Evanston / Mountain View Ranger Districts
Acres: 405,309 (Evanston: 184,447, Mt. View: 220,867)
Counties: Summit County, Utah & Uinta County, Wyoming
Other District Offices: Bear River Ranger Station, 33 miles south of Evanston on the Mirror Lake Highway; (435) 642-6662 - open seasonally June through October.
Click for a complete list of forest orders implemented on the Evanston/Mountain View Ranger District
The Evanston and Mountain View Ranger Districts share many similarities and are managed together. Both are nestled in the rugged and sparsely populated region of rural Utah and Wyoming on the northern slope of the Uinta Mountains, a region better known simply as the "North Slope". The landscape has a special charm. Rolling hills give way to the sharp peaks of the Uinta Mountains. Thousands of undeveloped acres, including part of the High Uinta Wilderness Area, characterize the Districts. Even at developed recreation areas, the Districts' rustic character remains intact. It is precisely because of the rustic nature, remote trails, undeveloped campsites and the High Uintas that district has become a haven for hardy outdoor enthusiasts - especially during the "off" seasons of spring, fall and winter. Summer is usually busy, however, as warmer temperatures beckon visitors of all types. For visitors looking for spectacular panorama, the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway (State Hwy 150) traverses the west side of the Districts.
Evanston Ranger District (307) 789-3194, Mountain View Ranger District (307) 782-6555
- The Mirror Lake Highway closed
- Evanston Recreation Update
- Whitney Warming Hut Flyer
- Mt. View Recreation Update
- A temporary closure is in effect for a two-mile section of the Poison Mountain Road (Forest Service Road 80706).
- There are a lot of down trees everywhere on the Mt. View Ranger District. The district recommends that anyone visiting the area should bring an ax or saw.
Recreation
This Forest is popular for its multiple recreation uses. This Forest is popular to visit in the summer because of the cool temperatures and high elevations (ranging from 8,000' to 13,500'). Backpacking is especially popular since the Districts feature the gateway to Utah's highest point, Kings Peak (13,528'), and access to other challenging peaks in the High Uinta Wilderness Areas. The Districts also have many places to day hike, mountain bike, or ride your horse or OHV. Hunting and fishing are also favorite pastimes. During the winter, several areas are designated for snowmobiling or cross country skiing, which is increasingly in popularity. Numerous campgrounds, cabins, yurts and primitive campsites provide accommodations for those planning an extended stay. In addition to treading lightly visitors need to care for their personal safety and to prevent wildfires. Summer is not the only time to visit the Forest, Winter months bring fabulous snowmobiling, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, winter camping and ice fishing.
Wildlife and Plants
At the higher elevations, Englemann Spruce and subalpine fir dominate, with mountain meadows in isolated areas. Moose, elk, deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, mountain lion, bobcat, beaver, snowshoe hare, northern gowhawk, white-tailed ptarmigan, brook and cutthroat trout and a few occasional black bear comprise just a small part of the District's diverse wildlife community.
Livestock Grazing Management
From July to September, livestock grazing may be an activity you encounter on the district. Livestock grazing is authorized through grazing permits administered by the district. The district administers both cattle and sheep grazing permits, which are separated by distinct natural boundaries and/or fences. Each grazing permit is carefully planned and managed to accomplish specific resource objectives. The fences, gates and corrals that you may see are critical to managing the livestock and meeting the resource objectives that are planned for the permit. Please be respectful of all livestock that you encounter and remember to close all gates that you open as you travel through the area. Controlling the livestock in the manner we have planned is important. For detailed information about livestock grazing in the specific area you are planning to use, please contact the Evanston-Mountain View Ranger District.
District Features
- Petroleum Showcase (.pdf - 698 Kb)
- Lily Lake Cross Country Ski Area
- East Fork Bear River Fire Interpretive Trail