About Scott's Basin
Flanked on the east by the Great Salt Lake Desert and on the west by the Deep Creek Valley, the Deep Creek Mountains are the highest landmark in all of western Utah. As an isolated “island” ecosystem and the fourth highest range in the Great Basin, the “Deeps” dominate the Great Salt Lake Desert in altitude, sheer mass, and biotic richness. From a barren landscape of alluvial outwash and playa basins, two 12,000 foot peaks rise 7,800 feet above the desert floor transitioning through sagebrush-grassland benches, pinyon-juniper forest, evergreen and aspen forests, and alpine meadows to form nine perennial streams and numerous canyons that twist through massive granite formations or quartzite cliffs.
How to Get There
The easiest approach to the Deep Creek Mountains is via Interstate 80 and Wendover (Utah-Nevada border). Drive south from Wendover on Highway 93 Alternate; approximately 26 miles south of the Interstate turn left (east) onto Ibapah Road/Highway 1 and travel another 30 miles to Ibapah, Utah. To access the eastern portion of the WSA, take the Lower Gold Hill Road (approximately 3 miles north of Ibapah) east from Highway 1. After approximately 5 miles, turn right (south) onto the Pony Express-Overland Stage Road and continue south. The northern boundary of the WSA is approximately 9 miles south of the Lower Gold Hill/Pony Express-Overland Stage Road intersection.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Scott's Basin
Heading to Scott's Basin? 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 Scott's Basin?
No central reservation system listed for Scott's Basin. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/16478) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Scott's Basin?
The easiest approach to the Deep Creek Mountains is via Interstate 80 and Wendover (Utah-Nevada border). Drive south from Wendover on Highway 93 Alternate; approximately 26 miles south of the Interstate turn left (east) onto Ibapah Road/Highway 1 and travel another 30 miles to Ibapah, Utah. To access the eastern portion of the WSA, take the Lower Gold Hill Road (approximately 3 miles north of Ibap…
How do I contact Scott's Basin?
You can reach the park at phone: 435-743-3100 or email: utfmmail@blm.gov .
References & Official Resources
