Explore your Backyard

WE’RE ALL FAMILIAR WITH UTAH’S MIGHTY FIVE NATIONAL PARKS: ARCHES, BRYCE, CANYONLANDS, CAPITOL REEF, AND ZION. They have all seen a HUGE increase in visitation over the last few years. Even during 2020, these locales were busier than ever. But, when traveling with our furry friends, visiting our backyard national parks is not high on the list, as these places are not dog-friendly destinations. But did you know that Utah has another Epic 5 and these locales are prime destinations for both dogs and kids? YEAH!

Utah is home to Five National Forests totaling about 13% of the land within the state, and these high elevation destinations are perfect for summer dog-friendly adventures. As always, please be sure to know before your go and check the rules and regulations prior to visiting a new area. We have even provided links for each forest to make it easier! Most forest service areas abide by these rules: dogs must be on-leash in campgrounds, picnic areas, at trailheads, and in developed recreation areas. Once you are out on the trail, dogs are not required to be on leash but should be under voice control at all times.

#1 Topping the list as well as the state is the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest which is the largest national forest in Utah covering nearly 2.1 million acres. And, it’s is one of the most frequently visited national forests in the nation. This is due primarily to its close proximity to the majority of Utah’s population, and the variety and abundance of year-round outdoor recreational opportunities. This mighty forest stretches north to south, from Logan to Spanish Fork, and then east from Salt Lake City to southwestern Wyoming. Located 28 miles northeast of Logan and 25 miles southeast of Garden City, this majestic high elevation lake sits at 8,050 feet and offers many hiking options, including Naomi Peak and White Pine Lake. Naomi Peak is a 3.3-mile (one-way) hike and is the highest peak in the Bear River Range with an elevation of 9,979 feet. The views from the peak are well worth the trek. The 3.8-mile (one-way) White Pine Lake Trail leads to a beautiful lake nestled in a cirque between Mt. Magog and Mt. Gog. There are several lakeside backcountry campsites perfect for a quick overnight backpack adventure. Fs.usda.gov/uwcnf

#2 is the Dixie National Forest occupying almost 2 million acres. This forest stretches 170 miles across southern Utah, with elevations ranging from 2,800 near St. George to the highest point 11,322 at Blue Bell Knoll on Boulder Mountain. (FYI…The Roadtrippin’ article on page 24 of this issue highlights some adventures on Boulder Mountain.) Navajo Lake is a beautiful high-elevation (9,000 feet) lake that is ideal for cooling off and adventuring with dogs. In addition to the lake, this location is also home to some epic hiking and mountain biking trails. The Navajo Lake loop is an intermediate 8.6-mile trail that circumnavigates the lake. The 4-mile section on the north side is best for beginner mountain bikers and provides a few great access points to the lake as well. The Navajo Lake Campground is located lakeside and has 27 sites which are all on a first come, first served basis. Navajo Lake Lodge has 11 cabins that are all pet-friendly and offers boat, canoe, and kayak rentals. Fs.usda.gov/dixie

#3 is the Fishlake National Forest which occupies 1.5 million acres in central Utah and is headquartered out of Richfield. Fish Lake is located 40 miles southeast of Richfield and is Utah’s largest natural mountain lake and is the ideal place to cool off as the heat of summer kicks in. This high elevation (8,850 feet) destination not only provides adventures in

the water, but is home to xx miles of hiking, biking, and OHV trails. The Lakeshore National Recreation Trail parallels the western shore of Fish Lake and is the best place to enjoy the fall colors. This 14-mile trail is broken up into 4 sections. Section 1 is the easiest and offers amazing views of the both the forest and the lake. This 3-mile section begins at the west end of the Doctor Creek Campground and connects with Bowery Haven Resort. Pet-friendly overnight options here include several forest service campgrounds as well as cabins at Bowery Haven Resort. Fs.usda.gov/fishlake

#4 is the Ashley National Forest which is located in northeastern Utah and southwestern Wyoming, encompassing 1.3 million acres with elevations ranging from 6,000 feet to Utah’s highest point, Kings Peak, at 13,500 feet. One of the main attractions here is Flaming Gorge Reservoir with 360 miles of shoreline, over 600 camp and picnic sites, and nearly 100 miles of trails. And for those looking for more of the comforts and amenities of home, both Red Canyon Lodge and Flaming Gorge Resort offer pet-friendly rooms. One unique offering at Flaming Gorge is their Paddle Trails. These are specific routes designated for kayaking or stand-up-paddleboards. Dutch Draw is an awesome side canyon with several smaller canyons to explore. Begin your paddle at either Mustang Ridge or Sunny Cove. Kayak/SUP rentals are available at Cedar Springs Marina and more information on the specific paddle routes can be found at Flaminggorgecountry.com/ paddling-flaming-gorge. Fs.usda.gov/ashley

#5 And, coming in last, but definitely not least, is the Manti–La Sal National Forest which covers more than 1.2 million acres in central and southeastern Utah and western side of Colorado. The La Sal Mountains near Moab are the often-snow-capped backdrop for many of southeastern Utah’s well-known red rock iconic landscapes in both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. This mountain range is the second highest in Utah, with the highest peak, Mount Peale, at 12,721 feet in elevation. This area is abundant in dog-friendly recreational opportunities. We have a few favorites: Brumley Arch is a moderate 2-mile hike (round trip) starting from the Squaw Springs trailhead off of the Geyer Pass Road. The trail descends into Brumley Creek where you find a waterfall and the arch. The Clark Lake Loop is a moderate 2.5-mile loop that connects Oowah Lake and Clark Lake. There are three forest several forest service campgrounds Mason Draw, Oowah, and Warner Lake.

For a list of pet friendly lodging in Moab go to - DiscoverMoab.com/ pet-information/Fs.usda.gov/ mantilasal