Fishlake

Posted on July 17, 2015 by siteadmin

Fishlake is in south-central Utah about 30 miles southeast of Richfeld. The 16-mile byway follows UT 25 between UT 24 and Fremont River Road (FSR 036). Utah Highway 25 is a two-lane paved road suitable for all vehicles. The byway generally remains open year-round but use extra caution in winter.

Fishlake takes the traveler from a sagebrush and juniper landscape through stands of aspen, Engelmann spruce, and white fir. A portion of the byway follows the shoreline of Fish Lake, a beautiful mountain lake that is nearly six miles long and two miles wide. Lakeshore National Recreation Trail surrounds the lake and is popular with hikers and mountain bikers. The watchful eye of wildlife observers will most likely see mule deer foraging among the forest. Elk, moose, and mountain lions also make their home here but are not commonly seen. Osprey, golden eagles, and hawks can be seen riding the wind currents above, especially around the lake.

There are several public campground along the byway. Doctor Creek camping area has 31 sites; 15 that can accommodate RVs up to 22 feet long. Mackinaw Campground has 68 sites suitable for tent campers and recreational vehicles up to 22 feet. Bowery Creek Campground has 43 RV and tent sites. All the campsites here have hookups and can accommodate RVs up to 22 feet. The Frying Pan camping area has 12 sites suitable for tents and RVs.

Many of the campgrounds are situated on picturesque Fish Lake, a natural lake surrounded by rolling mountains. Anglers will find rainbow and brown trout among other species. Johnson Reservoir is a smaller lake but also provides good fishing opportunities.

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Rim of the World

Posted on July 15, 2015 by siteadmin

Rim of the World is in southwest California near San Bernardino. The byway begins at Mormon Rocks Fire Station on CA 138, just west of I-15. It travels southeast following CA 138, CA 18, and CA 38 and ends in Redlands. The state highways are usually open all year and are two-lane paved roads suitable for all types of vehicles. Rim of the World is 115 miles long.

Rim Of The World offers some of the most naturally beautiful scenery in southern California. Sweeping views of the San Bernardino Mountains reward the byway traveler as it follows similar routes taken by travelers of the past. Native Americans, Mormon pioneers, and miners all came through this area with different destinations in mind.

Rim of the World passes through San Bernardino National Forest, which offers a variety of recreational opportunities. San Gorgonio Wilderness is nearly 57,000 acres of granite ridges, subalpine meadows, and placid lakes. It lies southeast of the byway and offers excellent hiking and backpacking opportunities. Numerous campgrounds and picnic areas are all along the byway. Some of the more secluded camping areas can be reached by taking a short drive off the byway.

The State of California manages a recreation area at Silverwood Lake. The 100-acre lake attracts visitors interested in swimming, fishing, and boating. The campground here has 136 RV and tent sites available year-round. Visitors will also find miles of paved trails.

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Markaguant

Posted on July 15, 2015 by siteadmin

Markaguant is in southwest Utah. It begins in Cedar City and heads east across Dixie National Forest to Long Valley Junction. The byway is 40 miles long and follows UT 14, a two-lane paved road suitable for all vehicles. Markaguant is open year-round.

The byway begins in historic Cedar City where pioneers first arrived in 1851 and soon established the first iron refinery west of the Mississippi. Heading east, the byway begins its steep climb through Cedar Canyon with Coal Creek quietly flowing alongside. The stunning, multi-colored rock formations of Cedar Breaks National Monument come into view as you continue eastward. To the south is 10,000-foot Cedar Mountain and a bumpy, four-wheel-drive road that will take you into Zion National Park. An overlook along the byway offers a beautiful panoramic view of the distant towers and buttes of this national park. A side trip down Strawberry Point Road will take you to spectacular views of southern Utah extending into Zion National Park. Nearing completion of your scenic journey across the forested Markaguant Plateau, the byway descends into Long Valley Junction.

Situated along the byway is the 3.5-mile long Navajo Lake, popular with the trout fisher. There are also three national forest campgrounds here. Spruces Campground has 28 campsites with picnic tables. Navajo Lake Campground also offers 28 campsites for tents and RVs up to 24 feet long. There are 42 sites available in the Te-Ah Campground. All the campgrounds have drinking water, flush toilets, and boat access to the lake. Visitors can stay at any one site for up to two weeks.

Two more national forest campgrounds are along the byway: Cedar Canyon and Duck Creek. Cedar Canyon, the smaller of the two, has 19 sites with picnic tables. The campsites can accommodate tents and RVs up to 24 feet long. Duck Creek has 79 sites for tents and RVs up to 35 feet long.

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Black River

Posted on July 14, 2015 by siteadmin

Black River scenic byway is in the western corner of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, near the Wisconsin state line. The byway begins in Bessemer and travels north to the road’s end on the shores of Lake Superior. Black River is 15 miles long and follows North Moore Street, Saint Johns Road, and Black River Road (CR 513). All are two-lane paved roads suitable for all types of vehicles. The byway is open year-round.

The Black River scenic byway crosses the Ottawa National Forest alongside the meandering Black River through areas of old growth hemlock and hardwoods of the Black River Valley. The byway offers scenic views of the distant Porcupine Mountains. In autumn, the byway is bathed in colors of red, orange, and gold.

Near the byway’s northern end are five cascading waterfalls. Short hiking trails provide access to each of the falls. Difficulty levels range from easy to strenuous as there may be a series of steps and steep grades. None of the trails are accessible to the handicapped.

The byway ends at the Black River Recreation Area, a popular spot throughout the year. A day use area provides picnic tables, restrooms, and drinking water. The campground here has 40 RV and tent sites, drinking water, flush toilets, and a dump station. A boat ramp on the Black River provides access to Lake Superior.

Those interested in hiking or backpacking will find access to the North Country National Scenic Trail. Much of the trail parallels the Black River. This hiking trail begins in New York, cuts through seven states, and ends in North Dakota where it links up with the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

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Death Valley Scenic Byway

Posted on July 11, 2015 by siteadmin

Death Valley Scenic Byway is in east-central California. The byway follows CA 190 through Death Valley National Park. California Highway 190 is a two-lane paved road suitable for all types of vehicles. The byway is about 55 miles long and remains open year-round.

Death Valley National Park is home to more than 3 million acres of spectacular desert scenery. It contains mountain peaks above 7,000 feet and the lowest point in the western hemisphere. The area near Badwater is 282 feet below sea level. Numerous side roads invite exploration of this vast desert region. More than 350 miles of unpaved and four-wheel drive roads provide access to wilderness camping, hiking, scenery, and historical sites. Ranger guided hikes, talks, and evening programs are presented November through April. A schedule is available at the visitor center in Furnace Creek.

Most visitors come to the park February through mid-April. November is also busy with tourists. A $10 vehicle entrance fee is charged and is valid for seven days. The entrance fee is waived to holders of either the Golden Age or Golden Access Passports.

Those interested in camping must make reservations if staying at the Furnace Creek Campground during the peak season. Other national park campgrounds along the byway are available on a first come, first served basis. A limited number of RV sites are in Texas Spring; it is primarily used for tent camping.

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