Duchesne County: Water, Canyons and History

A trip to Duchesne County can take many different directions: vivid blue water and sandy beaches, canyon views, trails through mountain scenery, and local history. The featured destinations appeal to different interests, from canoeing to rock art.

Shorelines, Lakes and Mountain Landscapes

Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation offers access to vivid blue water, sandy beaches, and 23 miles of shoreline along Starvation Reservoir. For campers, there are five campgrounds, ranging from developed to primitive sites. Check facilities and regulations again before your trip.

Moon Lake offers a different focus. Moon Lake Campground sits on the shore of the two-mile-long lake on the southern slope of the Uinta Mountains. Canoeing and motorboating are possible on the lake. The Lake Fork Trail begins at the campground and provides access to the High Uintas Wilderness. From Duchesne, the route follows State Highway 87 through Mountain Home and along Forest Road 131 to the campground; the road distance is about 36 miles. Since road conditions can change seasonally, check the latest conditions before driving.

The High Uintas in Duchesne County are home to Kings Peak, Utah’s highest mountain. In the wider region around Duchesne and Roosevelt, the High Uintas Wilderness has 545 miles of trails accessible from several nearby trailheads. Access points and trail conditions can vary. The Indian Canyon Scenic Byway passes through Ashley National Forest and showcases a succession of different rock formations and vegetation, from pinyon pines and junipers to aspens and Douglas firs. The byway ends in Duchesne.

Rock Art, Canyon Trails and Driving Routes

Nine Mile Canyon combines scenic landscapes with cultural traces. Views of a broad, flat canyon floor alternate with rugged walls and rock ledges where pinyon pines and junipers grow. Possible activities include hiking, cycling, exploring side canyons, and picnicking; visitors can also view rock art and historic inscriptions. When exploring, respect boundaries with private property.

Cottonwood Glen in Nine Mile Canyon has a picnic area, restrooms, and a historic homestead. Daddy Canyon has trailheads for rock art panels and hiking trails, as well as a parking area and restrooms. These two locations offer different ways to include the canyon landscape, cultural sites, and practical visitor amenities in your plans.

There are several places to start when planning off-highway vehicle outings. Knight Hollow in Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation offers 100 acres of sandy hills for riding these vehicles. The Badlands ATV Trail begins at Avintaquin Campground along Reservation Ridge. Wrinkles Road Loop Trail is an OHV route on public roads in southern Duchesne County. GPS or KML data are available for download to help you check the routes. These routes offer a different focus from waterside walks or exploring rock art.

Local History and Events

Myton Presbyterian Church is considered one of the oldest surviving buildings in Duchesne County. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 18, 2017. Two other historical milestones concern Starvation Dam and the state park: the dam was completed in 1970, and Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation was established in 1972.

History museums include Myton Memories Museum in Myton and Pope House Museum in Duchesne. Tabiona-Camp Sacagawea DUP Cabin is a historic site in Tabiona. Together with Myton Presbyterian Church, these places give trip planning a historical focus, distinct from the nature and activity offerings.

The Duchesne County Fair is an annual event. It takes place in early August in Duchesne City, though exact dates vary from year to year. If the fair is a key part of your trip, check the dates for the relevant year before planning your stay.

Trip Focus and Hotel Search

Water activities, OHV riding, canyon landscapes, and local history each call for a different focus when planning a trip. So first decide which of these interests matters most to you.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Altamont, Duchesne, San Juan County, Juab, Rich County, Kane County, Grand, Box Elder County.

For the main travel overview: Utah.