Goose Creek Wilderness

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Goose Creek Wilderness is a beautiful and remote area located in the state of Utah.


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Summary

This wilderness is situated in the Manti-La Sal National Forest and offers visitors a chance to explore stunning landscapes and natural wonders. Some good reasons to visit Goose Creek Wilderness include hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The area is home to a variety of animals such as elk, deer, and mountain lions, making it a great destination for nature lovers.

Some specific points of interest to see in Goose Creek Wilderness include the Goose Creek Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The trail is also great for hiking and backpacking. There are also several lakes and streams in the area, including the Gooseberry Reservoir, which is perfect for fishing and boating.

Interesting facts about the Goose Creek Wilderness area include its history as a mining area. In the 1800s, miners came to the area to search for copper and gold. The wilderness also contains several historic cabins and structures that were used by early settlers.

The best time of year to visit Goose Creek Wilderness is during the summer months, from June to September. During this time, the weather is mild and the area is accessible to visitors. However, visitors should be aware of the risk of thunderstorms and flash floods, which can occur in the area during the summer months. Overall, Goose Creek Wilderness is a beautiful and fascinating destination that is worth exploring for anyone interested in Utah's natural beauty.

       

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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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