| OCR Text |
Show water basin of the Duchesne River and to the eastward most of the primitive area of the Wasatch and Ashley National Forests, is one of the most notable and valuable recreational areas in the entire northwestern part of the Colorado River Basin. The factors which give the region its particular value are numerous and complex. There are many craggy peaks more than 12,000 feet in altitude, and intervening lands of comparatively gentle slopes, at altitudes of more than 10,000 feet. These high lands are cool in summer. They are shaded by forests mainly of spruce, fir, and pine, are abundantly watered by clear streams, and contain a profusion of small glacial lakes with excellent fishing. Granddaddy Lake, at an altitude of 10,300 feet and with a water surface of 170 acres, is one of the largest lakes in the Uinta Mountains. Another feature of the area is the fact that the steepness and ruggedness of slopes and valleys descending from this high area toward the surrounding habitable lands have thus far halted the penetration of roads, even the roughest of wheel tracks, beyond its outer borders. It has been left completely free from the exploitations and irritating reminders of a mechanized civilization that follows wheeled vehicles. By short trail trips from roads that come to its borders, people can plunge into a wilderness contrasting completely with the adjacent country. 2. The Aquarius Plateau- Boulder Mountain area in south- central Utah is a little- known but potentially important recreational area. Numerous ponds and lakes dot the forest- covered tableland of 70 square miles that ranges in altitude from 10,000 to 11,000 feet. From numerous points there are grand views of the colorful lower plateaus stepping down to the Colorado River, the sheer- walled canyons of the Escalante River and its numerous tributaries, the Henry Mountains, the Waterpocket Fold, and the Circle Cliffs. The plateau, with the adjoining canyon lands on the east, provides a combination of scenic and recreational interests ranging from colorful deserts to high cool boreal forests. There is trout fishing in the lakes and streams and deer, elk, and cougar hunting on the plateau. State Highway 23 on the south and State Highway 24 on the north provide access to the area. A county and U. S. Forest Service road connecting Escalante, on Highway 23, and Torrey, on High- Figure 1 18.- Mirror Lake Basin just west of the high Uinta Primitive Area. 207 |
