Beaver abounds with attractions

Diversity would probably be one of the best ways of describing the recreational opportunities inside Beaver County lines.

There are high mountains to the east, desert to the west, boating and fishing opportunities close to the center and a ghost town that would, if intact, be the county's most populated community.

What you know:

Along the eastern borders of the county runs Fishlake National Forest, which comes with some of the state's highest peaks.

That depends, of course, on how one measures the distance from top to bottom. The elevation from the town of Beaver (5,860 feet) and the top of nearby Delano Peak (elevation 12,173 feet), would give it one of the greatest vertical rises in the state with a difference of 6,313 feet.

Then, of course, there is nearby Belknap Peak located right on the eastern border that stands 12,139 feet.

Both of the peaks just happen to be located within the 262-mile-long loop of the Piute ATV Trail, which runs through several adjoining counties.

Beaver, like several other townships, has taken the trail to heart and has made use of the high country trails both easy and convenient for visitors.

There are designated roads, for example, within town that lead directly to the trail that ATV riders can legally use.

Which means, said Brent Stapely with the Beaver County Travel Council, "People can ride their machines into town, stop at stores and shops, dine in fine restaurants and sleep in comfortable beds, then go directly back out onto the trail without having to trailer their machines.

"And, along with the main trail, there are hundreds of miles of roads and trails designated for off-highway vehicles."

Fishing is one of the popular activities within the county. There is one major reservoir and seven mountain lakes accessible in the summer, four of those holding brook trout, long considered one of the more popular sport fish in Utah.

Minersville Reservoir, west of Beaver, is being managed these days as a trophy fishery. Fishermen can use only artificial flies and lures and are allowed to keep only one trout, and it must be over 22 inches.

On the southeastern tip of the reservoir is Minersville State Park offering camping, picnicking and a launch ramp for boats.