USDA Forest Service Celebrating Wildflowers

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Intermountain Region Viewing Area

PHOTOS

Watson’s Penstemon
Watson’s Penstemon (Penstemon watsonii). This common showy plant creates fields of blue within aspen and mountain big sagebrush. Numerous wild flowers, with a variety of colors, grow on Reservation Ridge. Photo courtesy U.S. Forest Service.

Watson’s Penstemon growing under aspen on Reservation Ridge
Watson’s Penstemon growing under aspen on Reservation Ridge. Photo courtesy U.S. Forest Service.

Wild hollyhock
Wild hollyhock (Iliamna rivularis). This plant is from the mallow family. Although uncommon, wild hollyhock’s display of large pink flowers makes it easy to spot and admire. Photo courtesy U.S. Forest Service.

Reservation Ridge Site

Forest: Ashley National Forest

District: Duchesne/Roosevelt Ranger District

Description: Reservation Ridge is a high ridge line that forms the southwestern border of the Uinta Basin. Elevations range from 9000 to 10300 feet. Mountain big sagebrush, aspen, and Doulas fir are common vegetation communities. Wildlife is abundant. Elk and mule deer are most commonly observed, but black bear and mountain lion are occasionally observed.

Viewing Information: Reservation Ridge viewing area is a scenic drive up to 24 miles in length along graded Forest Service Road 147. The drive has several high elevation vistas of Avintaquin Canyon, the distant Uinta and Wasatch Mountains, Strawberry Valley, and the Wasatch Plateau. Numerous wild flowers may be viewed. These include Penstemon, wild hollyhock, elderberry, columbine, wild forget-me-not, mint, and wild rose to name a few.

Safety First: The wild flower viewing season occurs between June and September. Reservation Ridge weather is unpredictable and may change rapidly. Summers are usually warm, but afternoon thunderstorms are common. Wet weather may lead to slippery road conditions. The Strawberry Peak section of the drive is not recommended during inclement weather. Four wheel drive pick-up travel is advised.

Directions: Travel south for 29 miles on US Highway 191 from Duchesne or travel north for 15 miles on US Highway 191 from Castle Gate to Forest Service Road 147. The drive is up to 24 miles in length along a graded gravel and dirt road that ends at Strawberry Peak.

Ownership and Management: All lands north of Forest Service Road 147 are owned and managed by the USDA Forest Service. Lands to the south of this road are a mix of private, Bureau of Land Management, and State lands.

Closest Town: Price and Duchesne, Utah.

U.S. Forest Service
Rangeland Management
Botany Program
1400 Independence Ave., SW, Mailstop Code: 1103
Washington DC 20250-1103

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Location: http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/regions/intermountain/ReservationRidge/index.shtml
Last modified: Wednesday, 12-Oct-2011 15:51:06 EDT