A Pando-rific weekend

Part of the excitement of our new volunteer role is an opportunity to enjoy a part of the state not as familiar to us.

We look forward to spending more time in the Tushar range, finding nooks and crannies nearby, and we finally checked out the Fish Lake area.

Fish Lake itself is nearly 9,000 feet in elevation and six miles long, and one mile wide; this natural lake (the largest in Utah) makes for a unique and historical landscape.

Besides the many varieties of fish, the lake also forms an essential area for many birds.

The Paiute long inhabited this area and formed a significant trading route along the historic Spanish Trail.

Among the highlights of this area include Pando – an aspen clone considered by many to be among the oldest and largest living organisms in the world.

PCO Joan

And we camped within sight of it all weekend.

Between the increasingly warming climate, more deer, cattle grazing, and overall stress, Pando faces challenges, but there are some signs of progress. The exclosures seem to keep help and protect the aspen shoots.

PCO Joan

Let’s hope that Pando prospers into the future!

Fish Lake works best for dispersed camping, more so than backpacking.

The dispersed camping opportunities abound. Besides finding a spot near Pando, we found a site a short walk from the fifteen-mile-long Lakeshore National Recreational Trail.

PCO Joan

This well-marked and maintained loop around Fish Lake proved an excellent intro to the area.

With views along the lake, through the resort areas (including a circa 1930s lodge), and above the rim, it gave various views and made an excellent day-long hike.

An ice cream stop a few miles from our campsite along the way did not hurt, either. 🙂

After a relaxing evening in camp, we went on an ~10-mile r/t hike to the highpoint of the area.

The summit area reminded me of my old stomping grounds of the Lost Creek Wilderness in Colorado.

After the hike down and making our way back to the truck, we took the meandering way back home and noted future places we wish to see. I know we’ll spend more time in Fish Lake and nearby. So much to see here!

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