Overview

Known locally as “Boulder Top”, Boulder Mountain UT is at an elevation of 11,313 feet. The 80 small lakes and well-stocked streams offer good fishing opportunities for most of the year.

It makes up a large part of the Aquarius Plateau and the eastern slope overlooks Capitol Reef National Park. Box Death Hollow Wilderness Area is on the southern edge and Powell Point has superb views from its southwesterly location.

Despite its arid-sounding name, Boulder Mtn is heavily forested with pine, spruce, fir and aspen and is part of the Dixie National Forest. The largest of the 80 lakes is Blind Lake covering 52 acres with a depth of 52 feet.

Location and Information

Utah Boulder Mountain is located between Hwy 24 around Loa/Torrey and the scenic Hwy 12 around Escalante/Boulder. Several roads give access to the mountain, although some lakes require up to three miles hiking from the rough road. A 4x4 vehicle with high clearance is recommended.

Contact the Escalante Ranger District at 435-826-5400 (Escalante area) or 435-425-3775 (Teasdale area).

Most lakes are closed for fishing from Nov 1 through late April

Hiking - Great Western Trail

Running from Canada to Mexico the Great Western Trial runs across Boulder Mountain. Access points are marked along Hwy 12, Sunflower Flat Road, Pleasant Creek Road, Deer Creek Road and North Slope Road.

Fishing

Fly fishing for trout is the most popular activity on Boulder Mountain. Numerous unnamed lakes and small streams offer excellent fishing opportunities for hardy cutthroat and brook trout. The waters on Boulder Mountain are crystal clear and trout cruise close to the edge looking for food.

Wading can be tricky as levels change abruptly. Waders are required to counter the icy water and many leeches. Flies and jigs in dark colors are usually productive. Small lures are also effective.

Campgrounds

• Posy Lake Campground
  22 tent/ small RV sites
  Near Escalante, off Hwy12 and 300E on Forest road 154
  Open Memorial Day to mid-September
  $8 single, $12 double
  Vault toilets
  Reservations: 1-877-444-6777
• Rim Rock Campground
  10 sites
  Off Hwy 24, Torrey
  Open March to December
  $5-$10
  Flush toilets
  Hot and cold running water
  Reservations: 1-888-447-4676
• Barker Campground
  13 individual campsites and 3 group campsites
  Near Escalante, off Hwy12 turn right at North Creek Lakes sign and right again at the Barker campground sign on Forest Road 149
  Open May to October
  Vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, drinking water
  Reservations: 435-826-5400