Aspen Cove at Scofield Reservoir
The area around Scofield Reservoir has become one of my favorite destinations. This little bit of heaven offers an amazing diversity of recreational possibilities. It’s a mountainous area with lush forests, alpine meadows, two boatable lakes, numerous Uinta-like small lakes, and steep canyons with rushing streams full of hungry trout.
A short distance to the east sits the northern portion of the San Rafael Swell, with its convoluted desert canyons and endless hiking possibilities.
The best part is that this play area is just a short drive from the Wasatch Front. (Scofield is about 100 miles from downtown Salt Lake City.) That’s a reasonable distance for day-trips or quick overnighters. Or, better yet, it’s an ideal place for a recreational cabin. Far enough away to be "away," but close enough to go up on a whim any weekend.
I’ve recently discovered a wonderful development on the northwest side of Scofield Reservoir. Called Aspen Cove, it begins just 1,500 feet from the state park boat ramp at Madsen Bay . It’s a gated community right on the edge of the reservoir, with underground utilities (electricity, phone, water) already to the lots. The culinary water is naturally pure well water that tastes great. Roads are plowed during the winter, but snow piles deep in this area so access is best by four-wheel-drive.
Aspen Cove is the first new development in the area in 20 years. It includes 632 acres. Just 84 two to five-plus acre lots were offered during the first phases – only 14 of those are left. A phase four has been approved and will open up 10 more lots.
The development is family-friendly. It offers tennis and basketball courts, a picnic area, barbecues, a playground, beach volleyball facilities and other amenities.
Restrictive covenants are in place to protect property values. In particular, no trailer homes are allowed in the development.
The Scofield area has become very popular for year-round recreation. Fishing is good year-round. The nearby streams offer great summer fishing. There are hiking trails through the mountains, including the spectacular Fish Creek National Recreation Trail, which is ideal for backpacking or horse packing. The Skyline Drive snakes through the very top of the adjacent mountains, providing access to a myriad small lakes. There are also ATV and snowmobile trails nearby.
Scofield is one of Utah’s major fishing destinations, and perhaps our best water for ice fishing. It’s a high-elevation lake where rainbow and cutthroat trout thrive. It’s one of only a few reservoirs in Utah where shore fishing is almost always good, even during the heat of summer. It’s also a great place to fish from a float tube or kick boat. The state park offers two paved boat ramps that can accommodate large boats. Trolling is very productive there.
Nearby Electric Lake also offers a developed boat ramp, and good fishing for cutthroat trout.
Upper Fish Creek, above Scofield, is a very beautiful and productive trout stream that flows through a pristine mountain canyon. Lower Fish Creek, below the reservoir, is considered one of Utah’s best small streams for fly fishing. As it flows down-canyonm it becomes the Price River and offers miles of good fishing, continuing right into the town of Helper.
Huntington Creek, below Electric Lake, is also one of Utah’s best small streams for fly fishing.
Along the Skyline Drive there are dozens of small, high mountain lakes that provide good fishing opportunities. Some are accessible by vehicle and some can be reached only by hiking or backpacking.
Most area trails are popular for horseback riding. Horse packing has become a popular way to get into the backcountry.
The Skyline Drive offers snowmobile and ATV routes that have become renowned for the scenic vistas they afford, overlooking forested mountains and sprawling valleys.
Wildlife watching and hunting are major draws in the area. Large deer and elk herds live on the mountains and foothills and a wide assortment of birds and small game animals can be seen throughout the year.
In short, Scofield makes a great base camp for year-round adventure.
