Dairy Fork State Wildlife Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Dairy Fork State Wildlife Area is located in the northeastern part of Utah.
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Summary
It spans over 3,000 acres and is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, mule deer, black bears, and mountain lions. The area is known for its scenic beauty, as it is surrounded by mountains and forests, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
One of the main points of interest in Dairy Fork State Wildlife Area is the Dairy Fork Reservoir, which is a popular spot for fishing and boating. The reservoir is stocked with rainbow trout, and visitors can also fish for smallmouth bass, bluegill, and catfish. Additionally, there are several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Interestingly, Dairy Fork State Wildlife Area is also home to a number of historic structures, including old homesteads and abandoned mines. These structures provide a glimpse into the area's rich history and offer a unique experience for visitors.
The best time to visit Dairy Fork State Wildlife Area is during the summer and fall months, as the weather is generally mild and the wildlife is most active during these seasons. However, visitors should be prepared for sudden changes in weather, as the area can experience high winds and heavy snowfall during the winter months.
Overall, Dairy Fork State Wildlife Area is a great destination for anyone looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in nature. With its diverse wildlife, scenic beauty, and rich history, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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Diamond Fork
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Diamond
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