Fishlake NF - Richfield

Fishlake NF - Richfield https://www.fs.usda.gov/fishlake https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dixie_National_Forest The Fishlake National Forest in central Utah features majestic stands of aspen encircling open mountain meadows that are lush with a diverse community of forbs and grasses. Fish Lake, from which the forest takes its name, is considered by many to be the gem of Utah. The largest natural mountain lake in the state, it offers trophy fishing and bird watching. The mountains of the Fishlake are a source of water for many of the neighboring communities and agricultural valleys in the region. Elk, deer, black bear, cougar and moose can be found on the Forest, as well as wild turkey and mountain goats.

F ishlake National Forest VISITOR GUIDE Blazing the Trail Fish La k by fall e surrounde d colors in the y cliff g g a r C ntains r Mou a h s u T R Beehive Peak area ising as an oasis in central Utah, the mountains and plateaus of the Fishlake National Forest offer What’s Inside an accessible landscape for anyone with a sense of Get to Know Us ................. 2 adventure. Fish Lake, from which the forest takes Special Places ...................... 3 its name, is considered by many to be the gem of Scenic Byways ..................... 4 Activities ............................... 4 Utah. Many other scenic spots reveal secrets and Map ......................................... 6 stories of past settlements and civilizations. Campgrounds ..................... 8 Routes and Trails ....................................... 9 trails on Know Before You Go.......10 Fast Forest Facts Contact Information .......12 the forest— Elevation Range: 4,760’–12,174’ such as the nationally known Paiute ATV Acres: 1.5 million Trail system—are a means to access Miles of Designated Motorized opportunities such as hunting, fishing, Routes: 2,182 miles of roads and 655 miles of motorized trails and wildlife viewing. Camping is also popular, but if you’d rather drive a Amazing Features: An aspen scenic byway or hike a trail stand near Fish Lake is considered the most massive living organism in solitude, we have those on earth opportunities as well. Come see for yourself! This Visitor Guide provides the information you need to make the most of your Fishlake National Forest experience. G et to Know Us © Kap u History T he resources of the Fishlake National Forest in central Utah are vital to surrounding communities, a point not lost on President McKinley who reserved the first unit of the forest in 1899. While watershed protection was the original purpose for designation, additional lands were added to the reserve by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906 and 1907 in response to concern from local communities that forage was being overgrazed. © Tatiana Edrenkina T cKinley President M oday, the 1.5 million acre Fishlake National Forest is a “working forest,” providing water, recreation, wildlife, timber, grazing, geothermal energy, and mineral resources for local communities and visitors. President Roosevelt The Area uch of the forest’s lower elevation land is covered M with sagebrush, pinyon pine, and juniper, while red rock desert paints the southeast corner of the area. At higher elevations, the forest features regal stands of aspen encircling open mountain meadows, lush with forbs and grasses. Over 70 perennial streams and nearly 60 lakes and reservoirs sparkle through the trees. Fish Lake offers trophy fishing and fabulous bird watching. rowning the forest is the alpine zone of the Tushar CMountains, the remains of an ancient volcano. Here, © Lane V. Erickson Beehive area peaks exceed 12,000 feet, and the stark terrain and wide vistas make for a visual feast. oday, many areas of the Fishlake National Forest T remain in a roadless and primitive state, offering opportunities for solitude in remote settings. But you may find yourself with four-legged company—the forest is home to some of the largest deer, goat, and elk herds in Utah. Tushar Mountains 2 The vast resources of the Fishlake National Forest belong to all Americans. These resources must rely on the stewardship of all of us if they are to be sustained for our future generations. Special Places Tushar Mountains Although there are a dozen peaks over 11,000 feet, the Tushar Mountains are one of the most defining features of the Fishlake National Forest. These mountains contain several loop roads with spots for camping, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking. Keep your eyes open for mountain goats, especially if driving from Big John Flat to Marysvale or Fremont Indian State Park. Although the Tushar Mountains are enjoyed by hundreds of motorists on summer weekends, the same area has some very rugged and remote backcountry trails for hiking and backpacking. Two of the more popular areas are the Bullion Canyon Trail System (west of Marysvale) and the South Fork of the North Creek (east of Beaver). Old Spanish Trail B etween 1829 and 1848, the Old Spanish Trail was the ”longest, crookedest, most arduous pack trail in the history of America.” For 1,200 miles, it wound from Santa Fe to the Ciudad de Los Angeles, or the City of Angels. The trail, although used for communication and slaving, was foremost a commercial trade route. In New Mexico, wool from the churro sheep was woven into goods that were packed to California. Ordinarily, a horse could be procured for 1-2 blankets while mules, considered more valuable than horses, would cost 3-5 blankets. T he Old Spanish Trail had three main routes and several cut-offs or shortcuts. The “Fish Lake Cut-off” was travelled in 1848 by Kit Carson, a famous army scout. The story is told through interpretive display