Forest Information
The Ashley National Forest is located in the northeastern portion
of Utah and is comprised of 1,287,909 acres. There are 68
developed campgrounds of which 33 meet the selection criteria.
The Ashley National Forest offers very two different forest experiences. There is that part of the Ashley that just about everyone has heard of, Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, with the Flaming Gorge Reservoir's 350 miles of shore, and a wide variety of camping locations, plus the trophy fishing and whitewater experiences of the Green River. The less well-known part is tucked into the southern canyons and valleys of the High Uinta Mountain Range and offers the quiet and solitude that can only be found in an undiscovered forest. While Flaming Gorge offers spectacular views and unlimited water sports, the recreation and forest experiences found in the Uinta Mountain portion of the Ashley is equal to outdoor experiences found anywhere. In other words, the Ashley National Forest a forest for everyone.
It is hard to believe, driving along the U.S. Route 40, that there is anything but sagebrush and rolling countryside nearby. But to the north the profile of the High Uinta Mountain Range lines the horizon. A unique mountain range for Utah, the mountain run east to west and are older than the nearby Wasatch Mountain Range. From a distance, the Uinta Mountains are reminiscent of the mountains found in Virginia and Georgia but, just as distance can be deceiving in the West, so are appearances. Up close the Uinta Mountains are everything Western range is known for: rugged topography, magnificent lakes, and breathtaking beauty.
The Ashley National Forest campgrounds found in the High Uinta Mountain's southern canyons have a some things in common. First, the drive, first across a sagebrush covered prairie then along a conifer lined dirt roadway up a canyon, is long. Second, these campgrounds would be considered "rustic" and best suited to car and tent camping, but scenic beauty and quiet tranquil setting are the reward for the long drive and vault toilets. Three, these canyon campgrounds, such as Yellowpine, Moon Lake, and Uinta Canyon, have yet to be discovered so quiet and solitude reign.
The Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area (NRA) campgrounds are a different story. Flaming Gorge NRA has been a popular vacation spot for more than thirty years and many of the Forest Service campgrounds have been around at least that long. Know for its geological beauty since Major John Powell past this way and gave the gorge its name, Flaming Gorge welcomes visitors from around the world to hike, bike, camp, and enjoy water play activities that range from fly-fishing on the Green River to water-skiing on the Reservoir.
Ashley's Flaming Gorge NRA can also be said to having two different characters: one of high desert with vast expanses of sagebrush; and, the other Ponderosa pine covered hills high above the Flaming Gorge Reservoir. The high desert are has Buckboard (a.k.a. Buckboard
Crossing) and Antelope Flat campgrounds that offer basic facilities with large, level sites for motorhome and RV camping, and a boat ramp but no shade and a neglected appearance. And then there are Firehole and Lucerne Valley campgrounds. Firehole must have been named for the August temperatures or perhaps for colorful rock formations surrounding the campground. Firehole is an overlooked campground right at the Reservoir's edges with some shade from communal ramadas and numerous Russian Olive trees. Lucerne Valley campground, with flush toilets and some electric hook-ups, is a step up from most of the NRA's campgrounds.
The southern NRA is composed of high mountains covered juniper and Ponderosa pines. Here most campgrounds overlook Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Firefighters Memorial campground meanders over several pine topped knolls with great views of the Reservoir. The campground is far enough above the water, power boats below make no more noise than the osprey gliding above. But perhaps the most magnificent views of the Gorge are found at Canyon Rim campground's tent camping sites. Canyon Rim is a sweet little campground on the way to the scenic Visitor Center (check on the various activities offered but this place is a definite MUST SEE) with nearly a dozen of its 19 total site tent-only and along the canyon's rim. A favorite feature found at both campgrounds are Canyon Rim Trail at Canyon Rim and Bear Canyon/Bootleg Trail at Firefighters Memorial. These trails offer a wonderful way to explore and enjoy the Ashley National Forest.
There are attractions only a short distance from the Ashley National Forest attract many people who camp in the Forest. The Dinosaur National Monument is one and several scenic and interpretative auto tours are others reasons to visit the area. The Dinosaur National Monument's Dinosaur's Quarry displays an ancient sandbar with the greatest number of dinosaur fossils have been found in the United States is an easy daytrip from Firefighters campground. The auto tour to Josie Morris's Cabin illustrates the dynamic forces of the area and activities of human even before Columbus discovered the Americas.
The "Wildlife Through the Ages" National Scenic Byway is a fun history lesson. Along with a "Wheel of Time" interpretative guide, available at the Visitor Center, signs along the route help visitors area's history. "Sheep Creek Geological Loop" is a course in geology. And the "Indian Canyon Scenic Byway," offers another view of the area's devise beauty and wonders.
The wonders of the Ashley National Forest are not well known. It is a Forest that offer wonderful variety of recreational opportunities, super camping locations, and some breath-taking scenery. From water-skiing on the blue Flaming Gorge Reservoir to white-water rafting on the Green River, canoeing of Moon Lake to ATV riding along forest's roads near Fossil Ridge, or enjoying the night sounds at a variety of camping locations along the Uinta River, the Ashely is super for family or individuals looking for a great camping vacation. There is so much to enjoy in the Ashley National Forest, it will take more than one visit to this forest of high desert and lush mountain peaks.
ADDRESSES
SUPERVISOR ADDRESS
355 North Vernal Ave.
Vernal, Utah 84078
435-789-1181
RANGER DISTRICT ADDRESSES
Duchesne
85 West Main
P.O.B. 981
Duchesne, Utah 84021
435-738-2482
Flaming Gorge
Intersection Hwy. 43/44
POB 279
Manila, Utah 84046
435-784-3445
Roosevelt
244 West Hwy. 40
Box 333-6
Roosevelt, Utah 84066
435-722-5018
Vernal
355 No. Vernal Ave.
Vernal, Utah 84078
435-789-1181 |
