Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Kamas Ranger District

Mirror Lake Scenic Recreation Fee Demonstration

Managed by the Kamas and Evanston Ranger Districts of the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. The Mirror Lake area encompasses approximately 320 square miles (205,000) acres of National Forest adjacent to State Route 150, the popular Mirror Lake Highway. This Scenic Byway passes through the National Forest for 44 miles as it crosses the western Uinta Mountains. The Mirror Lake area offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities and also includes:

• 25 Developed Campgrounds
• 7 Scenic Overlooks
• 8 Picnic Areas
• 11 Interpretive Site and Wildlife Viewing Sites
• 20 Trailheads
• 6 Angler Parking Area
• 37 Non-Motorized Trails
• 2 RV Comfort Stations (Dumps)
• 3 ATV Trail Systems
• 3 Winter Parking Areas
• 18 National Forest Access Roads
• 2 Cross-Country Ski Trail Systems

RECREATION FEE PROGRAM

Beginning June 23, 1997, the Forest Service began collecting fees for recreational use of the Mirror Lake area. Fees are not collected for the use of SR 150, only for the use of the National Forest resources and facilities or services. With an increasing demand for outdoor recreation opportunities and shrinking Federal budgets, the Recreation Fee Demonstration Program (PL 104-134,1996) was enacted by Congress to test the feasibility of a user generated cost recovery program for recreation areas on Federal lands. The Mirror Lake area was selected as one of 100 Forest Service recreation areas included in this test program. Under the Recreation Fee Demonstration Program 100% of the revenue generated will be retained for use in the Mirror Lake area to help fund the operation, maintenance and enhancement of recreational facilities, visitor services and the protection and rehabilitation of natural resources.

Motor vehicles parked in the Mirror Lake area required to display a valid recreation pass in the windshield pursuant to 36 CFR 261.58(g).This does not include off-highway vehicles in tow. Vehicles that do not display a valid recreation pass may be issued a citation ($35).

FEE SCHEDULE

• Daily Pass
• Regular $3.00
• Golden Age/Aceess $1.50
• Weekly Pass
• Regular $6.00
• Golden Age/Access $3.00
• Annual Pass
• Regular $25.00
• Golden Age/Access $12.50

Bus passes are available at a higher rate. Auto passes are for vehicle with less than 12 passengers.

Golden Age and Golden Access cards are applied for a 50% discount for the bearers vehicle only. Golden Eagle cards are not accepted in the Mirror Lake area.

MIRROR LAKE RECREATION FEE AREA MAP

"Your Fees At Work" - a progess newsletter for the Mirror Lake Highway.

To learn more about the National Recreation Fee Demonstration program follow this link:
U.S. Forest Service National Recreation Fee Demonstration Program

Email us if your have questions or comments about the fee program or would like to be included on our mailing list.