What makes them special?

Special areas have been established to protect and manage for public use and enjoyment, special recreation areas with scenic, geological, botanical, zoological, paleontological, archaeological, or with other special characteristics or unique values.

 

• More Special Places

  

  Get into the "wild" with a few places to seek out!

  • Wild and Scenic Rivers

  • Wilderness Areas

Flaming Gorge-Uintas Byway on the Ashley National Forest

Are you ready for adventure? A road trip along the Flaming Gorge-Uintas National Scenic Byway may be just the ticket.

The byway meanders over the eastern flank of the Uinta Mountains- one of the few east-west ranges in the country-and through the Flaming Gorge National Recreating Area. The majestic peaks of the Unita Mountains provide the backdrop.

Aptly named, the theme for the byway is "Wildlife through the Ages" since the route travels through one of the richest areas for wildlife and fossils in the west. During your drive you will not only experience abundant wildlife, but also deep multi-colored canyons, unique geologic features, breathtaking scenic vistas, and broad forest landscapes. Many wayside exhibits and trails are available to enhance your visit. The route also crosses Flaming Gorge Dam, towering 502 feet above the waters of the Green River below.

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Big Springs on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Big Springs Campground and Group Area is located 25 miles south of West Yellowstone, Montana in beautiful Island Park, Idaho at an elevation of 6400 feet. Big Spring Campground is in a wooded area with new growth lodgepole pine and summer wildflowers dot the landscape.

Big Springs was designated on January 19, 1981 as the first water trail in the National Recreation Trail System. The slow moving current of this portion of the Henrys Fork of the Snake River provides nearly a 5 mile long peaceful and enjoyable floating experience. Moose, bald eagles, and other wildlife are frequently seen as one float the river. The boat launch site is about half a mile west of Big Springs bridge. The launch site is hand-carry boats only such as rafts and canoes, Parking and vault restrooms are on site.

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Mt. Rose Wilderness on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Nestled between Lake Tahoe and Reno, Nevada, Mt. Rose encompasses most of the high country of the Carson Range. The Hunter Lake jeep road splits the area into two distinct sections: the 5,000 acre northern section and the 23,000-acre southern section, which contains the 10,776-foot Mt. Rose and most of the major canyons and ridges. Due to its proximity to urban centers (the area almost shares a border with Reno), Mt. Rose is easily Nevada’s most heavily used Wilderness. Portions of the interior hide small meadows and smaller lakes seldom seen by humans. Enjoy the park by staying at Mt. Rose Campground.

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Forest Lookouts on the Boise National Forest

On top of the world! Come visit some of the Boise National Forest’s fire lookouts and get a spectacular 360-degree view from a remote mountaintop. The lookouts are usually accessible from July through September.

Lookout personnel are available from approximately 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., but may be busy with a fire during the day. Please realize they need to continually scan the horizon for smoke so have limited time to talk.

Lookouts include: Deadwood (lookout information - reservations), Silver Creek - amazing vistas into vast roadless country, Whitehawk - beautiful overlook of Bear Valley Meadows, Trinity - a steep hike, but the view is worth it.