16 May 2018
BLM Torrey, UT
When we go to a new area we always stop at the Visitor’s center to get maps and local information. The Visitor’s center in Torrey gave us a really good map showing driving loops around Capital Reef National Park. Today we did the Fishhook Lake loop which is not in the NP.
As we started on this drive west of Loa, UT, we drove thru alot of farms and meadows, and saw lots of sheep and cattle. The one thing we did not see alot of was the red canyon walls around us. Whoa, whats going on? Are we still in the high desert? Where are the canyons?
This portion of the Dixie National Park is hills and mountains with meadows and grasslands. Wow, it has been five months since we have seen this type of landscape.
At Johnson’s Reservoir we saw on the lake what we believed to be swans but when we zoomed in and took a picture they were pelicans. What? What are they doing here?
Traveling through spectacular sub-alpine beauty and lush riparian vegetation, the Fish lake Scenic Byway we knew we wanted to visit here to explore and experience the beauty and tranquility of one of the most scenic spots in Utah. High mountain plateaus cradle “Fish Lake” which is a natural, high mountain lake.
Lots of trout in the stream that we stopped at, if only I had a hook..
Beginning at the junction of Highways U-24 and U-25, the road climbs 800 feet in elevation for several miles leaving a land of sage and juniper. Cresting at 9,000 feet, the highway meanders through stands of quaking aspen, Engelmann spruce, and subalpine fir. The tremendous diversity of geology and plant life beguiles the visitor to the beauty that lies ahead. Yep, we are returning to this spot.
Rounding a sharp curve suddenly opens the view of beautiful Fish Lake Basin. A scenic overlook is provided at this point to allow the traveler a chance to stop, catch his/her breath, and soak in the view of this pristine, natural wonderland. Holy cow, but no cell service on either ATT or Verizon. Hmmm, really off the grid….
The cool, emerald waters of Fish Lake extend 5.5 miles in length, 1.5 miles in width, and reaches depths of over 120 feet off it’s eastern shores. This natural, high mountain lake beacons thousands of visitors each year.
So we are going to stay here for a few days, beginning Sunday the 20th of May. There are a handful of US Forrest campgrounds available first come first serve, with no hook ups. Perfect! In fact they just opened 5 days ago…Temps will be high 60s and low 30s at night.
