Attractions

Located in northeastern Utah and southwestern Wyoming, Ashley National Forest covers over 1.3 million acres. Within its boundaries are Kings Peak (Utah's highest mountain at 13,538 ft), Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, the Flaming Gorge-Uintas National Scenic Byway with the theme of "Wildlife-through-the-Ages," and the High Uintas Wilderness. A great get-away destination for camping, boating, hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and wildlife watching. Elevations range from 6,000 feet to over 13,500 feet.

This museum is housed in the first tithing office in Vernal, a rock building erected in 1887 by the Uintah Stake of the LDS Church. Located across the street from the Vernal LDS Temple, the museum showcases artifacts, pictures, and history of the area from the mid-1800s.

Located 10 miles north of Vernal, at McConkie Ranch, the Dry Fork Canyon petroglyphs are famous for their quality and accessibility. These panels cover 200 feet of cliff face in the Navajo formation. This gallery of primitive art dating from 1-1200 A.D. shows excellent examples of the Fremont culture. The petroglyphs are located on private land. Access
is granted to those who treat the artwork with respect.

Fantasy Canyon is the official designation of an area located about 40 miles south of Vernal which contains some of the most fascinating geologic features in the world. Coined “The Devil's Playground” by paleontologist Earl Douglas, the site adjoins Coyote Wash and is locally called “Hades Pit” or “Devil's Rockhouse.”

The United States Congress designated the High Uintas Wilderness in 1984. It now has a total of 456,705 acres. Characterized by the highest peaks in Utah, countless lakes, and a unique alpine ecosystem, it is among the nation's most outstanding wilderness areas.

Located on the Green River in Brown's Park, historic Jarvie Ranch provides a glimpse of turn-of-the-century frontier life in what is still a remote part of the West. The 35-acre site contains the original stone house and two-room dugout that was Jarvie's first residence. There is also a replica of the general store, originally built in 1881. Visitors welcome any time.

Located on Jones Hole Creek, the hatchery is fed by a perennially flowing spring. The Hatchery is open to the public and supplies trout for streams, lakes and reservoirs in Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado.

A must see for those interested in high desert prehistory and the Fremont Indian culture.
For nearly 1,200 years, ancient cultures have left their paintings and etchings carved upon the stone walls of Nine Mile. Considered by many to be the longest natural art galley in the world, Nine Mile Canyon is actually 40 miles of spectacular panels of petroglyphs and pictographs. In the 1800s the canyon was used by both fur trappers and the army. Ancient cliff dwellings and remnants of early pioneer cabins are reminders of those who once called the canyon home. The buff colored cliffs of the canyon are highlighted by balanced rocks and window arches. Deer and elk are seen frequently.

Located 30 miles southwest of Vernal, the primary objective of this refuge is to provide food and cover for 14 species of nesting ducks. However, over 200 species of birds have been documented at the refuge. Interpretive information and viewing facilities are located
on site. Expect to see bald and golden eagles, as well as several species of hawks.

This complex of wetlands and marshes is located near the Green River, approximately
20 miles south of Fort Duchesne. The BLM's largest waterfowl management area in Utah, the wetlands are home to more than 105 species of birds and mammals. Interpretive information and viewing facilities are located on site.