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Cooks Mesa Trailhead Dispersed

4 Reviews

Cooks Mesa Trailhead Dispersed, near Capitol Reef National Park, is a fantastic location for those who appreciate wide-open spaces and stunning views. This area is perfect for setting up camp, whether you’re pitching a tent or parking a trailer, with plenty of room to spread out.

Visitors rave about the breathtaking scenery and the unique fire rings built against large rocks, which provide a cozy spot to gather around on windy nights. The sunsets and sunrises here are something special, with hiking opportunities right at your doorstep for those looking to catch the best views. As one camper noted, “Hike up the hills for some great sunset and sunrise viewpoints!”

If you’re into a bit of off-roading, there are small hills and rocks nearby that make for some fun exploration. Plus, you won’t have to worry about permits or fees, making it an easy choice for a spontaneous getaway. Just keep in mind that while the location is conveniently close to HW24, some road noise might be part of the experience.

With good cell service, you can stay connected while enjoying the great outdoors. Whether you’re here for a night or planning to stay longer, Cooks Mesa Trailhead offers a laid-back atmosphere and a chance to soak in the beauty of Utah’s desert landscape.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Dispersed camping in previously disturbed areas is permitted on BLM and USFS lands outside of developed campgrounds. Leave no trace of your visit. No services are available in these areas. Please respect our fragile lands by using minimum impact techniques and utilizing existing fire rings. On BLM and USFS lands, you must camp within 150 feet (45 m) of officially-designated routes, and only on existing spur roads. Please respect private property and other areas closed to camping. Be aware of the potential for wildfire due to drought conditions and/or windy weather. Check current fire restrictions. Never leave a fire unattended, and extinguish it cold to the touch when you leave.

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Location

Cooks Mesa Trailhead Dispersed is located in Utah

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

38.32756372 N
111.36393828 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

Reviews

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5.0

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4 Reviews

Cortlan S.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Apr. 25, 2023

Good Views!

Really nice views and is located right off HW24, so it’s easy to get to- but that also means you can see the HW and can hear semis and other large vehicles. You could probably get further off the road if you wanted, but there’s some nice spots nestled in between the hills that are pretty quiet. There’s also some cool fire rings built up against big rocks, which was nice in the wind. Hike up the hills for some great sunset and sunrise view points! This is also a good spot for a little wheeling, there’s some small hills and rocks you can drive around on if you’re into that. Good service for Verizon, too!

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Cooks Mesa Trailhead Dispersed by Cortlan S., April 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Cooks Mesa Trailhead Dispersed by Cortlan S., April 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Cooks Mesa Trailhead Dispersed by Cortlan S., April 25, 2023
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DThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Feb. 25, 2023

Beautiful and open

Great place to camp. Plenty of open space for tents or trailers

Sitedispersed
Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Cooks Mesa Trailhead Dispersed by Dallas B., February 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Cooks Mesa Trailhead Dispersed by Dallas B., February 25, 2023
CC C.
Reviewed Jan. 25, 2022

Awesome free spot close to trail

Great spot to pull out for the night or more. We stayed 2 nights due to its proximity to town and capitol reef NP. The trailhead is right there, so it’s perfect! Probably 10-15 sites if you look around and get deep towards the hills. Bumpy for the first but off the road but easily accessible for vans and cars alike. One site had an epic rock fire pit that created a perfect little oven on a windy night. Great sunset and sunrise spot, with 2 bars of T-Mobile service.

Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Cooks Mesa Trailhead Dispersed by CC C., January 25, 2022
  • Review photo of Cooks Mesa Trailhead Dispersed by CC C., January 25, 2022
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Cooks Mesa Trailhead Dispersed?

    Cooks Mesa Trailhead Dispersed is located at 6505 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Cooks Mesa Trailhead Dispersed?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Cooks Mesa Trailhead Dispersed, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Cooks Mesa Trailhead Dispersed?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is available.