HIGHWAY 24

While it’s within Capitol Reef, the Waterpocket Fold deserves special mention. This geological marvel is what makes Capitol Reef so unique. It’s not just a fold; it’s a 7,000-foot-high barrier that presented a significant challenge to early travelers. The highway now cuts through this impressive feature, offering stunning vistas at every turn.

Fishlake Scenice Byway (U-25) winds for about 16 miles through the Fish Lake Basin in the Fishlake National Forest. At an 8,850-foot elevation, there’s no shortage of scenic wonders along this route, which makes for a lovely, leisurely day trip. Loa, just 20 miles southeast of Fish Lake, is a great starting point for this scenic drive. Head northwest on Highway 24 until you reach the turnoff for Highway 25/Fishlake Scenic Byway. Be sure to fill your tank prior to heading out, as gas is only available on the byway during the summer months at Lakeside Resort. Keep in mind that in winter Fishlake Scenic Byway is only plowed as far as Bowery Haven resort.

Scenic stops along the byway include the Lorenzo’s Rock Monuments, a series of mid-20th century man-made stone formations hidden in the hills, beginning about 2.5 miles past the junction of Highways 24 and 25. About 5.5 miles along Fishlake Scenic Byway, a scenic overlook gives travelers a first glimpse of the incredible Fish Lake Basin. The highlight of the route is the 2,500-acre Fish Lake, the largest mountain lake in Utah, which boasts excellent trout fishing. In fact, some of the biggest trout scored in Utah have been fished from this lake. 

At mile seven, near the southern end of Fish Lake, there is access to two trailheads, the Dr. Creek trail which climbs to over 10,000 feet, and the 6-mile Lakeshore Trail along Fish Lake’s western shore. The Lakeside Resort is just ahead, followed just over a mile down the road by the historic Fish Lake Lodge. Near the lodge you’ll see the Aspen Heart, the heart-shaped—and largest—grove of aspen trees in the Basin. 

Continue on Highway 25 past Twin Creek Fishery, a natural tributary to Fish Lake, on the way to Bowery Haven (mile 10), where Mormon pioneers once held Sunday services on log benches beneath the spruce trees. Two miles down the road, Pelican Point offers a view of the fault that caused the formation of Fish Lake. More history can be seen less than a mile down the road at Jorgensen Creek, the site of a late 1800s ranch. Johnson Reservoir, around mile 16, offers fewer crowds but equally good fishing. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has stocked the lake with Tiger Muskie, which can grow upwards of three feet long, to control the non-game fish population.

From Johnson Reservoir, travelers can turn around and head back on Fishlake Scenic Byway, or loop around to the lake along the Fremont River Road. This route provides access to the Old Spanish Trail and Zedd’s Meadow, around 19 miles into the drive.  Pull-outs along the winding road, which follows a river gorge, overlook scenic viewpoints on the way to Mill Meadow Reservoir. The reservoir is near the junction of Highway 24 and SR-72, which will leads to the tiny community of Fremont, just five miles north of Loa.

At the junction of Highways 12 and 24, Torrey offers access to some of the most scenic routes in Capitol Reef Country. Heading south on Scenic Byway 12 leads to Boulder, where you can detour east to the Burr Trail Loop. The 66-mile scenic backway follows the cattle trail blazed by rancher John Atlantic Burr and cuts through the extraordinary, untamed wilderness of Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. With the exception of a remote stretch through Capitol Reef National Park, the road is mostly paved and fairly well maintained although it can be muddy and impassable when wet. There are no services along the backway, so be sure your tank is full and your vehicle is in good working condition before heading out. A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended for portions of this trip.

The western section of the road, beginning near Boulder, cuts through pale Navajo sandstone dunes and domes, past The Gulch gorge and the lower slopes of Boulder Mountain on the way to Long Canyon. The narrow canyon runs for about seven miles, surrounded by sheer sandstone walls which tower hundreds of feet above the road. About five miles down the road you’ll pass the unusual formation known as The Lampstand, as you approach Wolverine Loop Road. This 28-mile loop is optional, and rejoins Burr Trail Loop near the western border of Capitol Reef National Park. From here, there are stunning panoramic views to the east of the rugged Waterpocket Fold and the peaks of the Henry Mountains. Continue driving across the red sandstone  Circle Cliffs and through a section of pinion and juniper forest, down the east slope of the Waterpocket Fold. As you approach the junction for Muley Twist Canyon, there is a picnic area. The road through Muley Twist Canyon is a serious of narrow, winding switchbacks; this is where four-wheel drive comes in handy. At the bottom of the switchbacks you’ll approach the junction of Burr Trail Road and 1670/Notom/Bullfrog Road. Head north on Notom, along the east side of the Waterpocket Fold, about 40 miles to Caineville, or turn west onto Highway 24 and head back to Torrey.