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Recreation Region: Ferron Recreation Region

Orange Olsen Dwelling

Current Conditions
Typically reservable May-Mid October

Orange Olsen Dwelling is located in the Joes Valley Recreation Area at ~7000' elevation in an open sagebrush meadow that is dotted with nearby pinyon-juniper and ponderosa pine trees.  There is no shade at the Dwelling.  The Dwelling is adjacent to Orange Olsen Cabin and the setting provides a panoramic view of Joes Valley & the Reservoir, which offers boating and fishing activities.  A boat ramp is available on the east shoreline of the reservoir.  Joes Valley Campground is also located just south of Orange Olsen, and Joes Valley Pavilion Group Campground is just north of the dwelling.

The Dwelling has two sets of bunk beds and two single twin beds, all with mattresses, and it offers full amenities, including solar-powered lighting, water, and a flush toilet and shower in the bathroom.  The kitchen is equipped with sinks, a propane stove, a table and chairs, and simple cookware (pots/pans, silverware, utensils).  Basic cleaning supplies are also provided, along with toilet paper.

The Dwelling may be reserved individually or together with the Orange Olsen Cabin.  Visitors are not allowed to bring RVs and camp trailers to the Dwelling, but one utility trailer is allowed here.

Nearby attractions include renowned bouldering opportunities in nearby Straight and Cottonwood Canyons, popular mountain fishing at nearby Grassy Lake, Pete's Hole, and Potters Ponds (all within 10 miles of Orange Olsen Dwelling), as well as the 370-mile Arapeen Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Trail System that can be accessed directly from the Dwelling.
 

Reservations at Recreation.Gov

Orange Olsen is located at 7,000 feet with a panoramic view of Joes Valley. The dwelling and cabin offer amenities including solar powered lighting, LP range and heated shower. The dwelling can be booked on Recreation.Gov through the middle of October.

General Information

May 1 - Mid-October

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 39.301496

Longitude: -111.297262

Directions

From Orangeville, Utah, head northwest on State Route 29 and travel for ~14 miles until you see Joes Valley Reservoir.  Continue to follow SR-29 around the reservoir for about 4.4 more miles, to the west side of the reservoir, until you get to Forest Road (FR) 0144.  Head north on FR 0144 for about 0.22 miles until you get to the first building, which is the dwelling. 

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Vault toilet(s)

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Last updated June 26, 2025