It was cold, but our troop needed a camping outing. Some of the boys had things going on in the afternoon on Saturday, so we needed to go close by but still have some fun. As it was still March, we were worried about the weather, and we had already had 2 awesome snow campouts. Furthermore, we were hoping to begin our rides for the mountain biking track of the Cycling Merit Badge. (See our article: Utah County Mountain Biking for more information)
Closest Dry Location – Five Mile Pass
I had camped at Five Mile Pass a couple times before for other Winter events. Let me clear this up, it can get very cold out there, but, there has always been less snow and moisture out there every time I have gone in the past. I also knew that it had 3 of the things that I was looking for:
- Cost – It’s free. Camping on BLM land often is
- Adventure Nearby – We were able to go mountain biking on the way home. See: Utah County Mountain Biking
- Dry – The lower altitude and the desert environment meant likely no snow the last weekend of March.
Five Mile Pass was the obvious answer.
Five Mile Pass – Off Road Vehicle Activities
Another draw to Five Mile Pass, beside Boy Scout Camping is off road vehicle use. Many of your neighbors as you camp will be there to ride their motorcycles, 4 wheelers and other fun activities. There is plenty of room for everybody. Just be sure to look out for others as you camp and enjoy the area.

Take Highway 73 (Lehi Main) or Pioneer Crossing West until they Merge. Continue through Cedar Fort and Fairfield. Five Mile Pass is right before the Tooele County Line.
Getting to Five Mile Pass
It is simple to get to Five Mile Pass. Take Utah State Highway 73 or preferably Pioneer Crossing west until they merge after Saratoga Springs. Continue on Highway 73 west through Cedar Fort and Fairfield and you will find Five Mile Pass right before the Tooele / Utah County line. It is BLM land and is wide open with pit lavatories around for your use. Find a fire ring made by somebody in the past and setup your camp. Remember to clean up after yourself and pack out your trash!
- You are in the Desert – Watch out for the Cactus
- View of Lewiston Peak Through the Cedars at Five Mile Pass
Other Resources
Here are some other resources you may want to visit before your visit:
Herald Extra Newspaper Article
- Camping in the desert in the colder months is a drier alternative.
- Five Mile Pass Scout Camping in Colder Months, Less Snow, A bit Dryer
- March Scout Camping Doesn’t Have to Be Really Cold
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