Summer Expedition in UT, 2021 series

Posted by

     Welcome back to the 3rd installment of my Summer Expedition, 2021 series.  In this series I traveled a loop route of northern states like Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska and Colorado.  Then I pointed back into Utah and then down through Arizona returning to Southern California my starting point.  The expedition is a 8 week epic overlanding adventure exploring National Parks, Monuments, Forests, Geological sites, Deserts and of course remote off-grid 4wd trails and camps.  

   Leaving the Parowan Gap Petroglyphs (see previous post; Summer Expedition NV to UT 2021) I was traveling southeast on Gap Rd as I entered Dinosaur Tracks.  This remote site is filled with large boulders crusted with fossilized inverted dinosaur tracks left behind approximately 65 to 75 million years ago.  Little steel footprint markers dot the winding trail as you explore this incredible find.  Unfortunately the tracks are left unprotected and some have been abused by vandals, but getting to see them up close and touch them leaves a lot for your inquisitive imagination, Super Cool!! 

   Pushing on I'm heading for Paragonah a tiny town with a big pumpkin patch and a free petting zoo.  Driving through town I quickly found FR77 and jumped on the dirt track.  My sights are on Fish Lake and the Fishlake National Forest as I cut across UT diagonally.  FR77 is loaded with scenic beauty that unwinds at every turn.  

    Taking a break next to Warm Springs Creek I was chillin with some lunch, listening to the babble of the creek, what a perfect setting.  Upper Bear Valley Rd swings around north up to CR20 jct. as you navigate through stubborn wandering local livestock.  Connecting to SR89 I headed north looking for camp in Box Canyon.  

    SR89 cruises through little towns like Circleville, Sry and Junction passing Piute Reservoir my turn off is Monroe Mountain Rd in the Fishlake National Forest. The track starts in the arid desert scrub as it climbs it twists and turns through a beautiful forest with ancient rock formations.

    Stopping at Upper Box Creek Reservoir for a snack and refreshment I was in awe taking in the landscape.  Descending down the other side I was entering Box Canyon dispersed camping area and was keen to find a site as it was completely deserted.  

    My morning coffee was so tasty going down and the sun was crystal clear coming up, skies were immaculate as it was the start of another epic day.  After breaking camp it was not long before I entered Koosharem a little farm town with gas, ice and provisions.  Filling up on fuel and ice at the General Store, I was 2 blocks south of Browns Ln the back way in to Fishlake National Forest.  Hogback Rd climbs around the back side of Fish Lake Hightop and Boobe Hole Mountains once you clear the summit CR25 takes you along side one of Utah's most beautiful mountainous lakes.  

    Fish Lake's breathtaking 6 miles of western shore and a mile wide of crystal clear water at 160 feet deep boasts the West's finest year round fishing.  Located in the heart of Fishlake National Forest, Fish Lake's historic past is generations old, portions of the Old Spanish Trail run through these woods, logging and of course the famed "Mac" fishing. 

    Mackinaw Campground named after the famous prized monstrous Mackinaw Lake Trout, had hot showers and fresh water, No Brainer!!  Finding a spot was easier than locating the camp host, (at another campground).  Dinner that night was linguini pasta al dente with pesto and broccoli, and a bottle of red wine (provisions), after dinner a well deserved hot shower.  Feeling really clean I was kickin back with a glass of wine while zillions of stars jet out across the milky way, I n c r e d i b l e ! !

     In the morning hot strong coffee and the smell of chorizo and eggs for brekkie filled my nostrils and  my belly.  I was getting ready to explore the Fish Lake historic 80'x320' lodge built in 1928-33 of native spruce logs.  The structure was the epicenter of the lakes activities.  Most of the logs used to build the lodge were fell on the opposite side of the lake in the summer months. In the following winter they collected the logs and skidded them on ice across the frozen lake to the site.  Today the lodge is falling into dis-repair as the owners struggle to keep the aging structure open and safe. 

   Although most of the building is off limits to visitors you still can walk in the dinning hall and get a feeling of how grandiose this place was back in the day.  Fishing and hunting are still as fruitful today while RV's, tent campers and overlanders fill the surrounding campsites and cabins, bicycling and boating even sailing are growing in popularity in the area. 

    Heading out of the mountainous Fish Lake area is just as scenic as dropping into the lake. CR25 takes you on a journey north through the wilderness to FR15 around Kinneys Peak and to I-70.  Next up the Wedge aka Mini Grand Canyon, Sweet!!

Hope to see you on the Trail!!..

🚙.........