About ORANGE OLSEN
Overview Orange Olsen is located at 7,000 feet with a panoramic view of Joes Valley. The dwelling and cabin offer amenities including solar powered lighting, LP range and heated shower. The dwelling can accommodate six visitors while the cabin sleeps four. These cabins do not have electricity. Recreation Joes Valley Reservoir offers boating and fishing opportunities just minutes away. A boat ramp is available on the east and west shorelines. Joes Valley Campground is located immediately south of Orange Olsen, with Joes Valley Group Pavilion only a mile away.Facilities The Orange Olsen Dwelling and Cabin come equipped with flush restrooms, showers, and solar powered lights. The kitchens are equipped with sinks, stove and simple cookware (pots/pans, silverware, utensils). These facilities are not equipped with refrigerators so visitors will need to plan on cooling their perishables in other ways. The Orange Olsen Dwelling has two bedrooms. One bedroom has two single twin sized beds with mattresses and the second bedroom has two sets of bunk beds with mattresses. You are allowed to have a boat trailer or utility trailer on site, however, it may be a tight fit if other vehicles are present. No RV/Motorhomes/Travel Trailers are permitted at this site. The Orange Olsen Cabin has one bedroom including two sets of bunk beds with mattresses. You are allowed to have a boat trailer or utility trailer on sites. No RV/Motorhomes/Travel Trailers are permitted at this site. Natural Features The dwelling and cabin are set in an open sagebrush meadow interspersed with pinyon-juniper and ponderosa pine trees. There is no shade available. Nearby Attractions Renowned bouldering opportunities abound in nearby Straight and Cottonwood Canyons. Popular mountain fisheries at Grassy Lake, Pete's Hole, and Potters Ponds are all within 10 miles of Orange Olsen. The 370-mile Arapeen Off-Highway Vehicle Trail System can be accessed directly from the dwelling and cabin.
How to Get There
From Orangeville, Utah, proceed west on Utah Highway 29 for approximately 10 miles to Joes Valley Reservoir. Continue on Hwy 29 around the north end of the reservoir to Forest Road 0144 where a sign directs you to Orange Olsen Administrative Site. Turn right (north) on this gravel road for 200 feet. The Orange Olsen dwelling is to your left, Orange Olsen cabin is straight ahead.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
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
- 💧
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 ORANGE OLSEN
Heading to ORANGE OLSEN? 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 ORANGE OLSEN?
No central reservation system listed for ORANGE OLSEN. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/250037) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to ORANGE OLSEN?
From Orangeville, Utah, proceed west on Utah Highway 29 for approximately 10 miles to Joes Valley Reservoir. Continue on Hwy 29 around the north end of the reservoir to Forest Road 0144 where a sign directs you to Orange Olsen Administrative Site. Turn right (north) on this gravel road for 200 feet. The Orange Olsen dwelling is to your left, Orange Olsen cabin is straight ahead.
How do I contact ORANGE OLSEN?
You can reach the park at phone: 435-384-2372 or email: r4_m-l_ferron@fs.fed.us.
References & Official Resources
