Big Maple Spring
Big Maple Spring flows at 70°F on BLM land managed by the Cedar City Field Office in Beaver County, Utah, at 6,700 feet elevation in montane terrain near Beaver. Recent USGS measurements show water at 21.1°C with notably low total dissolved solids of just 268 mg/L and alkaline pH of 8.2, indicating rapid circulation through relatively insoluble formations with minimal rock-water interaction time.
The spring emerges in mountainous terrain where higher elevation supports very different vegetation than Utah's desert basins below. At 6,700 feet, the site experiences substantial snowfall (46 inches annually) and receives 12.6 inches of precipitation spread across the year. Maple trees—unusual in predominantly coniferous Utah mountains—grow near the spring, giving it the distinctive name. The Tushar Mountains rise to the east while the lower Mineral Mountains extend westward. The Beaver River flows through valleys below, fed by snowmelt from surrounding peaks.
The name references the notable maple trees growing at the spring, a distinctive vegetation marker in this pinyon-juniper-aspen transition zone. Historical use likely included ranching and stockwatering operations, with shepherds and cattlemen utilizing BLM open range lands through the late 19th and 20th centuries. Indigenous Paiute peoples knew these waters during seasonal movements through the mountains. Current BLM management maintains open public access under multiple-use guidelines allowing extractive activities.
Visit May through October when snowmelt has cleared access roads but before winter closure. A short walk of approximately 430 meters from the nearest road is required across moderate terrain. The cool water temperature (barely warm) reflects the high elevation and rapid recharge. Hanging Rock Campground on the Beaver River sits 8.5 kilometers distant. Combine with fishing on the Beaver River or exploring the Paiute ATV Trail system near Beaver. Winter access requires snowmobiles or skis.
Is Big Maple Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Overnight camping trips
The water at Big Maple Spring is slightly alkaline (pH 8.2) with 268 mg/L total dissolved solids.
Overview Hanging Rock Campground is located just off of Highway 21 between the towns of Beaver and Minerville, UT. The campground has six campsites all located alongside the scenic Beaver River. Along with the scenery that the river provides, it also offers what many consider to be the best fising in Beaver County. Recreation The Beaver River provides opportunity for year-round fishing. The Paiute ATV Trail and Beaver Bench Mountain Bike Trail System are located just down the road in Beaver,...