mail@moonlakeresort.com
4354543142
4356501069
4354543142
4356501069
mail@moonlakeresort.com
4354543142
4356501069
4354543142
4356501069
About Moon Lake Resort
About Moon Lake
Useful Information
TO MAKE A RESERVATION:
RESERVATION TIPS:
If you cancel prior to 14 days of your arrival (30 days for multiple cabins), you will be refunded all but 10% of your deposit. No refunds will be given if you cancel within 14 days of your arrival (30 days for multiple cabins).
There is no charge to move your reservation from one date to another.
RESERVATION TIPS:
You are currently viewing Moon Lake Resort’s Internet Website: www.moonlakeresort.com
For general information and answers, click on the link: Frequently Asked Questions
We may be contacted VIA E-MAIL at: mail@moonlakeresort.com
YOU MAY CONTACT US BY PHONE at: (435)-454-3142
YOU MAY CONTACT US BY MAIL at:
Moon Lake Resort
HC 65 Box 124
Mountain Home, Utah 84051
OPENS: Around Memorial Day
CLOSES: Around Labor Day
The lodge/store is open daily from 8 AM TO 8 PM.
We like to refer to our accommodations as “camping in a house“.
Because “RUSTIC” is a relative and subjective term, you need to ask yourself what your own definition of that word is before we say that RUSTIC sufficiently describes our place.
Is your definition: Four walls, roof and floor, windows and doors, electricity, gas heat, cold water sink, gas stove, refrigerator, dining table and double beds to sleep on ? (This describes our two most “rustic” cabins, #14 and #22, that do not include interior bathroom facilities)
OR
Is your definition: All of the above, plus a toilet, sink and shower (hot water, included) ? (This describes our 13 “full-facility” cabins of varying sizes)
OR
Is your definition: A hotel room minus maid and room service ? This does not describe anything you will find at Moon Lake. (If this is your definition of “rustic”, you should probably not be coming here. Sorry.)
IN OTHER WORDS, we like to think we provide the basics in comfort and convenience while still being close to the natural setting and timeless feel of the forest experience we are a part of.
The cabins are drier, warmer and more comfortable than tent camping, but perhaps, not as luxurious as some personal RV and trailer rigs we’ve seen, and certainly not a hotel, or even a motel room accommodation.
The oldest cabins date back to 1935 and the most “modern” larger cabins were built in the early 1950’s. The cabins have all been brought up to current building codes for health and safety in a basic “vacation” structure. They are not fancy and they are, likely, not as nice as your own home, but for many long-time guests they are a “home away from home”.
They are “cabins in the woods”.
They are funky but functional, well-worn, but clean and convenient.
The beds have a clean sheet covering on the mattress. You bring your own bedding, such as blankets, pillows, sleeping bags, etc.
Kitchens have stoves. You bring all your own utensils, pots, pans, paper goods, etc
Each cabin has a fire-ring with surrounding log seating outside the cabin.
We recommend you bring your own favorite camping chairs. There are no grills or picnic tables outside and no fireplaces inside. There are no phones, TVs or Internet hookups in the cabins. Some cabins have covered porches; some do not. Most have a view of the lake; some are more surrounded by trees than others. All are within a typical 5-minute walk to the lake-shore.
Lodge peak season hours are 8 AM TO 8 PM DAILY.
Daily Spring and Fall hours vary by demand
The LODGE welcomes the general public as well as Resort guests.
The Lodge provides:
Any Resort staff member can reserve a boat for you by phone.
It is not mandatory to reserve boats in advance, however, to assure your rental, it is best to reserve in advance as they sometimes go quickly.
Payment is required if you do reserve in advance. Please confirm your reservation with payment the day before.
If arriving on the same day as your requested rental, please confirm your reservation with payment prior to the start time of the rental period.
All renters must be at least 21 years of age and are required to sign a waiver of liability and equipment damage agreement.
All renters will receive instruction on safe use of the boat regardless of boating experience.
Current RESORT POLICIES are, as follows:
IF YOU COUNT YOURSELF AMONG THOSE WHO LOVE AND RESPECT THIS PLACE PLEASE CONSIDER THIS:
“To everything there is a season”
10 PM IS THE SEASON OF QUIET.
Voices carry.
A barking dog is NO man’s best friend.
Keep them quiet or leave them home.
LOVE THY NEIGHBOR.
If you’re not sure how things work around here — just ask us.
We’re here to help.
Make yourself comfortable here…
but with the same respect you would have for your own home.
If you rearrange furniture, please put it back as you found it.
Many others will follow…hopefully, without a trail you left behind.
One man’s trash is another furry little creature’s treasure.
Choose your dinner guests wisely. Put a lid on it.
Teach your children well!
Great pains (mostly back) were taken to provide you with a fun and functional fire-ring area.
Hacking, whacking, carving, sawing, cutting, burning, marking or disarranging of rocks, logs and trees will NOT be enjoyed or appreciated by anyone other than, perhaps, you.
Please leave well enough alone.
The US Forest Service (who permits us to occupy this property) considers it a crime to deliberately cause injury to natural resources, including trees and wildlife of all kinds.
SO DO WE.
Learn something new about this place.
Learn something new about yourself.
Watch a sunset, a moonrise, a moonset and a sunrise–all in one night, if you can.
THANK YOU
FRIENDS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME
YES. Moon Lake Resort is operated under permit of the Ashley National Forest. Under our permit regulations, pets are allowed, under restraint and control of their owners.
Forest Service regulations allow and govern pets in the campgrounds, as well.
Moon Lake Resort is very pet-friendly, with owner responsibility and compliance being the major factors shaping our pet policy. We have welcomed a wide variety of pets, including dogs, cats, lizards, snakes, parrots, ferrets, bunnies and even wolves and bobcats; all under proper supervision and restraint.
THERE IS A $10 PER PET FEE.
(This is a PER STAY, NOT a per night fee.)
You will be asked to sign your pet(s) in at check-in to ensure that everyone is aware of the Resort “pet policy”.
PLEASE REVIEW OUR POLICIES prior to booking and advise your friends and family members that are coming with you to do the same.
Please limit dogs to 2 per cabin unless prior approval has been given.
THE RESORT PET POLICY is as follows:
A BARKING DOG IS NO MAN’S BEST FRIEND – LOVE THY NEIGHBOR.
Pets(and guests) reported as a nuisance to other guests will require resort management intervention, up to and including removal from the property
Basically the Policy is this: Leashed – Kept Quiet and Cleaned up after – at ALL TIMES!
Moon Lake is the largest lake in Utah’s highest mountains, the High Uinta(h)s, (both naturally and as a dam-enhanced irrigation water reservoir). It sits within the Ashley National Forest and transects the High Uinta Wilderness. The reservoir’s full capacity surface level is 8,137 feet above sea level. The reservoir’s level can drop 80 feet in elevation (creating a ½ mile sand “beach,” including sand dunes) but the deepest spots in the natural lake will remain at measures of 120 feet (to tales of “bottomless”). The reservoir is approximately 3½ miles long and nearly a mile at its widest and fullest.
Moon Lake is “OUT OF THIS WORLD BUT STILL IN UTAH“
Moon Lake is located in the northeast quadrant of Utah in an aspen and lodgepole pine forest. It is approximately 70 miles west of its more famous neighbor, the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area at the Wyoming border, close to Colorado. It is 32 miles north of the town of Duchesne (pronounced DOO SHANE) on US 40. From Duchesne, it is accessed via SR 87 north and the county road through Mountain Home to Moon Lake.
Moon Lake is approximately 140-180 miles east of Salt Lake City and the cities on the Wasatch Front, typically a 3-3 ½ hour drive from there.
NOTE: WATCH YOUR SPEED 20 MILES WEST OR EAST OF DUCHESNE, Especially On A FRIDAY Or SATURDAY Evening. The Utah State Highway Patrol Does An EXCELLENT Job Of Enforcing Speed Limits On This Stretch Of US 40.
This most frequently asked question has no definitive answer, but here are some of our best guesses:
1. Mountain weather is constantly changing. The old expression, “If you don’t like the weather, wait an hour and it’ll change” absolutely applies to Moon Lake weather. In fact, sometimes it changes much quicker than that.
2. A good rule of thumb to gauge TEMPERATURES is–subtract 10-20 degrees from your current Salt Lake City temperatures and that’s about where Moon Lake should be at that time.
3. If there is such a thing as an “AVERAGE” DAY, it might go something like this:
4. “TYPICAL” SEASONAL PATTERNS might go something like this:
Memorial Day Weekend to Mid-June — occasionally unsettled and transitional weather between Winter and Spring conditions, sometimes great, sometimes iffy
Mid-June to Mid-July — more settled, Spring-like weather, a little cool, maybe a little breezy, but generally dry and pleasant
Mid-July to Mid-August — warmest days in general, but with the best possibility of (mostly) afternoon thundershowers that usually pass through Mid-August to end of September — transition between Summer and Fall weather, usually more settled than early Spring, with pleasant temperatures, typically 10-15 degrees cooler than Summer. Potential for spectacular Fall foliage color displays and warm, sunny days.
*Above seasonal patterns are “typical”. Extreme drought and El Niño years make everything even more unpredictable than normal. If we could be any more accurate in our predictions, we’d be making the big bucks as TV meteorologists.
5. PACKING TIP — Pack three-season clothing, including rain gear. Usually, we wear a T-shirt, sweatshirt and jeans almost every day through the season, with only a few occasions requiring us to wear more or less. One might need as little as a bathing suit and as much as a snow parka, all in the same day. Pack extra clothes (and shoes) for kids, as the lure of the lake tends to get them wet and muddy.
6. BOTTOM LINE — With weather, there are NO guarantees–it’s in the hands of a Higher Power.
This question has many answers, but, perhaps is best summed up by a guest who once stated,
“You know this is really a great place when you see the teenagers who didn’t want to get into the car to come here, not wanting to get into the car to leave.“
Of course, this is not always the case, but this comment has always helped to define the essence of the Moon Lake experience.
What seems most treasured by visitors to Moon Lake is what is often expressed as “the gift of time in a timeless place.” It is a place of fond memory and new discovery, for both new and long-returning visitors alike.
It seems that when people get here, it is so far removed from their normal daily lives and routines, that a disconnect from that world takes place and just that time-away is a gift and a pleasure unto itself.
There is something in the air, here, whether it’s the clear mountain air itself, or the awe-inspiring beauty of the forest and mountains, or the time and open space to clear one’s head, or whatever. But most visitors experience something special about being here; something they take with them and, from what we often hear, something cherished long beyond their stay. Many can’t define it in words, but most feel something good from this place and most are eager to return.
Perhaps, just being here is the best thing about Moon Lake. You’ll have to judge for yourself.
Well, to name a few things, here goes:
PLEASE NOTE : MOON LAKE RESORT HAS NO ROLE OR RESPONSIBILITY IN THE MANAGEMENT OR RESERVATIONS OF THE CAMPGROUNDS.
(The Resort reserves cabin lodging ONLY but also provides public hospitality, information and recreation services/support to all campers and visitors in the area).
YES. The Roosevelt/Duchesne Ranger District of the Ashley National Forest currently manages two fee camping areas at Moon Lake. These US Forest Service campgrounds sit on either side of Moon Lake Resort.
Information on these campgrounds is available by calling the Ranger District offices at (435)-738-2482 in Duchesne.
Campground reservation service is available at the National Recreation Reservation System (NRRS) by calling 1-877-444-6777 or via the Internet at http://www.recreation.gov
A 54-site campground (32-reservable, 22-first-come, first-served sites) is adjacent to the Resort (west) and a large-Group Campground comprised of two reservable sites (A & B) is adjacent to our east. These campgrounds provide flush toilet, pit-toilet and cold-water access, but have NO public showers, nor any individual-site electrical hookups or water taps.
2013 SPECIAL NOTICE: A Forest Service renovation and improvement project in Fall, 2012 has CHANGED THE LAYOUT AND SITE NUMBERING OF THE SINGLE-SITE CAMPGROUND.
LOOK FOR THE UPDATED MAP THAT SHOWS SITE #1 AS THE FIRST SITE IN THE UPPER LOOP. (Details and updated photos of each individual site can be viewed by clicking on the numbered site icons on the Facility Map view on the Recreation.gov site).
NOTE: Many people have reported to us that they find the NRRS reservation website (and even phone) reservation system to be confusing and less than sufficiently informative. Here’s a few tips and suggestions that may help you:
1. View OUR numbered “Campground Site Map” and our “ Cabin Site Map including Campground”. (We feel these maps give a decent perspective in locating sites and areas nearby).
2. Use this direct link for the 54 Single Site Campground (listed as Moon Lake Campground (UT) in the NRRS system): http://www.recreation.gov/camping/Moonlake_Ut/r/campgroundDetails.do?page=details&agency=NRSO&parkId=73715
3. Use this direct link for the Group (A & B Sites) Campground (listed as Moon Lake GROUP Campground (UT) in the NRRS system): http://www.recreation.gov/camping/Moon_Lake_Campground_Ut/r/campgroundDetails.do?agency=NRSO&parkId=70095
4. If you prefer to PHONE for reservations, make sure you SPECIFY to the agent WHICH campground you are calling about (EITHER single-sites-“Moon Lake Campground” or group-“Moon Lake Group Campground” as they are listed above in the NRRS System). We suggest the first question you ask the agent is, “Does your information include only 2 large group sites or does it show 54 individual sites?” The agent’s response will tell you whether they are looking at the right campground or not.
5. Moon Lake Resort cannot vouch for the accuracy of information on the Recreation.gov website or reservation system. We can only vouch for the information on our website that you are currently viewing
P.S.: Camping in tents or trailers is PROHIBITED on the Moon Lake Resort property
(See Resort Policies).
Three main hiking trailheads originate from the Moon lake Recreation Area:
1) THE LAKE FORK TRAIL is the most casual day hike in the area. This trail accesses the north (head) of Moon Lake via the west side of the lake on Round Mountain.
Starting from the lake access parking area near the lower loop campground fence, this trail can be enjoyed by hikers of all ages. The “steepest” part of this trail is at the beginning, just after crossing the little bridge over the Brown Duck Creek. Rising no more than about 400 feet above the lake, the trail can be hiked at just about any pace, to reach the north end of the lake in about 1- 2 hours. From campground to north end is only about 1½ miles of mostly gradual ascending and descending trail. Hikers can turn around at any point and still get some great views, in and out of the trees, overlooking the lake. Most day hikers go only to the north end of the lake, but the trail continues for many miles up the Lake Fork Drainage passed a High Uintas Wilderness sign.
TIP: GOING: The main trail descends as you approach the back end of the lake. It can be a little tricky to find the best path from the main trail to the shoreline. If you see where the water ends and the TREES BEGIN, you are close to the path that will take you most easily down to the lakeshore. TIP 2: A few minutes passed a big, reddish vertical sheer rock face (about 20 feet high or more) on the left side of the trail (going up-lake), start looking to the right for a path (sometimes marked with a rock cairn) through the trees to the forest floor and the shore at the head of the lake where the best fishing and picnicking is.
RETURNING: Mark or remember the spot where you emerged through the trees to the forest floor and remember to back-track, ascending to the intersection of and onto the main trail.
This is the most recommended, best-value day hike.
2) THE FISH CREEK TRAIL is accessed by crossing the dam at the southeast end of Moon Lake. The trail heads north by skirting the east side of the lake until it reaches the rocky fan where Fish Creek enters the lake. From here, it becomes moderately steep and a little rocky as it roughly follows the ascent of Fish Creek uphill into the forest. This trail features numerous vantage points giving open views west across the lake. The wooded trail opens up in a little meadow, about 1½ -2 hours into this hike. This is a good turn-around point or you can continue uphill, picking your way through trees on a less-defined trail above the meadow up to Mill Park below Lake Fork (Petty)Mountain where a vehicle could pick you up and return via the Hell’s Canyon and Yellowstone Canyon Roads. The trail to the little meadow from the dam is moderately strenuous and sometimes considered a little tough for young children. It is one of the lesser-used trails in the area, generally affording more private moments than other trails.
3) THE BROWN DUCK TRAIL can be accessed from the High Uintas Trailhead near the horse corrals, approximately ¼ mile south of the Resort. It starts at the northwest end of the Trailhead parking area, heading west up an old jeep trail, then turning north and crossing the High Uinta Wilderness boundary before connecting with the main foot trail to the Brown Duck Basin. The Brown Duck Trail also originates from the lower loop (northeast corner) of the single-site FS campground just beyond the Resort. From this point, the trail ascends steeply for more than a mile. Starting from the Trailhead parking area is generally considered the easier start to this hike. Either way, you are enveloped in the woods with very few wide-ranging views throughout this hike until you reach the first lake in the basin, Brown Duck Lake, after about 7 miles and a 2,000-foot elevation gain. Since the real payoff on this hike is the lake basin, this is more often recommended (and enjoyed) as an overnight camping experience than a day hike. 3-3 ½ hours is typically required to reach the basin and the same to return. This is the most-used trail from Moon Lake into the upper Wilderness Area by hikers, horses and at times, grazing cattle.
This is, by no means, a casual day hike.
NOTE: ATVS ARE PROHIBITED in the Lake Fork Drainage and Moon Lake Recreation Area by way of a new Forest Service Order signed in February, 2005 and in effect for the 2005 season forward.
Nearby Yellowstone and Hell’s Canyons have extensively developed trails for ATV enthusiasts. Current travel and trail information is available at US Forest Service Ranger Stations in Duchesne and Roosevelt.
No mechanized or motorized vehicles of any kind are allowed within the High Uinta Wilderness Area, which is marked on these trails by a boundary sign. This includes mountain bikes. As far as mountain bikes go, there are not really any “great” bike trails in the immediate area around Moon Lake.
THERE IS NO TRAIL THAT ENCIRCLES THE LAKE. The Lake Fork Trail accesses the north end of the lake on its west side but does not return south on the east side of the lake. There is no trail on the east side, north of Fish Creek to the north end of the lake. Anyone attempting this route will be boulder scrambling and bush-whacking until they reach the really big obstacle on that side. The east shore of the lake is scarred by a diagonally ascending, sliding shale cliff that is mostly impossible to cross without swimming past it or climbing 1,000 feet to get over it.
There are far smarter, more fun, and safer things to do than attempting to encircle the lake just to say you did it.
(First, please view the FAQ about ATV’s at Moon Lake).
The following are two main offerings we could recommend.
Please read the descriptions carefully. Try not to overestimate your abilities.
You are on your own if you venture forth.
1) HIGH UINTAS PANORAMA VIEW From atop Lake Fork (Petty) Mountain
4WD IS BEST BUT MOST ANY CAR CAN DO THIS ONE (Good ground clearance IS recommended)
TIPS:NOT ADVISABLE WITH SNOW ON THE GROUND
Allow about 4 hours for the best experience
Give yourself an hour to drive there
Give yourself an hour to drive back
Give yourself at least an hour or two to hike out,
SOAK IN THE VIEW and return to car.
Take plenty of water and snacks (You will be at nearly 11,000 feet)
Take cameras and binoculars
ENJOY !
2) DRY RIDGE OVERLOOK(Above the Brown Duck Lake Basin and Moon Lake)
CAUTION:This is a serious 4 WD trek, requiring planning, patience, ground clearance, good equipment and tools and skills to get you out of trouble. No street cars need apply.
Note: Many visitors to Moon Lake would like to venture further in exploring the Wilderness nearby, but for one reason or another, cannot take on the foot hiking challenge. The Brown Duck Basin is the nearest Wilderness High Lakes Basin to Moon Lake. The hike from Moon Lake to Brown Duck Lake is a 7+ mile, 2,000 foot elevation rise over a sometimes steep and almost always, rocky foot trail.
But, there IS another way to seethe Brown Duck Basin in one day and in one big panoramic view—IF, and ONLY if, you have a dependable 4WD vehicle with decent ground clearance. Here’s HOW:
TIPS: NOT ADVISABLE WITH SNOW ON THE GROUND
Do NOT consider this without a serious 4 WD vehicle!… and tools to get you out.
Start early and expect to spend most of a day
Be careful not to high-center (easily done in spots)
Bring plenty of water and snacks, camera and binoculars
Let someone know you’re going up and when you expect to be back down
Bring a cell phone but don’t count on it working.
The best fishing spots are:
1) in the stream channels at the back end of the lake; using flies, worms or lures from the head of the stream where it enters the lake to about 300 feet into the lake in about 15-20 foot depths. (Boaters should use vigilant caution here due to greatly varying depths, rocks and stumps at the north end of the lake, which may result in prop damage and snagged lines).
2) trolling in the stream flow of the natural lake about 5 boat lengths out from the north and east shorelines and running from the back end of the lake to the dam. This shore is a good bet for close-to-surface and down to 30-foot depth fishing.
3) jigging and casting near the spring seeps at the “ledges”
4) variably, at each main stream inlet; the Lake Fork, Brown Duck and Fish Creek.
5) right off the sandy south shore with a worm floating a foot off the bottom.
6) fly-fishing holes in the Lake Fork River above the lake and below the dam.
7) in the rocky areas at the dam
8) in the Beaver Ponds about 6 miles downriver.
9) Right where you’re at or just a little out of your reach, depending on luck.
The worst times to fish are:
1) One hour before sunrise (it’s cold!) and one hour before dark (they’ll just tease you).
2) When it’s windy.
3) When lightning is in the area.
4) On the summer’s hottest days, mid-day.
5) When you’re grouchy or hung-over.
The lake has native populations and is also annually stocked by Utah DWR. The fish in and around the lake are:
1) Pan-fry RAINBOW TROUT stocked yearly (6-10 inches we’ve seen grow to 27).
2) Fingerling to 10+ pound SPLAKE (a sterile Lake and Brook trout hatchery hybrid). Fingerlings have been stocked yearly for a while and this fish is now becoming the dominant lake predator, though very tricky to catch as it gets larger. Big ones are only active at night, according to DWR experts.
3) KOKANEE SALMON about 6-16 inches, mostly active in Spring and Fall.
4) BROOK TROUT, CUTTHROAT TROUT and ARCTIC GREYLING.
5) TIGER TROUT were introduced in 2004.
6) MOUNTAIN WHITEFISH and other “sucker” varieties, rarely caught and usually considered “trash” fish.
7) The mystery “monster” fish scoped at 80 to 120 foot depths near the ledges near the deepest part of the “natural” lake. They might possibly be big Lake or Brown Trout, according to old-timers, Moon Lake devotees and other Fish-Story tellers.
8) The “Moon Lake Monster”-him/her/itself(?)– but that’s another story.
1. The calmest surface hours on the lake are most usually between 7 and 10:00 a.m. and again, between 4 and 7:00 p.m. (Also, usually the best fishing hours). Winds typically vary in all directions through the middle of the day. To minimize wind effect, always travel into or with the wind, or pull in close to the shore where the wind is coming from. Get off the lake immediately if whitecaps begin to form.
2. Thunder may soon be followed by lightning. Get off the lake if you hear thunder, especially if the sky darkens near Round Mountain and the back north end of the lake.
3. The deepest parts of the lake are extremely cold. DO NOT go swimming out of the boat here at the risk of hypothermia and capsizing.
SOMETIMES. Here are the things to consider:
There is NO BOAT RAMP at Moon Lake
The lake level can change daily. The fluctuating level of the lake goes something like this:
Moon Lake is usually at its fullest level at the start of the season in May and June. Sometimes, snow melt inflow equals or exceeds irrigation outflow and the level holds for a month or more. More typically, though, irrigation outflow exceeds inflow near July and the lake starts to draw down, creating (in dry years) up to nearly ½ mile of sand beach.
On a day-to-day basis, this can result in ten to forty feet of saturated shoreline above the water’s edge. If your boat or personal watercraft needs to be floated off its trailer, your truck and trailer might not be coming out of the lake as easily as it went in. In other words, you’re stuck in the sand/mud mix that is Moon Lake’s famous vehicle-swallowing shoreline.
WE GUARANTEE that 4 x 4’s DO NOT walk on water, despite what you see in commercials.
It is highly recommended that you check with Resort staff before attempting to launch from a trailer in the water.
All in all, small fishing boats, able to be launched by hand, from the shore, are best suited for the size and conditions of this lake. We rent 14-foot aluminum boats like this.
(See BOATS page)
MAYBE. Currently, we know of nothing legally prohibiting the use of jet skis, waverunners, etc. on Moon Lake. But, here are a few things to consider:
Contact the US Forest Service Ranger District offices at
(435)-738-2482 in Duchesne or
Utah State Parks and Recreation at (801)-538-7220
for further information about personal watercraft use.
State laws are in effect and enforceable at Moon Lake.
NO ! As of February, 2005, ATVs are prohibited by US Forest Service Decision and Order from the lakeshore, beach, sand dunes and all roads and trails in the Lake Fork Canyon and Moon Lake Recreation Area.
THIS IS A NEW RULING — IN EFFECT FOR THE 2005 SEASON. The following is an excerpt of the Forest Supervisor’s Order as it pertains to Moon Lake:
“It is my decision to close the Lake Fork drainage to all ATV use. The original proposal was to close the area around the Moon Lake Resort, the Moon Lake Campground, and the Lake Fork trailhead to ATV use while continuing to allow some use of ATV’s along the Moon Lake beaches near the dam. Both respondents to the scoping letter and folks administering ATV use in the Moon Lake area, suggest that allowing this minimal use in the Lake Fork drainage will concentrate use and cause major user conflicts along the Moon Lake shoreline. Allowing a play area off of designated routes is also contrary to the Ashley National Forest order restricting all ATV use to designated roads and trails. Use of ATV’s close to these developed facilities is incompatible with the intended purpose of these recreation developments. There are no other designated routes or places to ride ATV’s in the Lake Fork drainage other than that previously allowed along the reservoir and the sand dunes. Eliminated ATV use along the Moon Lake shoreline and sand dunes effectively closes the Lake Fork drainage to ATV use. This decision will take effect in for the 2005 summer season.”
Previously, ATVs were always prohibited on the trails and roads in the Lake Fork Canyon but they WERE ALLOWED on the beach lakeshore of Moon Lake. However, with their increased use and popularity in the last ten years, problems also increased rapidly at Moon Lake.
Unregulated, unsafe, irresponsible and, often, illegal activities of some ATV riders created conflicts with other user groups at Moon Lake, including accidents, violations, public disturbance and natural resource destruction resulting in numerous complaints to the US Forest Service.
After soliciting public comment and studying the Moon Lake situation, the Forest Service has decided that ATV use on the lakeshore is an inappropriate recreation activity in this area and NOW PROHIBITS ALL ATV USE AT MOON LAKE.
This decision is intended and expected to promote public safety, conform to Forest Service Policy and preserve the Moon Lake experience as it has most widely and historically been enjoyed –as a more serene, less motorized setting on the edge of the Wilderness.
AT THE SAME TIME, and in the same Decision, while prohibiting use at Moon Lake, the Forest Service acknowledges the popularity of ATVs as a recreation activity appropriate to certain specifically dedicated use areas of the forest.
They have expanded riding opportunities in nearby Yellowstone and Hell’s Canyons, just south and east of Moon Lake by approximately 17 – 23 miles.
Previously developed trails are now expanded in an extensive area network of connected ATV trails and roads in Yellowstone and Hell’s Canyons in the hope of better accommodating ATV enthusiasts with less conflict from non-enthusiasts.
Trail and Travel information is available from the US Forest Service Ranger District offices at (435)-738-2482 in Duchesne.
YES. You may bring your own horses and keep them overnight, as needed, in a
public user corral provided by the US Forest Service at the High Uintas
Trailhead, approximately ¼ mile south of Moon Lake Resort.
Horses are not allowed in the resort or campgrounds and camping is not
allowed at the trailhead.
You may also schedule a trail ride from Flying J Outfitters here on our web site under Rentals and Rides.
YES. Here’s a list of animals you might expect to see:
Tree squirrels Ground squirrels Chipmunks Mice Skunks Weasels
Porcupines Badgers Foxes Bobcats Mountain Lions Black Bear
Coyotes Deer Elk Moose Owls many Hawk Species Bald & Golden Eagles
LOTS OF HUMMINGBIRDS at the lodge (May-Sept but especially, MID-JULY) Other woodland birds and MORE
This is just a sample of animals we have seen in the area, some commonly, some rarely. Visitors should be aware that wild animals in a wild environment are WILD, sometimes unpredictable and always potentially dangerous, no matter how cute or friendly they seem to be. USE YOUR HEAD AND KEEP YOUR DISTANCE. Take a picture.
Most wild animals are more wary and cautious of humans than humans are of them.
TIPS: Don’t invite them into your camp–they might not want to leave.
Don’t EVER get too close to any mother with young animals.
Don’t feed human food to animals–it could be deadly to them.
Deer in the wild are NOT petting zoo animals! – no matter how friendly they act.
Don’t back animals into a corner. Most animals are far more inclined to
flee than fight, but if fighting is their only option to escape–most animals will fight.
You are in the woods–OF COURSE, THERE ARE BUGS HERE !
Mosquitoes are not really too troublesome here…BUT…
Moon Lake has a reputation for BUFFALO GNATS (which are actually Black Biting Flies).
For people who are very sensitive to bug bites, these little buggers can cause problems.
Here’s the scoop on BUFFALO GNATS:
Unlike a mosquito, you don’t feel them biting, but after awhile you might feel an itch and when you scratch the itch, you may break a dry scab and see blood. This is usually what panics people, although it typically looks worse than it is, unless you are bug-bite sensitive.
HOW TO BEAT THE BUGS:
1) Know when and where they’re out and plan accordingly (SEE ABOVE).
At the Resort, we post signs when we see the first bites (usually around the first of July).
2) Bring insect repellant and use it.
3) Bug-bite-sensitive people should bring Antihistamine medication (like Benadryl)
(Serious reactions requiring hospitalization are rare, but possible, in people who are allergic or extremely bug-bite sensitive. If you have any such sensitivity, a doctor should be consulted before visiting here.)
4) Keep moving–put on repellent-enjoy!
Select from the following links to find out about nearby attractions and other useful information:
Visit our Sister Lodge in Mountain Home
Utah Fishing and Hunting Licenses—Online Sales” (Purchase at Home)
National Recreation Reservation System (Moon Lake and other Forest Service Campground Reservations)
Direct link to Reservations for Moon Lake (54) SINGLE-SITES Campground
Direct link to Reservations for Moon Lake GROUP (Sites A & B) Campground
Dinosaur National Monument & Quarry
Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum (Vernal)
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
Utah State Parks and Recreation