Getaway to Duchesne (say Doo- SHᾹNE′) County

Now that you know how to pronounce one of Utah’s most beautiful counties, here are some reasons to visit.

1. Solitude – Duchesne is vast and sparsely populated.  Much of the county comprises the High Uinta Wilderness Area and the Ashley National Forest.  The highest peak in the state is aptly named King’s Peak, in the Uinta Mountains.  The range happens to hold the distinction of being the only major mountain range in the continental US that runs east and west.
2. Unrivaled beauty.  See the above.  High alpine forests teeming with wildlife.  Mountain lakes and streams teeming with trout - the Strawberry, Duchesne, Lake Fork, and Yellowstone rivers. Backcountry roads and trails not teeming with cars and tour busses.
3. Family events and celebrations – The Altamont Longhorn Days kicks of the festivities July 23-25. After that wraps up the annual Uinta Basin in Celebration (UBIC) in Roosevelt packs in more activities and events that anyone can possibly swallow: golf, tennis, softball and soccer tournaments, band concerts, arts & crafts shows, kid’s story telling sessions, swimming and, of course, a parade and fireworks.  The Duchesne County Fair, a 100 year tradition, is next, August 3-8 with more of the same.  Whew!
4. Recreation – In addition to the abundant high alpine outdoor adventures, the county offers Starvation State Park & Reservoir offers 3,500 acres of year-round fishing and boating fun four miles northwest of the town of Duchesne. Nine-Mile Canyon (a misnomer, actually 50 miles) is an outdoor museum. It has some remarkable examples of Indian art and remnants of dwellings that have remained untouched through the centuries. It is well worth the trip.
5. Lodging – not really resorts, not really dude ranches, some features of both.  Getaways more aptly describes the unique lodging in Duchesne County.  In alphabetic order, here’s a sampling:

LC Ranch. There are outdoor recreationalists of all types – hikers, river runners, cyclists, climbers, kayakers, you name it.  But a breed apart are fly fishermen and women.  The knowledgeable one’s go to LC Ranch near Altamont, a short 2-1/2 hour drive from Salt Lake City.  This angler’s Mecca includes over 20 lakes and ponds scattered over 1300 acres among red rock and juniper in the shadow of the Uinta Mountains. Anglers stalk the waters for trophy trout of several species – rainbow, brown, tiger and brookies. 

When fishing is done for the day, they return to their selection from a variety of LC Ranch lodges and one or two bedroom cabins. The Honeymoon Cabin, first constructed in 1906 and fully restored with all modern conveniences and amenities, retains a rich history with its vaulted ceiling and massive log construction, fireplace, sundeck and balcony.  The large LC Trophy Lodge is for larger groups, family reunions, weddings, corporate retreats & meetings. The

Trophy Lodge is situated on a large lawn with a deck overlooking a picturesque pond.  The LC Trophy Lodge also has an adjoining yurt, perfect for group dinners or meetings. LCRanch.com

The Lodge at Hidden Springs Ranch - a vacation spot for executive retreats, family reunions, wedding receptions, or getaways with friends is surrounded by a beautiful 700 acre cattle ranch with enough activities and space for large groups of up to 90 guests.

Activities at Hidden Springs Ranch are numerous - hiking, swimming, mountain biking, canoeing, paint ball, horseback riding, fishing  The Hidden Springs Activities Center, located in the “Big Red Barn”, is hard to miss.  Kids of all ages love the 30′ climbing wall, indoor basketball and volleyball. The main floor of the Lodge is expansive and open, perfect for meeting, dining together, playing games, or just lounging around.  The large deck provides plenty of space for eating and relaxing with your group. The upper floor has five tastefully decorated and comfortable bedroom suites with all amenities.

The basement level has bunk room accommodations for families, children, and large groups. Two large bathrooms provide plenty of sinks and shower space. Between the two halls of the basement level is a large game room. The downstairs level is designed to sleep up to 50 or 60 people. With all the activities at Hidden Springs, guests never run out of things to do.  HiddenSpringsUtah.com

 

Reid Ranch is a secluded property at nearly 8000 feet high on the slopes of the Uinta Mountains.  The Ranch is on the banks of the picturesque Red Creek River surrounded by alpine meadows and spectacular mountain views.  Wildlife is everywhere!  Moose, elk, deer and even an occasional mountain lion or bear can be spotted in this, their home and habitat.

Ranch activities and amenities are plentiful – swimming pool, both disc and miniature golf, a sauna & hot tub, horseshoe pits, horseback riding, archery, boating and, of course, hiking.

Reid Ranch accommodations are spacious, tastefully appointed and comfortable.  The Red Creek Lodge is both modern yet rustic and accommodates up to 40 guests. The 20 room hotel-style Tabby Mountain Lodge retains the flavor of its smaller neighbor.  This Lodge has two conference rooms for business meetings and conferences.  Wi-Fi service is available as well.  Reid Ranch also has a Bunkhouse with two dorms that each sleep up to 26. ReidRanch.com

 

Whoever said you had to be in an urban location to stay in luxury?  The new, upscale Winterton Suites in Roosevelt are loaded with amenities and traveler conveniences.  Tired of hearing your neighbor’s snoring in the adjoining motel room through paper thin walls?  How about 8” thick insulated walls at the Winterton.  How about waiting an eternity for the front desk clerk to check in the four groups ahead of you?  At Winterton when you book online or by phone, you’ll have your room number and key code to go directly to your room upon arrival.  It’s said that it’s the little things that count, but not in hotel rooms.  Winterton Suites are huge!  Townhome Suites are resort style lodging that feature three bedrooms each with private bath, full kitchen, living and dining room, four large screen TV’s and over 1400 square feet for the whole family to spread out!

Location? Winterton Suites is in Roosevelt a short distance from several restaurants and a pleasant drive from all the quality outdoor recreation for which Duchesne County is known.  At the end of a hard day of adventure, wind down in Winterton’s indoor pool and hot tub.  Ahhh!  WintertonSuites.com

So c’mon and getaway to Duchesne County. Start your adventure at the Duchesne City Visitor’s Center, 500 E. Main St. for brochures, maps, and helpful info.

But remember, it’s Doo-SHᾹNE′, not Doo-Chess′-nee. www.UintaBasin.org