Coal Creek Trail closed to visitors overnight to curb illicit drug activity
Apr 28, 2026, 4:52 PM
The Bureau of Land Management said it was closing Coal Creek overnight while officials clean up drug paraphernalia. (Laura Seitz, Deseret News)
(Laura Seitz, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — The Bureau of Land Management said it will close the Coal Creek trail to overnight visitors in an effort to stop illegal camping and drug activity.
According to Cedar City Field Office Manager Jacqueline Russell, the area will remain open during the day to visitors. The overnight closures will allow officials to clean up discarded needles and other drug paraphernalia that have been left across the area.
The Iron County Sheriff’s Department has actively supported the overnight restriction.
The Bureau of Land Management also announced a new campground that would be built along the trail to provide “a safe, developed setting for overnight visitors.”
“This campground represents a lasting investment in responsible recreation for the Cedar City community and visitors to the region,” Russell said. “Our goal is to provide a quality overnight experience on public lands while protecting the natural resources that make this area so special.”
A grant secured in part with the help of Utah Outdoor Recreation Initiative will provide funds for the Bureau of Land Management to begin the design and construction phases, though it may take several years before it is completed. More funds are required to complete the project.
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