The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Scott's Basin © Dave Livermore

Open to the Public

Yes

Things To Do

Things to do View All

Plan Your Visit

Getting ready for your trip View All

Get Directions

Why You Should Visit
The Deep Creeks form an island mountain ecosystem surrounded by a "sea" of desert. The range's isolated condition is favorable to the production of unique, endemic species.

Location
Scott's Basin is located in the Deep Creek Mountains (Deep Creek Wilderness Study Area), Juab County, Utah.

Hours
Open year-round.

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
In 1989, The Nature Conservancy purchased this 3,210-acre parcel of private land in the heart of the Deep Creek Range because it includes critical habitat for bighorn sheep, Bonneville cutthroat trout and several other species occurring only in the Deep Creeks.

What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
Scott's Basin was traded to the BLM for inclusion in the existing Deep Creek Wilderness Study Area. The threat of future development, including the creation of roads, has been eliminated in this natural area. The land will remain open to the public for recreation. In addition, the BLM will be able to continue wilderness study area management of the Deep Creek Mountains as a whole, in accordance with standards established by Congress.

Conservation Partner
U.S. Bureau of Land Management

Things To Do

What to See: Plants
Sevier milkvetch, spurred lupine, Penstemon patricus (N. Holmgren), and Hackelia ibapensis (Shulz and Shulz).

What to See: Animals
Bonneville cutthroat trout, endemic species of blue grouse, mule deer, mountain lion, and coyote.

Plan Your Visit

Conditions
The Deep Creek Mountains are the highest in western Utah. The topography of the range is quite rugged, but Scott's Basin is a broad, gently sloping meadow at an elevation of about 8,100 feet. Hiking Trails exist but aren't maintained. Hikers usually enjoy dry, clear summer days punctuated by afternoon thunderstorms. In the fall, hunters frequent the area. Weather conditions above 8,000 feet are unpredictable, so visitors should be prepared for all conditions. For more information, please contact:
Bureau of Land Management
Fillmore Office
P.O. Box 778
Fillmore, UT 84631
Phone: (801) 743-6811

Directions

From Salt Lake City:

• Take I-80 west to the Tooele Exit, and head south on State Hwy 36.
• About 16 miles south of Tooele, turn west onto State Hwy 199.
• Drive 22 miles west toward Dugway, turn south, and drive 10 miles on a graded, unpaved road that leads to the Old Pony Express and Stage Route.
• This route, also graded, takes you about 75 miles west, through Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge, to Callao.
• In Callao, look for a sign directing you to the Tom's Creek Road, a 10-15 mile, 4WD route to the lower rim of Scott's Basin.
• We suggest using the BLM 1:100,000-scale topographic map of Fish Springs to navigate through this remote region.
   

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