Blue Buck Knob

Posted on January 4, 2015 by siteadmin

Blue Buck Knob is in south-central Missouri about 75 miles east of Springfield. It begins in Cabool and travels south through the Mark Twain National Forest to the intersection with MO 14. The byway is nearly 30 miles long and follows Missouri Highways 76, 181, and “AP.” The state highways are two-lane paved roads suitable for all vehicles. Blue Buck Knob generally remains open year-round.

The Blue Buck Knob scenic byway travels through Missouri’s Ozark hill country within the Mark Twain National Forest. It twists and turns through farmland, open pastures, and densely wooded hillsides. Many tree-lined spur roads tempt the byway traveler to take a side trip and further explore the national forest.

Noblett Recreation Area offers diverse recreational opportunities for the byway traveler. Noblett is a 27-acre lake that was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s. The remains of the CCC camp are accessible just a few miles away by gravel road. A boat ramp provides access to this scenic lake set among the hardwood trees. A nine-mile walking trail circles the lake. The northern trailhead of the Ridge Runner National Recreation Trail is also located here. This hiking trail heads south through the forest to the North Fork Recreation Area. A campground is in Noblett Recreation Area and has 25 tree-shaded sites with picnic tables and fire rings. No hookups are provided. Fishermen may wish to spend some time trying to pull bass, bluegill, crappie, or catfish from the lake.

Other recreational activities are available throughout the national forest. Wildlife observers will want to be on the lookout for white-tailed deer or wild turkey that were reintroduced to Missouri in the 1930s. The North Fork of the White River offers canoeing enthusiasts a pleasurable float among rugged rock outcrops and densely wooded forests. Horseback riding, hunting, and hiking are also popular recreational opportunities on the Mark Twain National Forest.

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Barrel Springs

Posted on January 2, 2015 by siteadmin

Barrel Springs Back Country Byway is in northeast California, approximately 50 miles northeast of Alturas. The byway begins in Fort Bidwell and travels east into Nevada, ending at the intersection with Fort Bidwell Road. The 25-mile route follows Barrel Springs Road, which is a single-lane gravel road that can safely be driven in a two-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicle. Keep in mind that Barrel Springs crosses some remote country. Other vehicles may not pass through for one or two days; be prepared for any road emergencies. The byway is generally passable from May through mid-November. Snow closes the byway in winter; it may also become impassable after heavy rain.

Barrel Springs Back Country Byway winds through a maze of rocky rims and rolling hills covered with sagebrush and juniper. The byway offers wide open vistas of the Great Basin Plateau in the shadow of Warner Mountains to the west.

Wildlife watchers will want to be on the lookout for species common to the Great Basin. Mule deer and pronghorn antelope are usually encountered by the byway traveler. Golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and prairie falcons are commonly seen birds of prey. Coyotes may be seen occasionally, but are more commonly heard in the evening serenading the moon.

A short side trip from the byway is Fee Reservoir. This small desert lake is stocked with trout in the spring and early summer months. A small primitive campground is also located here. Other campgrounds can be found in Modoc National Forest to the west of the byway.

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Snowy Range Highway

Posted on January 1, 2015 by siteadmin

Snowy Range Highway is in southern Wyoming 30 miles west of Laramie. It begins in Centennial and travels west to WY 230. The byway is 40 miles long and follows WY 130, a two-lane paved road suitable for all vehicles. Snowy Range Highway is open late May through early November. Thirty miles are officially designated a National Forest Scenic Byway.

The Snowy Range Highway travels across the Medicine Bow Mountains, also known as the Snowy Range, through forests of Engelmann Spruce, subalpine fir, and aspen. The byway climbs more than 2,000 feet from Centennial at 8,076 feet to Snowy Range Pass, an elevation of 10,847 feet. It then descends from the pass, skirts the shores of several lakes, and ends at the national forest boundary west of Ryan Park. At the top of Snowy Range Pass is an overlook providing spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Wildflowers display beautiful colors of pink and yellow in June and July. In autumn, stands of aspen paint the mountainsides with shimmering gold. This route was originally a wagon road used in the 1800s.

During winter months, much of the byway remains closed to automobiles but does provide access to excellent downhill and cross-country skiing. A downhill skiing area is located just five miles west of Centennial. There are over 300 miles of trails throughout the national forest, providing excellent cross-country skiing during winter and hiking during summer. A hiking trail at Lake Marie will lead you to the top of 12,013-foot Medicine Bow Peak. It’s a three-mile hike with some steep climbs but the view from the top is worth the effort.

Visitors will find many lakes along the byway and throughout the national forest. Anglers will want to spend some time fishing for trout. Others may want to lay down a blanket and enjoy a picnic. Campgrounds can also be found on the shores of several lakes. If you’re interested in pitching a tent or parking your RV, you’ll find several campgrounds from which to choose. The national forest also permits dispersed camping nearly anywhere within the national forest. Check with the visitor center in Centennial for any restrictions.

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Bull Creek Pass

Posted on January 1, 2015 by siteadmin

Bull Creek Pass is in southeast Utah between Capitol Reef National Park and Canyonlands National Park. The byway forms an open loop drive west of UT 95 and UT 276. Northern access is off UT 95 about 20 miles south of Hanksville. The byway travels through remote country along Bull Creek Pass Road, which is a single-lane dirt road with numerous rough sections, steep grades, and blind curves. A four-wheel drive vehicle is strongly recommended for traveling this Back Country Byway. Bull Creek Pass is usually open year-round in the lower elevation. Roads in the higher elevation generally remain passable July through October. Sections of road can be washed out after periods of heavy rain.

Bull Creek Pass travels from the desert floor at an elevation around 5,000 feet to Bull Creek Pass in the Henry Mountains, a height of 10,485 feet above sea level. The view from the pass is truly spectacular. To the west you’ll see Waterpocket Fold, Circle Cliffs, and Boulder Mountain. In the east are tributaries of the Dirty Devil River, Canyonlands National Park, and the distant Abajo Mountains. The Henry Mountains were the last to be explored and named in continental United States.

As you travel this byway, you’ll come across the remains of Eagle City on Cresent Creek. Eagle City was founded in the 1890s after gold was discovered in nearby Bromide Basin. The town once boasted of a hotel, two saloons, a dance hall, three stores, and a post office. By 1900 the gold boom went bust and the town was deserted.

There are three developed campgrounds along or near the byway that are maintained by the BLM. Lonesome Beaver Camp-ground has five sites with picnic tables and fire rings. McMillan Springs has ten sites and Starr Springs has twelve. All the camp-grounds have drinking water and vault toilets. There are also two primitive campgrounds along the byway. Camping is also permitted nearly anywhere along BLM lands. Check with the BLM office in Hanksville for more information.

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Kings Hill

Posted on January 1, 2015 by siteadmin

Kings Hill is in central Montana about 25 miles southeast of Great Falls. It follows US 89 for 70 miles between Armington and White Sulphur Springs. US 89 is a two-lane paved road suitable for all types of vehicles and generally remains open year-round. Driving the byway in winter requires extra caution.

The Kings Hill National Forest Scenic Byway travels through dense forests, limestone canyons, and grassy meadows as it crosses the Little Belt Mountains. The byway crosses Kings Hill Pass at an elevation of 7,393 feet. An observation tower near the pass provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The meandering Belt Creek follows alongside most of the byway from Kings Hill Pass northward.

A variety of wildlife is found within the national forest and this part of Montana. Mule deer and elk may be seen grazing along streams or in meadows. Golden eagles or red-tailed hawks can be seen gracefully soaring above. Another form of wildlife inhabiting this area that you may not necessarily wish to see is the black bear.

The byway traveler is provided with numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. Winter brings cross-country skiers and snowmobilers to the area for its many miles of groomed trails. Downhill skiing is also a popular wintertime activity. Warmer months bring anglers to the area’s many lakes and streams. Species of fish include rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout, among others.

Several camping areas are located directly along the byway and within the national forest. Facilities will vary but most provide campsites with picnic tables and fire rings, restrooms, and drinking water. A couple of miles north of the Many Pines Campground is a short hiking trail that leads to the scenic Memorial Falls.

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