Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Frequently Asked Questions

Some information is more commonly sought out by visitors to the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. We have compiled some of the most frequently asked questions with their answers below. If you do not see the answer to your question, please contact us for more information.

If you need more information that what is posted here, again, please feel free to contact us for more specific information.

1. What is the difference between the Forest Service, the National Park Service, Department of Wildlife Resources and State Parks?

2. What are the Interagency Recreation Passes?

3. Is the Uinta Mountain range or the High Uintas Wilderness Area on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest?

4. How do I reserve a campsite?

5. Are there fire restrictions in place? How do I know if I can have a campfire?

6. Can I use fireworks on the National Forest?

7. Where can I get maps to know where I can ride my ATV, motorcycle or motorized recreational vehicle?

8. Where can I get maps that show where recreation opportunities on the National Forest are?

9. Can I take my dog hiking or camping on the National Forest?

10. Are bicycles allowed in Millcreek Canyon?

11. Where can I get a permit for Forest Products?

12. How do I get a Christmas tree permit?

13. Do I need a permit to enter a Wilderness Area?

14. Do I need to have certified weed-free hay on the National Forest for my horses?

15. If I have an emergency on the National Forest, who should I contact?

16. Can I go target shooting on the National Forest?

What is the difference between the Forest Service, the National Park Service, Department of Wildlife Resources and State Parks?

The Forest Service manages the national forests and grasslands, forestry research and cooperation with forest managers on State and Private Lands. The Forest Service is dedicated to multiple-use management for the sustained yield of renewable resources such as water, forage, wildlife, wood and recreation. Multiple-use means managing resources under the best combination of uses to benefit the American people while ensuring the productivity of the land and protecting the quality of the environment.

The National Park Service focuses on preservation. They preserve, unimpaired, the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation.

State Parks are similar to National Parks but are managed on a state level and can have fewer restrictions.

Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) can be under state or federal management. State DWRs handle fishing and hunting permits while federal wildlife agencies, such as the National Marine Fisheries Service, manage wildlife that crosses state boundaries such as migratory birds and whales and some fish species.

What are the Interagency Recreation Passes?

Visitors who frequent America's public lands for enhanced recreation site opportunities managed by five federal agencies will benefit from a new, more convenient, single interagency recreation pass program. The program features on interagency pass for streamlined access to enhanced recreation sties managed by the five federal land management agencies including; The National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Forest Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Reclamation. The new program replaces the Golden Eagle, Golden Age and Golden Access Passports and the National Parks Pass.

For more information on the Interagency Recreation Passes, including prices, visit the US Geological Survey on-line store or call 1-888-ASK-USGS and press 1.

How do I reserve a campsite?

For Forests Service campgrounds reservations nationwide you can call 1-877-444-6777. If you call the toll free number, the exact name of the campground and the Forest it is located on is needed. You can also visit the Forest Service campground reservations web site at www.recreation.gov. The web site offers interactive, clickable maps that lists campgrounds by state and will have the name of the specific campgrounds and forests, plus is has directions and campground maps.

Are their fire restrictions in place? How do I know if I can have a campfire?

Fire restrictions can change frequently as weather and drought conditions vary. Visit Utah Fire Info.gov for the most current fire restriction information for the entire state.The Fire and Aviation page on this web site will also have information on current fire conditions. Fire restrictions can be different for developed campgrounds than for dispersed, undeveloped camping areas.

Where can I get maps that show where I can ride my ATV, motorcycle or motorized recreational vehicle?

Travel plan maps and motorized trail maps have the most accurate information regarding trails that are open to ATV's and motorized recreational vehicles. These maps are available at most Ranger District and Forest Service offices.

Where can I get maps that show where recreation opportunities on the National Forest are?

Topographic maps, provide the greatest amount of detail for a small Portion of land, are available from the USGS or many local retail outlets. Local Ranger Districts and Forest Service offices have larger National Forest overview maps that show the locations of campgrounds, paved roads, unimproved roads and some trails. Ranger Districts and Forest Service offices will also have Travel Plan maps that show trails that are open to motorized recreational vehicles and ATV's.

Can I take my dog hiking or camping on the National Forest?

All dogs must be on a leash in all campgrounds, picnic areas and trailheads at all times. However, in Millcreek Canyon, dogs can go unleashed on odd days, and must be leashed at all times on even days. Dogs are not allowed, at any time, in Big Cottonwood or Little Cottonwood canyons.

Are bicycles allowed in Millcreek Canyon?

Bicycles are only allowed in Millcreek Canyon on even days; days when dogs must be leashed.

Where can I get a permit for Forest Products?

Examples of Forest Products are firewood, Christmas trees and ornamental Rocks. Urbanized areas are less likely to provide forest product permits. However, once away from urban areas, Ranger Districts are more likely to offer permits, but in very limited numbers. For more specific information, contact your local Ranger District. The District Ranger usually decides the number of permits available at a local level.

Do I need a permit to enter a Wilderness Area?

Wilderness areas are a place where the imprint of humans is substantially unnoticed. It is where natural processes are the primary influences and human activity is limited to primitive recreation and minimum tools. This allows for the experience of wild places without intention to disturb or destroy the natural processes. Some wilderness areas require an overnight permit to camp in them. Contact you local forest service office for more information.

Do I need to have certified weed-free hay on the National Forest for my horses?

Virtually all forests in the Intermountain Regain require certified weed-free hay. You can contact you local forest service office if you have questions. Find locations where certified weed-free-hay can be obtained in this Utah Department of Agriculture PDF publication. There are also restrictions on how large an equestrian group can be. There are a lot of restrictions pertaining to camping and tethering of animals. For complete information regarding your area of interest contact your local ranger district.

If I have an emergency on the National Forest, who should I contact?

If you have an emergency on the National Forest, the best thing to do is call 911 and they will dispatch the nearest help.

Is the Uinta Mountain range or the High Uintas Wilderness Area on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest?

The Uinta Mountain range is managed by both the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest and the Ashley National Forest. The Ashley National Forest maintains a web page with information on the High Uintas Wilderness Area that contains a map of trails, information on King's Peak (the highest point in the state of Utah), and guidelines and restrictions for the area. For the most accurate information on the High Uintas or the wilderness area, please contact either of those forests.

Can I use fireworks on the National Forest?

No, fireworks are banned on all National Forest System lands all the time.

How do I get a Christmas tree permit?

Christmas tree permits on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache are usually sold on two separate days in early November on a first-come, first-served basis. Permits are usually sold out by the end of the second day. Permits are limited to one permit per adult (age 16 and over). More detailed information on obtaining permits is posted each autumn.

Can I go target shooting on the National Forest?

Yes, as long as all applicable regulations are followed. Visit our Target Shooting web page for more information.

US Forest Service - Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
Last Modified: Wednesday, 06 August 2008 at 16:24:47 EDT