MINERAL BASIN DISPERSED AREA

Closed

Seasonally accessible depending on snowmelt. Forest Road 085 typically opens late May to early June and closes with winter snow in November. In early May, the road is usually still snow-covered or impassable at higher elevations. No reservations; first-come, first-served dispersed camping when accessible.

Flood Watch issued October 10 at 4:07AM MDT until October 12 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Salt Lake City UT

4:07 AM — 7:15 PM

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...A portion of Utah, including the following areas, Western Millard and Juab Counties, Bear Lake and Bear River Valley, Cache Valley/Utah Portion, Eastern Box Elder County, Great Salt Lake Desert and Mountains, Northern Wasatch Front, Salt Lake Valley, Tooele and Rush Valleys, Utah Valley, Wasatch Back, Wasatch Mountains I-80 North, Wasatch Mountains South of I-80, Western Uinta Basin and Western Uinta Mountains. This includes recent burn scars such as Rocky Canyon. * WHEN...From late tonight through Monday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and recent burn scars. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers are possible. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Moisture associated with the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel will move into northern Utah this weekend producing a prolonged rainfall event. In particular, moisture interacting with a frontal boundary across far northern Utah may yield locally heavier rainfall totals compared to other locations. As a result, areal flooding is expected across northern Utah this weekend. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Weed Free Hay Order 04-2021-03

Prohibited by this order: Possessing, storing, or transporting non-pelletized hay, straw, or mulch in the Intermountain Region, unless it is certified as weed free by the state where the product originated.

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Fireworks and Spark Arrestor Order 04-2021-01

Prohibited by this order: Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device. 36 CFR §261.52(t)Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order as described…

About

Mineral Basin sits at high elevation in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, nestled on the eastern flank of the Wasatch Range behind Snowbird ski resort. The area offers dispersed primitive camping along Forest Road 085, a rugged connector that links American Fork Canyon (via Tibble Fork Reservoir) to Wasatch Mountain State Park on the Midway side. High clearance 4WD vehicles are recommended due to washouts, rocks, and ruts from OHV traffic. The dispersed sites consist of informal pullouts and clearings along the road, many featuring user-created fire rings. There are no developed facilities: no toilets, no potable water, and no trash service. Campers must be fully self-contained and pack out all waste. The area sees heavy ATV and side-by-side traffic on weekends. Activities include hiking, OHV riding, wildlife viewing, and photography. The alpine scenery and proximity to trails leading toward the Snowbird and Alta areas make it attractive for those seeking solitude away from developed campgrounds. Forest Service regulations require camping at least 200 feet from water sources and limiting stays to 14 days per 30-day period.

Directions

From American Fork: Take UT-92 (Alpine Loop) east into American Fork Canyon approximately 10 miles to Tibble Fork Reservoir. Continue on FR 085 (Mineral Basin Road) north past the reservoir. The road climbs steeply with rough sections requiring high clearance 4WD. Dispersed sites are located along pullouts on FR 085. Alternatively, access from the east via Wasatch Mountain State Park near Midway.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets No
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups —
Water Hookups —
Sewer Hookups —
Camp Store No
Price $0

Vehicle

Max RV Length —
Max Trailer Length —
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites —

Contact

Email sm.fs.uwc_info@usda.gov
Phone +1 (801) 785-3563

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Community Posts

No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!