DUCHESNE COUNTY - ROOSEVELT AREA
A county truly laden with treasure, not only the treasure of the "lost mines" so
searched for here, but more apparent are the treasurers that the earth and nature so
abundantly provide treasures of beauty, recreation and peace.
This land is one of great diversity,
from high mountain peaks to the basin floor; from pristine forests, lakes and streams, to
desert landscapes with colorful and intriguing formations; from modern cities with complete
facilities, to Utah's largest Wilderness area where you can lavish in serene solitude;
from the fast paced present into the timeless past, well preserved by fossils, ancient
ruins and petroglyphs.
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HISTORICALLY The Uintah Basin and Duchesne County
have long been home of the Indians. There is evidence of inhabitants in the area predating
written history. Impressive displays of petroglyphs and pictographs can be viewed
throughout the area. Some places of particular interest are located in the Pleasant Valley
area near Myton. Also, Indian ruins and writings can be seen in the Nine Mile Canyon area
south of Myton. Nine Mile Canyon not only exhibits early Indian Culture but also early
frontier settlements as well. This road was the major freight and stage line route from
Price to Myton for many years, and many things of historic value are preserved there.
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THE UTE INDIAN CULTURE TODAY Much
of this land is on the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation. The Ute Indians live
throughout the area with concentrated communities in Whiterocks, Fort Duchesne, and Bottle
Hollow. They have a unique and proud heritage and culture that they enjoy sharing with
visitors.
The Ute Indians have several
exciting and colorful celebrations throughout the area to which visitors are welcomed and
encouraged to attend, but the utmost respect and courtesy towards the Indian culture
should be observed. No pictures or recordings should be made without first asking
permission. Some ceremonies are very sacred and no recordings of any kind are allowed.
This is particularly true of the Sun Dance ceremony which is a religious
observance. The Bear Dance, which commemorates the advent of Spring, and the Pow-Wow
are more social events and rules are not as strict. For more information regarding dates
and places for these events contact the Ute Indian Tribe at 722-5141.
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INDIAN SETTLEMENTS AND COMMUNITIES
Whiterocks - the present day community is a quiet residential area. Historically this was
the first trading post in Utah, originally called the Reed Trading Post, ownership was
transferred to Antoine Robidoux in the 1830's. Fort Robidoux or Fort Winty, as it was
sometimes called, served as an unsavory rendezvous, trading post, fort, and traveler's
stop until 1844 when the post was burned to the ground and white males killed by the
enraged Utes. Robidoux's absence saved him from the same fate. An Indian agency was
established near there from 1869-1912 when offices were moved to Fort Duchesne. Whiterocks
Village, a prehistoric settlement was excavated by the University of Utah in 1966. A
number of structures were unearthed as well as large quantities of cultural debris.
Evidence indicated occupation by Fremont Culture about 850 A.D. It is listed as a
historic site. It is not open to the public and little remains there. Permission to go
onto this land must be granted by the Ute Tribe 722-5141.
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FORT DUCHESNE
Touring of Fort Duchesne area is permitted. Historic Fort Duchesne provides another
glimpse into the past, recalling the establishment of a calvary regiment near the
confluence of the Uintah and Whiterocks Rivers. Buildings built in early 1800's are still
standing and in use today.
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Utah State Antiquity Laws
These laws protect all Indian artifacts. Finds are to be left
as they are.
The State Historical Society should be notified in the case of large finds. The removal of
invertebrate fossils for private collecting is often allowed on lands outside of State and
National Parks. Fossil remains are abundant in the Uintah Basin. Fossilized vertebrates of
any kind (dinosaur or mammal) are protected and can not be removed. Notify the State
History Museum in Vernal 435-789-3799.
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Hunting and Fishing Tribal Lands
Excellent hunting and fishing opportunities exist on Indian Land. Permits are required in
addition to State licenses. These are easily obtained in most sporting goods stores in the
area or from the Tribal Fish and Game department (722-5511). Camping permits are also
required on Tribal land.
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Tribal Waters Most seasons run from mid April
through September, some year round.
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Big Springs, Ponds and Camp Area
Located in Uinta Canyon. A delightful camp area with good fishing. It is a favorite spot
for family outings.
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Cedarview Reservoir Located 7 miles
northwest of the Uinta Canyon road on the Uintah and Ouray Reservation. Boats with or
without motors are permitted.
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Midview Reservoir
(Lake Borham) Approximately 9 miles
southwest of Roosevelt. Boating, camping, and fishing with permits. Other tribal waters
and land in the area are marked and require permits.
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THE ADVENT OF WHITE MEN INTO THE AREA
This truly was the last Frontier as far as White settlement in Utah was concerned. First
came Father Escalante in 1776 looking for another route westward, then Domingues and other
Spaniards looking for gold. Trappers and traders made their way into the Basin in the
years that followed. Brigham Young, the famous Mormon leader and colonizer, sent survey
crews into the area in 1860 to ascertain its potential for development. They concluded
that it was "entirely unsuitable for farming purposes, a waste except for nomadic
purposes, a hunting ground for the Indians, and to hold the rest of the world
together". Consequently, due to such reports, the climatic, physical barriers, lack
of transportation capabilities, etc. this area was overlooked during the early settlement
of the state. In the fall of 1861, President Lincoln proclaimed the major portion of
western Uintah Basin as an Indian Reservation. Only a handful of settlers resided there at
the time. It remained in that state until 1902 when Theodore Roosevelt issued a
counter-proclamation providing for the "opening" of certain reservation lands to
homesteaders, and setting forth the procedure by which this land would be allotted. The
actual opening of the reservation land occurred in August, 1905. One of the few white
settlers here at that time, a young daughter of R.L. Marimon, the licensed U.S. trader at
Whiterocks, remembers she and her younger sister waiting at the window all day to see this
great "opening" that she had heard so much rumor about. With disappointment, she
recounted her feelings when that night her father tried to explain to her that it was not
like a present being "opened up". In another history written by George E.
Stewart, the Basin land rush days were described. "It was not like the land race
along Cimarron in Oklahoma, the government had learned its lesson there, so in the Big
"U" Country the red tape made the rush much more orderly, but the homesteaders
came by the hundreds. An old Ute said, "When the Americats came, they came by the
many manys, they came nose to tail like a string of black ants crossing the sand."
Some came from Colorado through Vernal, some through Strawberry Valley, but the most came
along the stage road from Price through Nine Mile Canyon. An old-timer who lived at the
Strip before and during "the opening" said it was like the touch of a fairy's
wand, yesterday there was nothing but wilderness and desert, today there are fences,
ditches, plowing, planting, houses and towns: settlers were everywhere... it was almost
magical". Under the law you picked your land, paid $2.25 an acre for one hundred and
sixty acres. You must move on the land, build an adobe, improve it and live there
for five
years. After you "proved up" you received title by way of patent from the U.S.
Government.
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GHOSTS, GUNMEN, AND GOLDMINES So
unique in its settlement, this new frontier had some interesting and distinct history. You
will not find brick pioneer mansions, or quaint gingerbread homes, nor towns settled in a
mapped out orderly fashion, rather homesteads sprang up haphazardly throughout all of the
old Indian land, with each little band of homesteaders establishing their own school,
church buildings and so forth. Many of these are now completely abandoned, leaving only
"ghosts" and stories behind. Consult your library for one of the many books
available, such as THE HISTORICAL GUIDE TO UTAH'S GHOST TOWNS
by Steven L Carr. One very famous Ghost Town was known as "The
Strip". This was a triangular shaped piece of land, just east of Fort
Duchesne, that was purchased from the Indians by a mining company. There was no law or
authority on this piece of ground. Federal marshals could only enforce federal law, which
mainly dealt with military or Indian trouble. The Indian Agent at Whiterocks was not
responsible as this was no longer Indian land. The Utah territory officers also had no
jurisdiction here. A miserable little town quickly developed with every vice imaginable
open for all. Many killings took place there. Boothill was located on the red bluff about
1 ½ miles away. The story goes that Butch Cassidy, who frequented this area, was seen
there after he was supposedly killed in South American ... who knows? The Outlaw Trail
Festival is celebrated each July in Vernal, complete with stories, plays, and activities
depicting this era. While you are out in this area you may wish to visit other points of
interest, THE
OURAY BIRD AND WILDLIFE REFUGE is a bird watchers paradise. This refuge
lies along the banks of the Green River. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the wildlife and
scenic beauty. Open to the public except on some limited closures during the hunting
season. Contact the refuge manager for current regulations (435) 789-0351.
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LOST GOLD MINES Off in another direction (but
who knows where, these are LOST mines
remember!) Throughout the area is evidence of early Spanish exploration and mining. Within
recent years a number of ancient precious metal mines have been located and uncovered
having likely been developed originally by Spanish interest. Gold, silver, and other
precious metals have been mined on a limited basis throughout the region, Dreams persist
of a "lost gold mine", harboring a reported Mother Lode of gold, lost, just
waiting to be rediscovered in one of the mountain canyons. The mine originated with Calab
Rhoades in the 1800's and produced millions of dollars in gold. The secret of its location
died with Mr. Rhoades. Before his death, Calab Rhoades sent his brother to obtain
additional gold from the mine, but the brother did not return, presumably killed by
natives in the valley. There are many books and maps published on the subject. Also, many
"experts" residing in the area who can show you some of the Spanish markings and
actual mines. This is a fun was to spend a few days and who knows "just maybe".
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THE UINTA MOUNTAINS Perhaps the greatest
single attraction accessible from the Basin, these towering mountains offer a vast expanse
of wilderness area. The Basin is molded on the north by the only major mountain range
traversing east and west. Utah's highest peak, Kings Peak, is located here at an elevation
of 13, 528 feet. There are three National Forests in this mountain region, The Ashley,
Wasatch, and Uintah. Utah's largest designated Wilderness was established here in 1984.
Throughout the high Uinta's are thousands of fresh water lakes fed by melting snow and
abounding with trout. Several streams have their beginnings in the Mountain Range. Red
Creek, Duchesne River, Rock Creek, Lake Fork, The Yellowstone, Uintah River, and
Whiterocks River are in this area. Current Creek and Strawberry River, which have
headwaters in Wasatch County, flow eastward and join the Duchesne River. This is some of
the best fishing in the world.
Outside of the wilderness, nearly
every canyon opens wide to recreational potential. Lakes and streams, and a paradise of
hunting and fishing terrain, with camping, dude ranches and backpacking facilities avail
themselves to visitors who want to enjoy the solitude of the mountains. Animal life here
is indeed varied. From the tiny pica that lives in the higher altitudes, to marmots,
ermine, chipmunks, squirrels, porcupines, lynx, ring-tailed cats, mountain lions, badgers,
black bear, moose, deer, and even mountain sheep. There are beautiful scenic MOUNTAIN BACK ROADS
that can take you virtually from the Kamas or Wasatch area, across high mountains and into
the Vernal area. These reads are mostly grated or dirt and may not be suitable for
passenger cars, but for those who are up to this type of travel, they offer a beautiful
vista full of wild flowers, animals, geological points of interest, etc. Some of the roads
are: Wolf Creek Pass, Blind Creek, and Elkhorn Loop. THE WILDERNESS DOES HAVE A PARTY
RESTRICTION SO CONTACT THE FOREST SERVICE FOR INFORMATION (435) 722-5018.
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WHITEROCKS CANYON AND CAVE This
picturesque canyon is located some 25 miles northeast of Roosevelt. The Whiterocks River
runs through this canyon providing excellent fishing. Camping and hunting are also popular
there. The cave, which has been compared to Timpanogas Cave in size and beauty, is located
in Whiterocks Canyon on a steep side slope, and is somewhat difficult to climb, so come
prepared. Normally, one half day should be allowed for the climb and tour. Reservations
for tours must be made through the Forest Service in Vernal at (435) 789-1181. There are
21 camp sites located in the canyon.
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WHITEROCKS FISH HATCHERY
This hatchery raises 1,600,000 fish per year from eggs, of which
117,000 are planted when they are the size of 10-12 inches to
grow under natural conditions. For more information call (435) 353-4855.
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MOON LAKE Approximately 30 miles north of Duchesne,
past the town of Mountain Home, lies beautiful Moon Lake. Moon Lake has a 55-unit
campground, two group use areas that can be reserved, and a resort run by a private
concessionaire. Moon Lake is the trailhead access to the Brown Duck and Upper Lake Fork
areas. Moon Lake's blue water and sandy beach lie in a most scenic area. Boating, fishing
and hunting (in season) are allowed at Moon Lake.
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UINTA CANYON Uinta Canyon is some 23 miles from
Roosevelt at the foot of the High Uinta Mountains. It is a beautiful canyon year round and
provides excellent picnic, camping, backpacking, and horse riding opportunities. Uinta
Canyon is accessible by auto after the snow melts and the weather dries out
(mid May
through late fall).
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CHEPETA LAKE Named for a beloved Indian Princess,
this lake is accessible through Whiterocks and Farmcreek on the Polecreek Road. It is open
from about mid-June to snowfall. Beautiful high alpine scenery surrounds the lake and is a
jumping off place for several high country lakes within walking distance. The nights are
cool. Fishing, camping, and hunting are available.
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POLECREEK LAKE AND CAMPGROUND
Located at approximately 10,200 feet, Polecreek Lake is open from June until snowfall. It
is 35 miles from Roosevelt to the north via Whiterocks through Farmcreek. The Farmcreek
road provides the access point for snowmobiling in the winter and to the headwater of
Whiterocks Canyon.
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PARADISE RESERVOIR This high mountain
reservoir is located 35 miles northeast of Roosevelt in the Ashley National Forest at an
elevation of 10,200 feet. Fishing and camping are allowed and small boats without motors
can be taken on the lake. The water is very cold and the nights equally cool.
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HIKING TRAILS, MOUNTAIN BIKING AND
SNOWMOBILING Contact the Forest Service for specific trail information
(435) 722-5018 or (435) 738-2482.
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STARVATION RESERVOIR STATE PARK
Don't let the name fool you. This magnificent lake lies just west of Duchesne.
It offers many possibilities for boating, fishing, water skiing
and camping.
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BIG SANDWASH LAKE Located at Upalco 12 miles
northwest of Roosevelt. One can camp, fish and play on the sandy beach, or use the boat
launching facilities.
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SANDWASH BOAT RAMP Not to be confused with
Sandwash Lake, this is the access point for boat trips through Desolation Canyon.
Approximately 40 miles south of Roosevelt on the Green River. River permits must be
obtained early in the season to use this river access. Open applications are taken during
January and February. A drawing is then held in March. This is handled through the BLM in
Moab. Group size is restricted to 25 persons.
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WILDERNESS RIVER TRIPS If you're looking
for excitement of rising rapids and are attracted to primitive, wild and deep canyons...if
you're seeking more than just an ordinary vacation, then river running may be just the
thing you're looking for. There are many river guides in the area. The mixture of exciting
rapids and serene landscapes make a wilderness trip an unforgettable experience.
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PELICAN LAKE This lake is located near Ouray in a
flat valley bottom. It offers some of the finest bass and bluegill fishing in Utah. Not
only does the lake provide excellent warm water fishing, but it also is becoming more
popular with bird watchers as the area attracts many diverse species of birds especially
in the Spring.
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THE BOOKCLIFFS A most rugged, remote region of
the State. Beautiful vistas, trophy hunting and fishing, biking, and back country yet to
be discovered. Several guides available to help you discover this region.
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PARKS
Roosevelt - A regional complex, Constitution Park, has
been developed in Roosevelt with ball diamonds unsurpassed in
the State. Facilities for picnicking, celebrations,
reunions and similar events, children's playground. There
are also ball fields and a basketball court located at the old
park site.
Duchesne - Duchesne has a
large recreational park with ball fields and picnic facilities.
the County Fair complex is also used for similar purposes.
Myton, Altamont, Tabiona, and
Neola have ball fields and parks that are busy throughout
the summer season.
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OTHER
Churches - Most major religions are represented in the
area.
Swimming - Community pools are available in Duchesne and
Roosevelt.
Movie Theaters - Three indoor theaters and a summer
drive-in are located in Roosevelt.
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TRAVEL INFORMATION
Duchesne County Area Chamber of Commerce (435) 722-4598 or
www.duchesne.net
Duchesne County Welcome Center (435) 738-2166
Dinosaurland Travel Board (435) 789-6932 or (800) 477-5558 or
www.dinoland.com
District Bureau of Land Management (435) 781-4400
District Fish and Wildlife (435) 781-3101
Ute Tribe Fish and Wildlife (435) 722-5511
Forest Service Offices - Duchesne (435) 738-2482, Roosevelt
(435) 722-5018, Vernal (435) 789-1181.
Reservations for Utah State Parks (800) 280-2267 in Salt Lake
(801) 322-3770
Jensen Welcome Center (435) 789-4002
Northeaster Utah Visitor Center (435) 789-7894
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