(nr Fairview to nr Castle Dale UT)
The Manti-La Sal National Forest is in my old stomping grounds from when I lived in Utah many years ago. It’s a beautiful area, up in the mountains, which always reminded me of that TV program ‘Wild America’.
Aspens at Gooseberry
It was just after Labor Day weekend, the last hurrah of the summer camping season; and school had already started. I knew there were good boondocking and forest campgrounds throughout the area, and I took advantage.
Huntington Reservoir
Electric Lake
Camps included an aspen grove at over 8,800 ft, lakeside in a high valley, and by a cascading creek in a narrow canyon with towering cliffs. Each different and enjoyable.
Miller Flat Meadow
Miller Flat Reservoir
Along the way were mountains with rocky cliffs, lakes of cool waters, tumbling creeks, meadows with wildflowers, starlit skies, and the sound of breezes in the trees. Pretty close to what I might call paradise.
Huntington Creek
Ray Granger Hole
Places like Gooseberry, Miller Flat, Huntington Creek, Straight Canyon, and Joe’s Valley provided plenty of variety in landscape; and, all satisfied my artistic eye. Once again, there were periods of rain.
Rock Formation along UT-31
More Cliffs by UT-31
Even driving between camps provided marvelous mountain scenery. Looking for pull outs to stop and take photos was a constant. A short jaunt onto gravel Skyline Drive, at about 9,500 ft elevation, followed the ridge with views of the valley below.
Cottonwood Creek
Cliff in Straight Canyon
A week of camping and exploring the area brought back fond memories. The whole time was spent boondocking, with each camp having a different ambiance. I’m glad I took the time to slow down and enjoy the high country.
Joe’s Valley Reservoir
Camps: Manti-La Sal NF – Boondock
Scene: Mountains, cliffs, lakes, creeks, meadows
Best photos yet – fantastic!!!!
I really appreciate you saying so; thanks!
I have never tried boondocking. The rig I have now is not made for rough roads or off road. I would enjoy boondocking and I wonder if there are any areas I could go with my 38.5 foot diesel pusher. I have very little ground clearance. I knocked off my fuel filter just pulling into a gas station. Boy, that was a mess.
Not sure if you can. Others with diesel pusher do; but I can’t say to what extent. Don’t do anything risky.
A year ago we visited Manti-LaSal … stunning in beauty, and amazingly peaceful. We are anxious to return … and must thank you for the list of other close-by places to visit! We can still hear the whispering aspens.
I think you were in the Manti-LaSal NF that is near Monticello in the southeast of Utah. There is another portion of it over in the center of the state near Ephraim; which is where I was. Both are beautiful though.
Indeed … I see it now! Looks like next year we’ll visit the areas you’ve pictured above … beautiful!!!