About PONDEROSA PICNIC AREA
Overview Ponderosa Picnic Area is located along the Beaver Canyon Scenic Byway. It is next to the Beaver River, at an elevation of 7,000 feet. Visitors enjoy fishing and relaxing along the river.Recreation The Beaver River offers great rainbow and brook trout fishing. Hiking and biking trails begin a short drive east. Horseshoe pits and a volleyball court are available, but picnickers must bring their own equipment (horseshoes, net and a ball).Facilities The picnic area is a day-use site for large groups, making it a perfect place for family reunions and church outings. Site 1, called East, can accommodate up to 120 people, while site 2, called West, can accommodate up to 80 people. Reservations can be made for either individual sites or the whole area at once.Each site contains tables, grills, campfire circles, electric lights. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. An amphitheater with bench seating is also located on-site. Natural Features Towering ponderosa pines, cottonwoods, aspens and maples provide partial shade in the grassy, gently sloping picnicking site. Between the trees are scenic views of the canyon. Nearby Attractions Beaver Canyon Scenic Byway curves past the picnic area, offering 17 miles of scenic driving through the beautiful Tushar Mountains. Numerous lakes and streams throughout the area provide fishing, boating and canoeing opportunities.
How to Get There
From Beaver, Utah, travel east on paved State Route 153, the Beaver Canyon Scenic Byway, for approximately 9 miles, to the picnic area.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to PONDEROSA PICNIC AREA
Heading to PONDEROSA PICNIC AREA? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for PONDEROSA PICNIC AREA?
No central reservation system listed for PONDEROSA PICNIC AREA. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234470) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to PONDEROSA PICNIC AREA?
From Beaver, Utah, travel east on paved State Route 153, the Beaver Canyon Scenic Byway, for approximately 9 miles, to the picnic area.
How do I contact PONDEROSA PICNIC AREA?
You can reach the park at phone: 435-438-2436.
References & Official Resources
