Bureau of Land Management · Utah

Desolation Gray Canyons Screen Cabins

Bureau of Land Management · Utah, United States

Open on the map Drive there Reserve Directions
Sites
4
Hookups
4 no hookups
Season
Year-round
Restrooms
Yes
Elevation
5,394 ft
Dark sky
Bortle class 1
Cell coverage
AT&T good · T-Mobile none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
Lake
Desolation Canyon
Nearest town
Price
Address
Bureau oF Land Management Price Field Office - Desolation River <br /> 125 South 600 West , Price, UT, 84501
Activities
Camping, Historic Sites

4 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.

About

Overview

The Green River splits the 10,000 foot high Tavaputs Plateau to form the rugged canyons of Desolation Gray Canyons. Access to the canyons is the Sand Wash Ranger Station, a remote primative boat ramp and campground. While the canyons and river can be remote, rugged and beautiful during the hot summer months, Sand Wash can be overrun by mosquitos. Weather can run the gamet from hot 100 degree days with no wind, to wind, rain, or snow. Screen cabins are provided to allow the boater an escape from the bugs and weather.

Recreation

Sand Wash is a destination for those that have a permit to float the Desolation and Gray Canyons of the Green River. Remote and primative, the area prepares the river runners for a relaxed river trip where solitude and nature abound. Historic and archaeogical sites are numerous on the river. River runners must be prepared to be self supported on the river.

Facilities

There is a primitive boat ramp at Sand Wash, a primitive eight-site campground, a contact/information station, staffed ranger station and vault toilets. This remote site does not provide trash receptacles or water. Due to the remoteness of the area, many groups camp the night here before their launch on the river. Due to frequent mosquito plagues, Sand Wash offers four campsites with screened cabins. Cabins are 12 feet by 16 feet, screen on all four sides with a door and roof. There is a small table and bench inside. Cabins are limited to one (1) per river party. Please allow others the ability to escape the bugs.

Natural Features

The Sand Wash boat ramp lies at the end of Sand Wash where a dirt road leads to a natural boat ramp for launching on the Green River. Cottonwood trees, cliffs, sage brush, and greasewood dot the area. Cottonwood trees do provide some shade.

Nearby Attractions

Launch point for the Green River through Desolation and Gray Canyons, 84 river miles before taking out at Swaseys Rapid. Nine Mile Canyon is within driving distance and is rich with rock art and historic sites.

Weather, month by month

MonthTypical highTypical lowColdest nightHottest dayYears with a night below 32°F
January35°18°1°54°11 of 11
February41°23°2°55°11 of 11
March50°29°15°81°11 of 11
April64°37°15°79°9 of 11
May73°49°34°86°0 of 11
June88°61°47°101°0 of 11
July94°68°57°103°0 of 11
August89°65°54°98°0 of 11
September82°56°30°92°1 of 11
October63°42°23°77°3 of 10
November53°31°3°66°9 of 10
December40°21°-8°57°10 of 10

Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.

Nearby campgrounds

All public campgrounds in Utah · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-06-27. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.