Doc's Pass Wilderness

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Doc's Pass Wilderness is a protected area located in the state of Utah, covering over 23,000 acres of land.


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Summary

The area is part of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, and it is home to a diverse range of wildlife and plant species. The wilderness is named after a doctor who was known for exploring the area in the 19th century.

There are many good reasons to visit Doc's Pass Wilderness. The area offers fantastic opportunities for hiking and camping, with numerous trails and campsites available throughout the area. It is also a great place for fishing, with several lakes and streams stocked with fish. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing.

Some of the specific points of interest in Doc's Pass Wilderness include the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. There are also several lakes in the area, including Trial Lake, Mirror Lake, and Lost Lake, which are popular destinations for fishing and camping. Additionally, visitors can explore the many trails in the area, including the Highline Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Interesting facts about Doc's Pass Wilderness include the fact that it is home to several endangered species, including the Northern Goshawk and the Canada lynx. The area is also part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which is one of the largest intact ecosystems in the world.

The best time of year to visit Doc's Pass Wilderness is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is mild and the trails and campsites are open. However, visitors should be prepared for sudden changes in weather and should always check for any trail or campsite closures before heading out.

Overall, Doc's Pass Wilderness is a beautiful and diverse area that offers something for everyone. Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, or simply taking in the beauty of nature, this wilderness area is definitely worth a visit.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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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