Without question, Kevin‘s favorite outdoor getaway in the Wasatch Front, Utah, is the majestic American Fork Canyon. Utah estimates that more than a million nature enthusiasts visit the canyon every year! Named after the American Fork River, the American Fork Canyon is popular due to its hiking, camping, fishing, bicycling, equestrian trails and rock climbing. The canyon is easy to access via Utah State Route 92.
American Fork Canyon meets up with Provo Canyon by way of the Alpine Loop. This scenic canyon showcases Cascade Springs and Mount Timpanogos Cave National Monument. American Fork Canyon also features Tibble Fork Reservoir and Silver Lake Flats Reservoir, two summertime camping and fishing spots. And in the winter months, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, snowmobiling, backcountry skiing and cross-country skiing. Other recommended American Fork Canyon camping sites include Altamont, Granite Flat, Holman Flat, Little Mill, Mount Timpanogos, North Mill, Salamander Flat, Theatre-in-the-Pines, and Timpooneke, just to name a few.
If your family is seeking a breathtaking getaway to a diverse landscape, then you should explore the beauty of Manti-La Sal National Forest. With its sandstone canyons, lakes, mountains, streams and meadows, Manti-La Sal provides great opportunities for camping, fishing and hiking. The forest is rich with resources and history. Manti-La Sal has more than 5,000 known archeological sites, and it is the source of about 85% of the coal mined in Utah. Manti-La Sal also boasts the largest elk and black bear population in Utah. Call Kevin Carlson Outfitters today at 801-362-8103, so we can help you be prepared for your visit to the Manti-La Sal National Forest.
As part of the Manti-La Sal National Forest, Joe’s Valley Reservoir Campground is a wonderful spot for getting some fresh air and taking in the sights and sounds of nature. At 7,000 feet in elevation, Joe’s Valley Reservoir is a breathtaking, high-mountain valley on the Wasatch Plateau in central Utah, where outdoors enthusiasts can participate fishing, boating and a number of off-road trails.
Gazing around the picturesque hillsides, one can see aspens, pines, juniper and sagebrush covering the surrounding areas. The campground offers quite a few single- and double-family campsites, and they are all accessible. Many of these sites provide some nice shade, and some of them even offer views of the lake. Drinking water and vault toilets are provided, and the roads are paved.
At Joe’s Valley Reservoir, your outdoor expert, Kevin, can instruct you on how to successfully fish for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, splake, brook trout and tiger muskie. In addition to fishing, the lake also offers boating, canoeing and water-skiing. There is a boat ramp located on the lake’s eastern shoreline.
Call to learn more about hiking, swimming, camping, mountain biking, bouldering and horseback riding at Joe’s Valley Reservoir.
Kevin Carlson Outfitters can guide your family on a delightful fishing trip to Strawberry Reservoir. Strawberry Reservoir is widely considered to be Utah’s most beloved fishery, and it is definitely the state’s most popular “fishin’ hole.” The game fish that can be found at Strawberry Reservoir include kokanee salmon, Bear Lake cutthroat trout, rainbow trout and crayfish. The reservoir is located in the lovely Strawberry Valley, about 23 miles southeast of Heber, Utah.
Strawberry Reservoir provides four primary fishing areas: Strawberry Basin, The Meadows, Soldier Creek Basin and The Narrows. If you want your young family to experience some fishing victories, then Strawberry Reservoir is a great place to cast your line. Strawberry Reservoir’s fishing action is fairly consistent, and the rainbow trout and cutthroat trout are often respectable sizes that are fun to reel in! If you want to convert a kid to fishing, contact Kevin and take your fishing poles to Strawberry Reservoir.
The high plateau area that also includes the Aquarius Plateau (between Highway 24 and Highway 12) is often referred to as “Boulder Mountain.” This notable place is one of Utah’s two significant high-elevation lake regions. In fact, depending on how strictly you classify a lake, there are about 80 small lakes on Boulder Mountain, and most of these are fisheries, so they can give you some good chances to catch some fish!
There are many roads on Boulder Mountain, and they enable visitors to have direct vehicle access to many of these lakes. For the lakes that are not able to be accessed via vehicle, most of these are three miles or fewer from a road. Just be aware that the back roads are quite rough, so they should only be attempted by four-wheel drive vehicles with high clearance. In the United States, the majority of high lake areas are up north and have more severe climates. While Boulder Mountain accumulates some deep snow, this area offers a longer season for camping, hiking and fishing than other high lake regions. Contact Kevin to learn more tips for visiting Boulder Mountain.
Ambitious hikers can tackle Box Elder Peak, a challenging, 11-mile loop trail located near Alpine, Utah. Located in the Uinta National Forest, Box Elder Peak is rated as “difficult,” and it permits dogs and horses. The trail is surrounded by wildflowers, provides incredible views of Mount Timpanogos and Lone Peak, and is best used between March and October. Contact Kevin if you would like an expert guide to lead your family around Box Elder Peak.
Mountain bikers can embark on an outdoor adventure around Corner Canyon Loop, a nearly 4-mile loop trail near Draper, along the Wasatch Front. The trail is rated as “moderate” in difficulty, and it is most often used for mountain biking, hiking, running and walking. Corner Canyon Loop is also ideal for hikers with dogs and horseback riders. The trail is generally best used between April and October. Corner Canyon is situated at a little lower altitude, so this Wasatch mountain biking trail’s season begins sooner and lasts longer than other trails in Utah. To learn more about Corner Canyon, call Kevin today.
Scenic sightseers visit Emerald Lake, a small body of water near the summit of Mount Timpanogos.
For those who are fascinated by local lore, some incarnations of “The Legend of Timpanogos” suggest that Emerald Lake is the symbolic remnant of “Red Eagle,” an ill-fated Native American warrior. Red Eagle had a princess counterpart named “Utahna.” The star-crossed couple is a Wasatch equivalent to Romeo and Juliet, and Emerald Lake figures prominently into their mythos.
Emerald Lake is located just northeast of the Mount Timpanogos summit, near the base of the northeast face of the mountain. Emerald Lake is fed from the runoff of the rock glacier, which contributes to coloring the lake with a bluish appearance. Outdoor enthusiasts can access Emerald Lake by hiking the Mount Timpanogos Trail, sometimes referred to as the Aspen Grove Trail. If you need an experienced outdoorsman as your guide to Emerald Lake, call Kevin today.
Aptly named, Fish Lake provides some excellent opportunity for trout and perch fishing. In fact, Fish Lake is one of the best places in the western United States to catch large lake trout and splake. Rainbow trout and yellow perch are also prominent in Fish Lake. Located in a beautiful, high-mountain area, Fish Lake can be found in south-central Utah near the town of Loa, Utah. The lake is five miles long, a half a mile wide and up to 120 feet deep!
Fish Lake provides convenient boat launching, lodging and camping facilities. Fishing from the shore is productive in many areas around the lake, but those who fish from boats enjoy the most action! Those who visit Fish Lake have found that the fish usually hit on lures that are trolled just beneath the surface of the water. You can also have some luck deep in the lake by using down riggers. Lake trout typically swim near the lake bottom in deep water. Anglers who enjoy the most success generally fish with heavy jigs that are tipped with bait. Ice fishing is also popular at Fish Lake. Splake are known for biting well during the winter months, so the ice fishing is fairly productive, as well. Call to learn more about casting your line in Fish Lake.
Utah’s next-door neighbor, Wyoming, features some must-see outdoor scenery at its Flaming Gorge Reservoir, which stretches across southwestern Wyoming in Sweetwater County. As the area’s most popular destination, the picturesque Flaming Gorge Reservoir is 91 miles long, and it is filled with breathtaking views. Visitors will behold spectacular visual splendor, with the reservoir’s red canyon walls and its green forests, providing more than 207,000 acres of picture-postcard countryside.
Though it is separated from the reservoir by the Flaming Gorge Dam, the Green River is another nearby attraction for outdoors enthusiasts. Between the reservoir and the river, water-activity adventurers should thoroughly enjoy themselves. The Flaming Gorge Reservoir and Green River areas in Wyoming provide excellent opportunities for camping, hiking, boating and fishing. Reach out for help preparing for your trip to the famous Flaming Gorge Reservoir.
For those who are seeking a more challenging outdoor adventure, Kevin might recommend Forest Lake in American Fork Canyon. This beautiful lake in the mountains is only accessible to off-highway and modified four-wheel drive vehicles. The Forest Lake Road that leads up through the canyon is a challenging trail that offers a combination of mudding and rock-crawling. Be advised that there is only one road to the lake, though motorcyclists and dirt bike riders can access single-track trails that surround the lake. Call Kevin today to speak with an experienced outdoor specialist who can help you be properly prepared to enjoy the wilds of Forest Lake and American Fork Canyon.
Whether you are looking for dinner or just a great day of sport fishing, Grassy Lake in Manti, Utah, is the perfect spot to find your trout. Located just 2 miles off the Ephraim-Orangeville road, the DWR keeps Grassy Lake stocked with rainbow, albino and tiger trout. If angling is not your sport, try the Josephite Point or Grizzly Gulch hiking trails or hit the Flume Trail with your mountain bike. If nothing else, sit back and take in some of the best scenery in the state. If you are ready to wet a line, call today.
The Hamongogs in Alpine, Utah, can present some serious challenges and tough hikes. But the reward is worth it. Your guide and outdoor outfitter, Kevin, will lead you on an exploration of some of the least travelled trails in Utah. While you may encounter some jeep ruts and even some snow, you will be glad you made the trip, which ends up in the meadows of the Lone Peak Wilderness. This is a part of Utah many people have never seen, and you owe it to yourself to make the trek. We want to help you plan your next adventure.
Everyone has their vision of the ultimate mountain scene, and Lake Hardy near Alpine, Utah, may be the closest thing to it. The hike in can be tough. It is 11 miles round trip, which takes you up around 6,000 feet. It is a steep hike and not for the timid. But, Kevin has the skills and experience to help you navigate the trek. Lake Hardy offers spectacular views, unique beauty, and peace and quiet. And it may just be the perfect mountain lake in Utah that you have been searching for. To get off the beaten path and hire an experienced outfitter on the Wasatch Front, call today.
Joe’s Valley is a local hot spot, especially for fishing. But our outdoor outfitter, Kevin, is one of those locals who knows where to go for great fishing and that includes Mary’s Lake. If you have always wanted to try your hand at fly fishing or if you have been doing it for years, let Kevin take you Mary’s Lake. It is a smaller lake, but it is active. Dry flies will get the job done and help you land rainbow or brook trout, but bait and lures work just fine, too. To plan your first or next fishing trip or any Utah adventure, contact us.
Outdoor people usually enjoy all sorts of activities, and you are probably no exception. If you are looking for the perfect spot where you can do almost everything, plan a trip to Miller Flat Reservoir in Joe’s Valley. It is a great spot for your hunting camp during open season. But during the other parts of the year, you can camp, fish, or hike. You can also take your OHV out or even saddle up your horse. There are plenty of trails, streams, lakes and campsites for every outdoorsman. Miller Flat Reservoir is a very easy drive and a great place to spend a week or weekend. Are you ready to head out? Contact Kevin today.
Are you ready for a quick and easy getaway? How about one that is out of the way and a bit on the quiet side? Call to learn more about Otter Creek State Park in south central Utah. Boating and fishing are two of the most popular activities. You can catch rainbow, cutthroat and brown trout, as well as smallmouth bass and wipers. But if you need a little more action, the park also has three ATV trails. The park features grills, firepits, restrooms, showers, and hookups for RVs and trailers so everyone in your family can be comfortable. Kevin is ready to help you plan your trip.
If fishing is more than just a hobby for you, contact Kevin Carlson to plan your trip to Panguitch Lake. This lake is known as a honey hole, but no matter, there are plenty of lakes and streams nearby and there is room for all anglers and all styles. This area draws in fisherman all year long, including during the winter months. If you are fishing from a boat or off the bank, wetting a fly or even in a floater tube, Panguitch Lake is the spot for you.
If you do not have a boat, you can rent one to get you right on the water. And if not everyone in your family wants to drop a hook or cast a lure, rent an ATV, take a horseback riding trip or hit the mountain biking trail. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including deer, elk, coyotes and eagles!
Located just 14 miles south of Panguitch, Utah, this is the perfect spot for the entire family. Kevin is your outdoor outfitter and is looking forward to helping you get away.
Just off the Ephraim/Orangeville Road near Manti is Pete’s Hole. While it is only a 10-acre lake, Pete’s Hole is a hotspot where you can land rainbow, albino and tiger trout. It is a great spot for the fly fishing purists and for people who just want to spend a day wetting a line. It is also a great place for spotting wildlife. Are you ready to head out? Our outdoor outfitter, Kevin, will help you plan your next Utah adventure.
Are you looking to hit the trail and bring along the family dog? Hike the 3.3-mile Pittsburg trail near Midway, Utah. This nice summer hike is on the tougher side and leads to an alpine lake, with rivers and a waterfall along the way. Although it has its rocky and steep spots, it is a wide trail that is not hard to follow. Once you reach the top, you can explore a historic cabin and relive a piece of Utah’s past.
If you are interested in planning your next trip, call our outfitter, Kevin. At Kevin Carlson Outfitters, we can plan the perfect adventure for you and your family.
Do you enjoy a great day fishing? Do you want in on one of Utah’s best-kept secrets? Contact Kevin, and he will help you plan a trip to Piute State Park. This a trip for serious anglers who are looking for trophy fish such as trout, shiners, bass and wipers. This is a primitive area that is often accessed by ATV, so you can count on a quiet day of fishing by yourself or with family or friends.
Are you looking for an outdoor experience that has something for everyone? Call today to plan a trip to Potters Pond Campground in Joe’s Valley. The campground has two scenic ponds for relaxing, canoeing or fishing, and there is plenty of room for horses and ATVs. If you want to rough it a little easier than some, there are campfire rings, grills and vault toilets. However, you need to bring your own water and you are on your own for power. This campground is easily accessible for cars, trucks and RVs via the Miller Flat Road.
If you know anything about the state of Utah, you know that outdoor recreation takes place all year long. For a Utah adventure in the summer or winter, call to learn more about Scofield Reservoir. There are campsites for tents or small trailers with water and electricity. The reservoir makes a great fishing hole for rainbow, cutthroat and tiger trout. But even during the winter, Scofield Reservoir is still the place to be. You can enjoy ice fishing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Kevin is your outfitter, and you can call him to start planning your trip.
A rigorous trail leads to breathtaking views high above American Fork Canyon. Silver Glance Lake is everything you would expect a mountain lake to be, and your trail in takes you past a waterfall and provides you with views of some of the state’s most famous mountains. Dogs are welcome but should be kept on their leashes. While it is the perfect summer hike, think about making the trip in the Fall when the leaves are turning.
If you would like some help planning this trip, call today. Our outfitter, Kevin, is looking forward to meeting you.
If you are up for a nice hike and a good day’s fishing, call our outfitter, Kevin. We can help you plan your visit to Silver Lake Flat Reservoir and Silver Lake in American Fork, Utah. Silver Lake Flat is a great spot for Arctic grayling, brook trout and rainbow trout. Both lakes are also perfect destinations for backpacking, camping, hiking, horseback riding and snowshoeing, and dogs on leashes are welcome.
If you are ready to get over your cabin fever, call to start planning your outdoor experience.
Kevin is dedicated to helping everyone get the most out of their outdoor experience, and that includes mountain bikers. If you think you are up to the challenge, call our outfitter to learn more about biking the Skyline Drive above Ephraim and Spring City, Utah. The Skyline Drive is just over 50 miles long, and at its highest point, it is over 11,000 feet. With the altitude variation, it is an easy to difficult ride. There are several trails to choose from and a multi-day trip can give you some beautiful views of the state.
Most people associate northeastern Utah with dinosaurs, but the truth is it is home to some of the best outdoor recreation spots in the West. One of those is the Soapstone Campground, which can be found on the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway in the Uinta Mountains. The campground has picnic tables, campfire rings, toilets and trash cans, with parking spaces provided. Kevin also recommends the Soapstone OHV trail that runs for almost 50 miles. And when the weather turns, it is the perfect loop for snowmobiling. No matter where you want to head and no matter what time of the year it may be, contact us. Kevin wants to help you find your Utah adventure.
Located just off the Ephraim-Orangeville Road in Thistle Flat, the Soup Bowl Reservoir in Sanpete County is the place to be when it comes to fishing in Utah. Fly fisherman, spinners and people who just want to throw a hook in the water will find a home here, and can land rainbow, albino, and tiger trout. The area is also known for its bass and brook trout. If you have questions or just want to plan your next fishing trip, Kevin will help you get ready to get out!
Legend has it that the name Thousand Lake Mountain was a mistake since there are not nearly that many lakes there! You can find Thousand Lake Mountain on the eastern edge of the Fishlake National Forest, ranging from 7,000 to 11,000 feet in height. It is definitely something to see, as its red sandstone lower slopes contrast with the forest and meadows higher up,
You can reach Thousand Lake Mountain Road by taking a 35-mile backway from Fremont through the Cathedral Valley section of Capitol Reef National Park. The road is well maintained, but a high-clearance vehicle is suggested. It is the perfect area for cross-country skiing, ATVs, snowmobiling, camping, horseback riding, hiking or fishing. And it is an even better place to just sit back and enjoy the view. If you want to explore Thousand Lake Mountain or any of Utah’s outdoor spots, Kevin can help you get ready for your outdoor experience.
Just up American Fork Canyon, you can find Tibble Fork. It is a great outdoor spot in a scenic area of the Wasatch Mountains with meadows and lakes that are perfect for the amateur or professional photographer. The area also offers hiking, mountain biking, horseback and ATV trails, camping, and fishing. Along with the trails, Tibble Fork Reservoir has beautiful, clear water and a new beach for people who just want to soak up some sun. The area is managed by the United States Forest Service, and a fee may be required.
If you would like to learn more about Tibble Reservoir or any of Utah’s recreation spots, Kevin will be happy to help.
While Vernon Reservoir is located in the West Desert in Utah County, it can still be an active fishing spot at times. The DWR stocks the water with rainbow and brown trout. Try your luck during the cooler hours of the early morning and evening. It is primarily used for agricultural water storage, but it is a relaxing camping spot with space for OHV riding or to just get away from it all for a while.
If you want to head out to Vernon Reservoir or any other spot in Utah, Kevin can help.