Trust Lands & You

Trust Lands are not public lands. However, public access to Trust Lands for hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, off-highway vehicle riding, and other recreational activities is allowed in limited areas. Permits may be required for some activities.

The Trust Lands Administration has a constitutional mandate to preserve the value of Trust Lands to ensure our beneficiaries receive the revenue they are rightfully due.

Click on the activities list below to find out what you can and can’t do on Utah’s Trust Lands. Please help us maintain Utah’s Trust Lands together.

Trust Lands & Public Use

Permits are required for all commercial use and some non-commercial use. Find your activity below for more information.

WHAT CAN’T I DO ON TRUST LANDS?

Some activities are prohibited on trust lands, such as fireworks, metal detecting, and more.

Trust Lands requires state-permitted archaeologists to obtain written fieldwork authorization prior to conducting archaeological investigations on trust lands. Learn more about the Archaeology group.

Trust Lands are available for residential purposes after obtaining a residential special use lease.

Learn more about special use leases here.

Camping is allowed on most trust lands throughout the state for up to 15 consecutive days. Certain areas are subject to a shorter 7-day limit and some are closed to camping. Click here for a statewide map showing camping restrictions and limits. OPEN CAMPFIRES PROHIBITED FIREWORKS ARE ALWAYS PROHIBITED ON TRUST LANDS Any use longer than 15 days requires that you obtain a right of entry permit.  Protect your privilege to camp on trust lands by observing the following:
  • Limit camping to existing campsites.
  • Campsites and personal items may not be left unattended for more than 72 hours.
  • No obstruction or prevention of access for other users is allowed.
  • Select a campsite on a durable surface or non-vegetated area at least 100 feet from water sources.
  • Do not camp in wet areas or fragile meadows.
  • Observe all fire restrictions and regulations.  If you must build a fire, use an existing fire ring, have a means to extinguish the fire nearby, and use only clean cord-type firewood or charcoal.  No burning of pallets or construction debris is allowed.  LEAVE CAMPFIRES DEAD OUT.
  • Firewood may be removed from trust lands through permit only.  Campfire wood collection of dead and down wood is allowed.
  • Fireworks are not allowed on any trust lands.
  • No garbage collection is provided:  PACK-IT-IN, PACK-IT-OUT.
  • Use stationary toilet facilities where available or your own portable toilet whenever possible. When a toilet is not available, bury solid human waste at least 8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from a campsite or water source.
  • DO YOUR PART by modeling appropriate behavior and leaving the area better than you found it.
For a complete list of prohibited and restricted uses on trust lands, please click here to view the rules.

Canyoneering is allowed.

If conducted by an outfitter for commercial purpose, a right of entry permit is required before the event/activity can take place.

Learn more about Right of Entry permits

Additional Right of Entry resources:

At this time we do not allow individuals to cut or collect Christmas trees on trust lands.  Please click here for the US Forest Service webpage for information about their Christmas tree permit process:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/fishlake/passes-permits/forestproducts/?cid=fsm9_019956.

Cross-country skiing is allowed on most trust lands. Large groups and events may require a right of entry permit before the event/activity can take place.

Learn more about Right of Entry permits

Additional Right of Entry resources:

Events are allowed on trust lands but a right of entry permit may be required before the event/activity can take place. Permits for a longer term may be issued on a case-by-case basis for repetitive activities

Learn more about Right of Entry permits

Additional Right of Entry resources:

Filming and photography are allowed.

For commercial filming and photography, a right of entry permit is required before the event/activity can take place.

Learn more about Right of Entry permits

Additional Right of Entry resources:

Forest products in small quantities of firewood are sold over the counter at all trust land offices.  A permit is required for the harvesting of firewood. 

Learn more about Firewood collection and small forest products here.

Guided tours and outfitting are allowed on trust lands but a right of entry permit is required before the event/activity can take place. Permits for a longer term may be issued on a case-by-case basis for repetitive activities.

Learn more about Right of Entry permits

Additional Right of Entry resources:

Helicopter tours are allowed on most trust lands, but a right of entry permit will be required before the event/activity can take place. Permits for a longer term may be issued on a case-by-case-basis for repetitive activities.

Learn more about Right of Entry permits

Additional Right of Entry resources:

Hiking is allowed on most trust lands. If conducted by an outfitter for commercial purposes, a right of entry permit is required before the event/activity can take place.

Learn more about Right of Entry permits

Additional Right of Entry resources:

Horseback riding is allowed on most trust lands.

If conducted by an outfitter for commercial purpose, a right of entry permit is required before the event/activity can take place.

Learn more about Right of Entry permits

Additional Right of Entry resources:

Hot air balloon events are allowed on or over most trust lands but a right of entry permit is required before the event/activity can take place. Permits for a longer term may be issued on a case-by-case basis for repetitive activities.

Learn more about Right of Entry permits

Additional Right of Entry resources:

Hunting and fishing opportunities abound on trust lands throughout the state.  Most trust lands are open to the general public for hunting and fishing. We ask that you be respectful of trust lands as you engage in hunting and fishing activities and help us to preserve and protect the resource for the trust beneficiaries. Please contact the State of Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (“UDWR”) for more information on hunting seasons and licensing requirements.

Hunter Access Agreement

In 2007 the Trust Lands Administration entered into a hunter access agreement with the State of Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR). The agreement was renewed in 2017 for an additional 15 year period.  The terms of this agreement allow the public to access most trust lands for hunting, trapping, fishing, and viewing of wildlife. In exchange, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources submits an annual payment to the Trust Lands Administration. This agreement allows the Trust Lands Administration to fulfill its mandate of generating revenue for the trust beneficiaries while preserving hunting opportunities for the general public.

Hunting and Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs)

OHVs are a convenient form of transportation to hunting areas.  However, with the increased number of registered OHVs used during hunting seasons, it is vital for hunters to known and obey OHV laws and rules for their own safety and for the safety of others.  Hunters must also ride responsibly on designated roads and trails to protect their riding privilege, big game, and wildlife habitat.

 


Off-Trail Game Retrieval

Use of a motor vehicle for the retrieval of downed game off of a designated route is prohibited.

Commercial Outfitting/Guide Services

Commercial outfitters and hunting guides are required to obtain a right-of-entry permit prior to operating on trust lands.

Personal Hunting Animals

Personal animals used for hunting are restricted to a maximum of 16.  Unrestrained animals must not be left unattended.  No commercial dog training is allowed on trust lands without a permit.  Animals cannot be boarded less than 100 feet from any water source.

For a complete list of prohibited and restricted uses on trust lands, please click here for the rules.

Jeep and 4×4 events are allowed on most trust lands but a right of entry permit is required before the event/activity can be allowed. Permits for a longer term may be issued on a case-by-case basis for repetitive activities.

Learn more about Right of Entry permits

Additional Right of Entry resources:

Unfortunately, metal detecting is not allowed on Utah’s trust lands due to the culturally and historically sensitive nature of these lands. Please consider these other land management agencies for metal detecting opportunities:

Mountain bike riding is generally allowed on existing trails, except those marked as being closed. New trails may not be created without prior approval. Trails may be closed at any time. If conducted by any outfitter for commercial purposes, a right of entry permit is required before the event/activity can take place.

Learn more about Right of Entry permits

Additional Right of Entry resources:

Responsible OHV use is allowed on most trust lands throughout the state. To protect your riding privileges, follow these rules:

  • Travel only on routes designated as “open” pursuant to agency rules.
  • Cross-country travel is NOT allowed on trust lands, with the exception of over-snow vehicles.
    • Cross-country travel by over-snow vehicles is allowed provided that adequate snow cover exists (typically 12″ or more) to prevent resource degradation.
  • Respect posted width designations, date and time restrictions, or other restrictions which may be in effect for an area.
  • BE SAFE.  Wear a helmet and other protective gear.  Know the capabilities of yourself and your equipment.
  • Leave gates as you find them.
  • Respect others and don’t harass wildlife or livestock.
  • Avoid wet conditions and wheel-spin to prevent soil erosion.
  • Obey the law. Contact the Utah Division of State Parks & Recreation for information on Utah’s OHV laws.

Please see a complete list of prohibited and restricted uses on trust lands.

Find additional information about motorized vehicle use on trust lands.

LaSal Mountain Travel Management Plan – Click here for more information about this trail system, which was developed by the Trust Lands Administration.

Utah’s trust lands are rich in rocks, gemstones, and fossils. Please know the laws and rules regulating rockhounding before you go and use these resources if you’re planning a rockhounding adventure on trust lands: PLEASE NOTE: Federal and state laws prohibit collection of vertebrate fossils, certain trace fossils, such as dinosaur tracks, or any cultural/archaeological artifact. TLA’s Rockhounding Permit does not allow collection of any of these items.  Permits do not authorize collection for commercial use. Obtain minerals and/or materials leases through our main office. Consider visiting the The Rockhounder, a collection of rock and mineral collection sites compiled by the Utah Geological Survey. 

Rock climbing is allowed on most trust lands.

If conducted by an outfitter for commercial purpose, a right of entry permit is required before the event/activity can take place.

Learn more about Right of Entry permits

Additional Right of Entry resources:

Forest products in small quantities, such as wildland seeds, are sold over the counter at all Trust Lands offices.  A permit is required for the harvesting of seeds of any kind. 

Learn more about seed collection and small forest products here.

Snowmobile use is allowed on most trust lands. Riders must be responsible, stay in designated areas, and make sure they are not causing damage to the land and trees. For commercial snowmobile tours, a right of entry permit is required before the event/activity can take place.

Learn more about Right of Entry permits

Additional Right of Entry resources:

Social gatherings are allowed on most trust lands but a right of entry permit may be required before the event/activity can take place.

Learn more about Right of Entry permits

Additional Right of Entry resources:

Spelunking is allowed on most trust lands.

If conducted by an outfitter for commercial purpose, a right of entry permit is required before the event/activity can take place.

Learn more about Right of Entry permits

Additional Right of Entry resources:

Target shooting is allowed on most trust lands, subject to the following restrictions.  Failure to follow the rules may result in closures of certain areas to target shooting.

  • Only targets manufactured or assembled for target shooting purposes may be used (no household items may be used).
  • No targets that explode, ignite, shatter, or pose a hazard to people, animals, or property may be used (clay pigeons are allowed).
  • All targets, debris, and spent shells must be cleaned up and removed from the land after use.
  • Shooting of signs, fences, or other property is not allowed.
  • No shooting is allowed within 50 feet of a water source.
  • Any state and local shooting rules and closures must be followed on trust lands.

For a more complete list of prohibited and restricted uses on trust lands, please click here for the rules.

Lake Mountain Shooting Closure Area – Click here for a map of the closure area located west of Utah Lake.

Tour operations are allowed on most trust lands but a right of entry permit is required before the event/activity can take place. Permits for a longer term may be issued on a case-by-case basis for repetitive activities.

Learn more about Right of Entry permits

Additional Right of Entry resources:

Training exercises are allowed on most trust lands but a right of entry permit is required before the event/activity can take place. Permits for a longer term may be issued on a case-by-case basis for repetitive activities.

Learn more about Right of Entry permits

Additional Right of Entry resources:

Weddings/Family Events are allowed on most trust lands but a right of entry permit may be required before the event/activity can take place.

Learn more about Right of Entry permits

Additional Right of Entry resources:

Unfortunately, at this time, all of the activities listed below are not allowed on trust lands.

  • Christmas tree harvest.
  • Metal detecting.
  • Posting or distributing printed materials.
  • Parking a motorized or recreational vehicle more than 100 feet from an Authorized Route.
  • Using or possessing explosives, fireworks, or firecrackers.
  • Using poisons, herbicide, insecticides, or pesticides.
  • Searching for treasure, artifacts, or other natural or person-made items.
  • Leaving or disposing of human or animal fecal material.
  • Installing new technical rock climbing or slack lining equipment or hardware.
  • Affixing devices including trail cameras to structures, trees, or any other natural or person-made fixture.
  • Constructing, using, moving, occupying, or destroying any structures on trust lands including fences, water control devices, roads, survey and section markers, or signs.
  • Destructing, marking, or defacing trust lands.
  • Carving tree trunks, marking/defacing rocks, graffiti, destruction of natural formations on trust lands.

View the full list of prohibited and restricted uses on trust lands.

Resources

Report Abuse

Report trespass, misuse, and unauthorized use through the following form.

Rights of Entry Handbook

Find additional information on permit requirements and Rights of Entry processes here.

Restricted Uses

View a complete list of prohibited and restricted uses on trust lands.

Trail Systems

The following trail systems have been developed on trust lands.

Contact Us

General contact us form.