Uinta National Forest

Copyright: USDA Forest Service Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, Uintah National Forest

The Forest is a major recreation destination in Utah. Developed recreation sites include campgrounds, picnic areas, marinas, boat ramps, fishing access sites, trailheads, organizational camps and recreation residences. Game species on the Forest include elk, black bear, cougar, moose, Rocky Mountain goat and sheep, and mule deer.

On the Alpine Scenic Loop, 24 miles of paved road take you from the mouth of American Fork Canyon east into the canyon over the Loop road which junctions with US Highway 189 in Provo Canyon. You will pass numerous campgrounds and picnic areas as well as Timpanogos Cave National Monument. The Cascade Springs Scenic Highway is a side trip off of the Alpine Scenic Loop. This 7.5 mile paved roads extends to the Cascade Springs Interpretive Site. The main feature is the large springs which cascade down the mountain slope in a series of limestone terraces and pools.

The Nebo Scenic Loop Highway is a photographer's dream. This route offers 32 paved miles of rugged mountain beauty and several magnificent overlooks of the surrounding valleys. The Loop begins at Payson City and terminates near the city of Nephi. Along the way you will find numerous campgrounds including the Payson Lakes campground and recreation area, the large Blackhawk campground with its horseman's loop, and the Devil's Kitchen Geologic Interest Area.

Strawberry Reservoir Recreation Area is one of Utah's premier fishing reservoirs, it has recently been enlarged to a total of 17,160 surfaces acres. The reservoir is located 23 miles southeast of Heber City on U.S. Highway 40. New recreation facilities have been constructed and include 3 new campgrounds, numerous day-use and picnic sites, 2 paved boat ramps and full-service Marinas at Strawberry Bay and Soldier Creek recreation sites. The area draws many snowmobilers in the winter. A fishing pier on the reservoir is wheelchair accessible.

The Current Creek Reservoir Recreation Area is a large recreation complex, approximately 40 miles southeast of Heber. This recreation site includes a large campground, paved boat ramp, an interpretive nature trail and numerous hiking and horseback riding trails.

Recreation - The Uinta's scenic beauty offers recreational opportunities any season of the year. Whether you are a hiker, skier, camper, or horseback rider, the Forest can provide the recreational experience you are seeking.

There are 500 miles of trails crisscrossing the Forest, including the Great Western Trail which enters the Uinta on the north at Sunset Peak and exits in the south at Tucker. Berry-picking, pinenut gathering, birding, fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling are some of the other activities on the Forest. A downhill ski area is located partially on the National Forest and several cross-country ski trails are easily accessible.

All of the Uintah National Forest offices have recreation information for the Uinta and a travel map designating Forest roads, their legal use, and recreation facilities.

Climate - Because of Utah's mid-continent location, it experiences wide temperature variations between seasons. Climates in Utah also vary greatly with elevation. During winter and spring, most of the precipitation comes in the form of snow, with a deep snowpack accumulating in many of the high elevations. By late spring, temperatures warm up in the lower elevations, while the mountain snowpack begins to melt. The high mountain roads and trails are not normally free of snow until mid to late June. Summer brings warm temperatures to most areas with hot temperatures in the desert areas. Afternoon thunderstorms become common by June and can be expected into September.

Location - The Uinta National Forest lies in central Utah. It covers many steep canyons and high mountain peaks along the Wasatch Front extending from "Point of the Mountain" in Salt Lake County south to the City of Nephi in Juab County. The eastern portion of the Forest covers most of Wasatch County and includes the Strawberry and Currant Creek Reservoir Areas. A small portion of the Forest lies west of Eureka and is surrounded by the western desert. The Forest has offices located in Pleasant Grove, Provo, Spanish Fork and Heber City.