High Altitude, Higher Spirits
Where the Desert Touches the SkyRising 11,000 feet above the red rock basins, The Highlands of Boulder and Thousand Lake Mountains offer a lush, alpine escape. It is a world of quaking aspens, hidden trout lakes, and cool mountain breezes that feel a million miles away from the desert heat below.
A cool green crown atop the red rock.
Highlands
The Highlands represent the dramatic vertical limit of the Capitol Reef region. Dominated by the massive basalt caps of Boulder Mountain and Thousand Lake Mountain, this area transforms the Utah landscape from sun-scorched sandstone into a high-alpine paradise. Here, the "Waterpocket Fold" is viewed from above, providing a staggering perspective of the desert's jagged spine from the shade of ancient sub-alpine firs and massive aspen groves.
This is the land of the "High Plateaus," a series of volcanic tablelands that hold hundreds of secluded glacial lakes and wildflower meadows. While the valley floor swelters in the summer, the Highlands remain a crisp sanctuary for wildlife like elk, black bears, and mountain lions. It’s a place where the air is thin, the water is cold, and the views stretch across three states, offering a serene counterpoint to the rugged canyons of the Reef.
"Peak" Performance
Escape to the high-country heart of Southern Utah.
The Highlands are a playground for those who love high-elevation recreation and a slower pace of adventure.
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High-Country Fishing: With over 80 lakes on Boulder Mountain alone, you can spend a lifetime discovering new fishing holes. Many require a high-clearance vehicle or a sturdy pair of hiking boots to reach.
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Autumn Gold: Late September to early October is "Prime Time" in the Highlands, as the massive aspen colonies turn brilliant shades of yellow and orange, making it one of the best fall-color drives in the American West.
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Wildlife Viewing: Dawn and dusk are the best times to spot the resident elk herds in the high meadows or watch for golden eagles soaring above the rim.
Logistics
Know Before
You Go
The Highlands are generally accessible from late May through October. Because of the extreme elevation, snow can block the upper forest roads well into the summer, and the first winter storms often arrive by early November. There are no services at the top of the mountains, so ensure you have a full tank of gas and plenty of supplies before leaving Torrey or Boulder.
Fees
Access to the Dixie and Fishlake National Forests is free, though developed campgrounds like Elk Horn or Pleasant Creek require a nightly fee.
Weather
Even in July, evening temperatures can drop near freezing. Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent and intense on the plateaus—if you see clouds building, it’s time to head below the treeline to avoid lightning.
Quick Reference Guide
Essential Planning Tools
Planning Your Visit to Blue Spire
The Blue Spire is located in Blue Valley, approximately 7 miles west of Hanksville, Utah, just off Highway 24. Unlike the popular temples in Cathedral Valley, this formation is not inside Capitol Reef National Park; it stands on public BLM land just outside the park boundaries.
The hike distance depends on your vehicle.
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From Highway 24: If you park at the highway pull-off, the hike is approximately 4.2 miles round-trip via a flat desert wash.
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From the BLM Boundary: If you have a high-clearance vehicle, you can drive about 1 mile in to the "No Motor Vehicles" sign. From there, the hike is only ~2 miles round-trip.
The formation has earned several nicknames from locals and climbers due to its distinct, needle-like shape. While "Blue Spire" and "The Silver Spire" refer to the way the dark rock glimmers under the midday sun, "Long Dong Silver" is the irreverent nickname most commonly used by the rock climbing community who first ascended it in the 1990s.
You do not need a 4x4 to reach the highway trailhead, which is accessible to any car. However, if you wish to shorten the hike by driving the 1-mile dirt spur to the inner boundary, a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. Warning: Do not attempt to drive this dirt road if it is wet or raining; the clay becomes impassable mud.
No. The Blue Spire is located on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public land adjacent to the park. This is an important distinction because it means fewer crowds and different regulations regarding camping and pets compared to the National Park.
Yes! Because the spire is on BLM land and not inside the National Park (where dogs are generally prohibited on trails), dogs are allowed. However, this is a raw desert environment with no shade or water, so please bring ample water for your pet and keep them under control.
Generally, yes. Since the spire is on BLM land, it is not subject to the strict "No Drone" policy of Capitol Reef National Park. However, pilots must still follow all FAA regulations and should avoid flying if other hikers are present to preserve the solitude of the area.
The spire is best photographed during Golden Hour (sunrise or sunset). At midday, the dark rock can look flat and black (hence the nickname "Dark Spire"). During low light, the rock reflects the sun, giving it the shimmering, metallic appearance that earned it the name "Silver Spire."
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