Monte Cristo Dispersed (Highway 39)
Region: Wasatch Front & Uinta Mountains | Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service (Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest) | Cost: Free
.jpg?width=1200)
Forest terrain representative of the Monte Cristo Range. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Drive east past Pineview Reservoir through Huntsville and Highway 39 climbs into the Monte Cristo Range, where a handful of free dispersed pull-offs sit just off the pavement, an easy, scenic option that starts right at the reservoir's edge.
Quick Facts
| Distance from Huntsville | About 30 miles east on Highway 39 (Monte Cristo Highway) |
| Road & Clearance | Paved highway to a short dirt pull-off, about a quarter mile in; the loop is tight |
| Rig Suitability | Tents, vans, and small trailers; the tight loop is a squeeze for anything much over 17 feet |
| Amenities | Established fire pits at each site; no water or toilets |
| Cell Signal | Limited |
| Best Season | Summer through fall, popular for fall color and with hunters in September |
| Stay Limit | 14 days within a 30-day period |
Map
Getting There
From Ogden, head up Ogden Canyon (12th Street) to Huntsville at the edge of Pineview Reservoir, then continue east on Highway 39 for about 30 miles. Watch for a dirt pull-off a quarter mile off the highway, two main sites sit here, one roomier than the other.
What to Expect
Aspen and fir forest with genuinely good fall color, and mountain views that make the short drive from Pineview worthwhile on their own. It's a popular route for a reason, so expect company, especially during hunting season in September when hunters pass right by camp.
Good to Know
The access loop is tight enough that a 17-foot trailer was reported as tricky to maneuver, scout the pull-off before committing a larger rig. Fire restrictions are common in dry periods; check current Ogden Ranger District conditions before you strike a match.
A quick trip past Pineview is a good chance to shake down a power setup before a longer haul into the high Uintas. See what an off-grid power system looks like