Manti-La Sal National Forest
This forest spans central Utah and southwestern Colorado and includes three distinct mountain groups: the La Sal Mountains, Abajo Mountains, and Wasatch Plateau. These isolated ranges rise thousands of feet above surrounding desert, forming sky islands with aspen forests, subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce, meadows, and high alpine basins. Geology includes laccolithic intrusions (La Sal Mountains), sandstone formations, high plateaus, and deep canyons. Wildlife includes mule deer, elk, black bear, mountain lion, and numerous high-elevation species. Recreation includes hiking alpine summits, OHV trails, fishing high mountain lakes, backcountry skiing, mountain biking, and dispersed camping across broad plateaus and forest roads.