Abajo Mountains, FS 079, Monticello, Utah USA

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It would take less then an hour to drive the highway from Monticello to Blanding. That is an interesting drive but the Forest Service dirt road is a wonderful experience. Free backcountry camping is legal, with one possible exception with a no camping sign. (Fair deal.)

I went Westbound on Abajo Drive that Quickly turned into FS road 079. Then FS turned left and turned into a narrow dirt road where my driving fun began. As I drove uphill the ecology changes due to more rain and snow then the desert below. I love driving the switchbacks going up the mountains. The Aspen and Fir trees get very nice as I gain altitude. I wanted to camp at the mountain pass as there is a very neat rough road driving up a ridge for more privacy. I also noticed a sign there for no camping and enforcement trucks were there also. I drove a short distance downhill after the pass and found a very nice secluded camp for the night. This was a good large group camp area that I had to my self. I just munched survival food and fresh fruit for dinner.

The next morning I had my usual long coffee break where I can enjoy the mountains with its nice trees. I broke camp and drove a short backtrack to the mountain pass, and stayed for a while.

Then with most of this mountain road remaining to Blanding I pressed on. I drove a number of switchbacks across the Abajo Mountains. At one location I saw a mine entrance, with a no trespassing sign. I did not approach the mine; but unfortunately, contaminated water was leaking out of the mine. I drove onwards and the nice scenery was changing with the environment changes.

I passed a number of legal free camps as I drove on. As I got near Blanding in the lower mountains the road got wider and smoother and I got to drive in fourth gear.

When I got to Blanding, Utah, I got supplies and gasoline. Then it was time for me to boggie on to my next camp.

Commentary: This is a very nice easy drive taking the scenic route to Blanding, in the Manti La Sal National Forest. There are many very nice legal backcountry camps on this route. According to Wikipedia, these mountains were formed by the rising igneous intrusions thrusting upward like the La Sal Mountains at about the same geologic time.

completed

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Photos

Abajo Mountains junction
Monticello, Utah

Abajo Mountains
FS 079 turns left to dirt road

Abajo Mountains
FS 079

Abajo Mountains
FS 079, switchback

Abajo Mountains, FS 079
mountain pass
not so legal great camp

Abajo Mountains
FS 079
Mountain pass

Abajo Mountains
my legal camp trail

Abajo Mountains
my camp

Abajo Mountains
my camp

Abajo Mountains
my large camp area

Abajo Mountains
morning at my camp

Abajo Mountains
my camp

Abajo Mountains
my camp

Abajo Mountains
my camp

Abajo Mountains
my camp (evening)

Abajo Mountains
morning camp

Abajo Mountains
FS 079 @ mountain pass
not so legal camp

Abajo Mountains
FS 079 @ mountain pass

Abajo Mountains pass
FS 079

Abajo Mountains
starting downhill from pass
FS 079