varies regionally)
Annual Visitors
1946 (BLM formation; forestlands managed continuously since
Year Established

About Bureau of Land Management forestlands

Bureau of Land Management forestlands
 

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) forestlands cover millions of acres primarily in the western United States, including states like Alaska, California, Oregon, Colorado, and Nevada. These forested tracts vary widely in landscape, from coniferous forests in the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountains to pinyon-juniper woodlands in the Southwest. The BLM manages these lands for multiple uses, including sustainable timber harvest, wildlife habitat conservation, recreation, and watershed protection. Ecologically, BLM forestlands support species such as black bears, elk, mule deer, and numerous bird species, which thrive in the mosaic of forest types, riparian zones, and shrublands. Several designated wilderness areas and national monuments overlap BLM forestlands, preserving important cultural and natural resources. Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to these lands for their extensive trail systems, dispersed camping options, and solitude compared to more heavily trafficked federal forests. Key recreation opportunities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, and off-highway vehicle use on designated routes. Notable landmarks within these forestlands often highlight historic mining sites, Native American cultural areas, and unique geological features such as ancient lava flows and alpine ridges. The BLM's role in forest conservation balances public access with stewardship responsibilities, ensuring forest restoration projects and wildfire mitigation efforts support long-term ecological health. Visitors appreciate the wide-open spaces, diverse habitats, and numerous backcountry experiences that BLM forestlands provide, making them a valued complement to national parks and national forests in the region.

Highlights

Highlight

Castle Crags Wilderness in Northern California

Highlight

San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area in Arizona

Highlight

Bald Mountain Recreation Area in Nevada

Highlight

Weminuche Wilderness borderlands in Colorado

Notable Natural Features

Castle Crags Wilderness

A rugged landscape of granite spires and old-growth forests offering challenging hiking and stunning vistas.

San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area

One of the most biologically diverse riparian corridors in the Southwest, supporting numerous bird species.

Bald Mountain Recreation Area

A popular site near Elko, Nevada with picnic facilities, trails, and opportunities for wildlife spotting.