The Ashley National Forest
Hiking, Camping, 4x4ing and More in Northeastern Utah
Description of the Ashley National Forest, with links to the official website and local community.
Looking for a place to hike, hunt, go 4x4ing, or take the horses? The Ashley National Forest in Utah has plenty of opportunities for a weekend in the outdoors, and is only a few hours from Salt Lake City.
Location
The Ashley National Forest is located in northeastern Utah and Southern Wyoming, just over three hours east of Salt Lake City via U.S. Highway 40. The local town of Duchesne offers services, with a motel, bed-and-breakfasts, restaurants, and several gas stations. It is also the gateway for boaters wishing to use Starvation Reservoir.
The Uintas
The Uinta Mountains are located in the northern section of the forest, and are unique in that the range runs east-to-west, while most mountain ranges in the United States stretch north-to-south. The area is also home to the highest point in Utah, Kings Peak, which stands at 13,582 feet above sea level.
Hard-packed dirt roads offer access to backcountry areas for those wishing to drive 4x4’s or car camp. One spot, called Seventy-Seven Flat, is a beautiful alpine meadow framed with aspen and pine trees, and is right next to the main dirt road that crosses the Uintas.
Reservation Ridge
This area is located south of Duchesne, and is a long ridge extending west of highway 190. A dirt road stretches across the top of the ridge, and onto many of the smaller ridges that spur off of it. If interested in getting away from traffic, walk away from the roads and down into the many canyons. Here it is quiet, with tight canyon walls that challenge hikers, and amazing beauty. For more of a view, Strawberry Peak offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding area, which includes the Uintas, Strawberry Reservoir, and even the Wasatch Mountains.
Wildlife
Deer and elk are present in the forest, as well as black bears and mountain lions. Viewing wildlife is a great experience, but exercise caution. Always give wild animals a wide berth, and do not agitate or chase animals. Practice bear safety by keeping food and other smellable items secure in car trunks, bear canisters, or hung from trees in bear bags. Be cautious of mountain lions during dawn and dusk.
Although not wild, cattle graze here in the summer and fall. Be aware of the presence of livestock, and use the same caution with them as wild animals. Do not harass or herd livestock, and keep dogs from chasing them.
Things to Know
· Most of the Ashley National Forest does not have hiking trails. If traveling cross-country, away from roads, know basic navigation skills such as map-and-compass, as well as a GPS.
· Noncommercial groups under 75 people can use the Forest without needing a permit. For more information on other fees, such as harvesting Christmas trees, visit the park website.
· Hunting is permitted during the appropriate season and with a permit.
· Drive 4x4’s on established dirt roads or on designated 4x4 trails.
· If driving into the Uintas, be aware that the roads cross through land owned by local Native American tribes. Stick to the road, and do not trespass on their property.
· During late spring, summer, and fall there are a lot of people on the weekends and holidays. To avoid the crowds, plan a visit during the week.
