WESTSIDE & MANTI-LA SAL NATIONAL FOREST
In 1903 President Theodore Roosevelt created the Manti Forest Reserve, which in 1908 became the National Forest. The Energy Loop National Scenic Byway connects both the Huntington and Eccles Canyons that wind through the old Manti Forest Reserve.
The National Forest offers numerous campgrounds, hiking, biking, horseback riding, cold reservoirs, top-notch fly fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and calm walking trails through the pine-scented mountain breezes.
For those looking for a comprehensive list of day hiking opportunities, the National Forest Service maintains a list of trails on their website. The forest habitat is full of wildlife ranging from black bears to elks, and is a popular hunting ground for a wide variety of animals.
In addition to hiking trails, the Forest has a network of biking trails, mostly mountain bike but road bike trails are being defined. For people to learn a little more about the history of the forest, there is an old ranger station that has been preserved, and tours available. Also great for learning about the region is the Energy Loop National Scenic Byway, which runs through the Huntington and Eccles Canyons providing breathtaking views and a series of interpretive kiosks with information about the area. Depending on the season, the Loop is great for bird watching, and spotting some of the big game that lives in the forest. Sprint and summer wild flowers are not to be missed, and autumn brings the bright colors of the leaves changing color.
If you are looking to camp, there are several designated campgrounds, each of which offers different amenities. The camping areas closest to the Swell are at Miller Flat-Joes Valley-Huntington Canyon Rec Area and Ferron - Muddy Creek Recreation Area.
Top attractions in this area:
Nearby Towns:
Huntington
Orangeville
Castle Dale
Clawson
Ferron
Lawrence
attractions
Historic Emery LDS Church
This pioneer church is the oldest remaining community building in Emery County.
Stuart Guard Station
Scenic Byway Site
A charming restored guard station in Huntington Canyon
Cheddar Field
This new park in Castle Dale features a disc golf course, kids play area and so much more.
Huntington Canyon
Huntington Canyon is a heavily wooded canyon in the Manti-La Sal National Forest.
Old Railroad Grade
A long narrow-guage railroad grade is a network of interesting evidence of past human use of the area.
Miller Flat Reservoir
This new park in Castle Dale features a disc golf course, kids play area and so much more.
Electric Lake Reservoir
Created to provide water to the Huntington Power Plant, this lake offers boating, swimming, and fishing.
Dutchman Arch
This stunning arch, visible from the Interstate, is even more impressive up close!
Cleveland Reservoir
Tucked high up in the Manti-La-Sal forest, where cool breezes can be found almost all year round.
O’ville Pioneer Village
A collection of eight pioneer cabins that have been rescued and preserved to help tell the history of the region.
Museum of the San Rafael
Learn about dinosaur fossils, local settlers and see Native American artifacts discovered in the region.
Joes Valley Reservoir
Juniper, pinyon pine and sagebrush cover the area, and aspens and pines dot the surrounding hillsides.
Joes Valley Bouldering
Joe’s Valley offers intrepid outdoor adventurers, most notably some of the best bouldering in the world.
Millsite State Park
Camp in the quiet campground, boat and fish on the clear blue waters of the reservoir.
Arapeen Trail System
An extensive network of trails with several access points throughout the area that are interconnected.
Huntington State Park
A warm water reservoir that is a quiet desert oasis that offers water sports, boating, and fishing.