North Fork of the Duchesne River
This route provides access to some of the most beautiful canyon areas along the south slope of the High Uinta Mountains. Traveling northwest from the town of Duchesne, on the “River Road” and State Road 35, the route follows the Duchesne River through picturesque farmland and rural communities, with historic landmarks along the way, dating back to the late 1800s. Colorful contrasts exist between pinyon pine and juniper-covered slopes and riverside vegetation for the first 13 miles of the tour. As the route gains elevation the slope vegetation changes to ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, white fir, and Engelmann spruce. The river meanders through farmland in the lower elevations but has a more defined channel as the route nears the Uinta Mountains.
Oil and Gas operations are evident in the first 16 miles of the route. Pipelines and well sites can be seen adjacent to the route. Collection stations for oil and gas products will also be seen. These petroleum products are hauled by truck to various markets in the Western States, including the Salt Lake City area.
Majestic vistas of the High Uinta Wilderness come into view as the route approaches its northern terminus. State Road 35 junctions with Forest Road 144 at milepost 35.5. This Forest road travels adjacent to the North Fork of the Duchesne River, entering a magnificent canyon area, with steep slopes and jagged limestone outcropping towering overhead. Travelers will experience breathtaking views of extraordinary geologic features and forested slopes. Be sure to stop and enjoy the picnic and campground areas managed by the Ashley National Forest, all of which are located next to the Duchesne River. The access road to the popular Grand View wilderness trailhead is located near the end of Forest Road 144.
This tour is 46.1 miles long and requires an hour and one-half of driving time.
Mileage (Only “key mileposts are shown on the map)
0.0 Start at the junction of US Highway 40 and State Road 87 in the center of the community of Duchesne. Head north on State Road 87
0.2 Turn left onto the “River Road.” The route travels through an area occupied by Russian Olive Trees.
1.4 Notice the wetlands on either side of the road. These areas are associated with the Duchesne River channel and provide excellent habitats for wildlife, such as songbirds and waterfowl. Such wetland areas are extremely important for maintaining various wildlife populations.
2.2 Views of the distant High Uintas Wilderness open up to travelers at this milepost…the canyons and peaks of the Swift Creek, Yellowstone, Moon Lake, and Rock Creek wilderness areas can be seen.
3.2 Good view of the Duchesne River draining and river corridor, defined on either side by moderately steep slopes. The geologic level of this portion of the river canyon is the Duchesne River Formation. Cultivated fields of alfalfa hay occupy the land adjacent to the river. Cottonwood, willow, maple, and other deciduous trees are found along the river banks.
5.6 Crossing of the Duchesne River
5.8 Crossing under the 345 kV (kilovolt) transmission line, carrying electricity from the Bonanza Power Plant near Vernal to the Mona Substation south of Provo, Utah.
6.9 “Utahn” Cemetery Sign. Historic cemetery 0.3 miles to the right, with burials dating back to the late 1800s.
7.1 Junction of “River Road” and State Road 35. Turn left onto State Road 35, traveling toward the communities of Tabiona and Hanna.
7.5 Oil and gas well site on the left side of the road, consisting of pump, storage tanks, and pipelines.
8.7 Gas compressor station and oil tank batter. (No longer in operation).
9.2 Crossing of the Duchesne River.
10.4 Irrigation canal, with water coming from the Duchesne River.
13.9 Notice the ponderosa, white fir, and conifer trees on the ridge line to the west (left side of the road). This change in tree cover from pinyon pine and juniper is due to elevation change and the associated change in climate and soil conditions.
15.7 Road to the east (right side of the road)leads to Coastal Oil and Gas Company drill sites. It is a private road, closed to public travel. This is near the area of the confluence of the Duchesne and Rock Creek river drainages. The large canyon area visible from this milepost is due to the downward-cutting action of Rock Creek as it joins with the Duchesne River.
16.3 Oil tank battery, i.e., oil storage tanks, alongside the oil and gas well. Gas dryer units can be seen alongside the well…..for the purpose of removing water vapor from the gas.
17.1 Dry Mountain on the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation can be seen in the background (looking north).
18.3 Duchesne River crossing.
20.1 Elk ranch on the left side of the road. Elk are actually raised here. Travelers will see bull and cow elk inside fenced areas. The opportunity to see elk “up close and personal” is rare, so take the time to visit this area. Guided fishing also takes place on this ranch on private ponds fed by water from the Duchesne River.
22.8 Junction of State Roads 35 and 208. Stay on State Road 35. State Road 208 travels back toward Fruitland and US Hwy 40.
23.7 Notice the private homesite area to the west (left side of the road) on the slopes of Tabby Mountain.
24.4 Entering the community of Tabiona.
28.6 Rock outcrop of limestone, typical of this canyon area.
29.1 Entering the community of Hanna.
29.3 Chevron Pipeline crossing. Pipelines for transporting oil from Rangely, Colorado, to Salt Lake City. Only one of these lines is operational.
29.4 Looking east (right side of the road), travelers will see the blind Stream drainage area of the Uinta Mountains.
31.4 Unique and visually attractive Navajo sandstone outcrop to the west (right of the road.
31.8 Utah Boys Ranch.
32.5 Road on the right leads to Blind Stream and the Rock Creek canyon area. High-clearance vehicles are recommended.
33.6 Unique rock outcrop associated with the west fork of the Duchesne River.
35.2 Historic “Stockmore” Forest Service Ranger Station.
35.5 Junction of State Road 35 and Forest Road 144. Turn right onto Forest Road, which continues up the main (North) fork of the Duchesne River. State Road 35 continues on to Francis and Kamas, Utah over Wolf Creek Summit.
36.4 Ashley National Forest boundary.
36.6 “Big Springs” road crossing. The water originates from a large spring high on the slope.
37.2 Forest Service West Slope Trail. Notice the “cave-like” opening near the top of the ridge to the east (right side) of the road.
38.2 Aspen Grove Campground
38.7 “Stone Face” rock formation adjacent to road…..notice the face of a person in the rock.
39.4 The Central Utah Water Project “Siphon”…an engineering marvel…siphoning water from the east to the west side of the canyon through an underground pipeline. This is a part of the water conveyance system crossing the Uinta Mountains from the Upper Stillwater Reservoir to the Strawberry Reservoir near Heber, Utah.
39.6 Paved road ends.
41.4 Hades Campground.
41.7 Defas Dude Ranch; store, cabins, saloon, and cafe. Phone number (435) 848-5590
41.7 Road to Grand View Trailhead, with a trail leading to the Granddaddy Lake area of the High Uintas Wilderness. High-clearance vehicles are recommended.