One thousand years ago, the valleys along what is now Interstate 70 near Sevier, Utah were home to the largest community of Fremont Indians ever discovered. Their rock art and structures are still visible in the canyons of Fremont Indian State Park and Museum.
The Setting
At the visitor center, a short film describes the Fremont people and how the village at Five Finger Ridge was discovered during construction of Interstate 70. Thousands of artifacts excavated from the village are on permanent display. Special programs enhance museum collections, and include rock art tours, atlatl competitions, pottery-making workshops, and art exhibits featuring works of local artists. The museum store carries high quality books, maps, and Native American-themed crafts. The canyon is filled with remarkable geologic features such as columnar joints, bubble caves in the volcanic tuff, hoodoos, cliffs rising hundreds of feet from the ground. Take time to learn about these fascinating formations.
The Facility
Located in a quiet canyon surrounded by towering geologic formations, Castlerock Campground provides 31 campsites each with a picnic table, fire pit, and barbecue grill. A small stream flows year-round nourishing thousands of trees that provide shade to campers. Culinary water is available near all campsites and modern restrooms are open April to September. Off-highway vehicles are allowed in the campground, which offers direct access to the Paiute ATV Trail.
Secluded from the rest of the park, the Sam Stowe Area is open to groups up to 200 people. Numerous tent sites are available and seven RV sites provide full hook-ups. Two pavilions offer lights, electricity, barbecue grills, modern restrooms, and showers. Visitors may also enjoy a basketball and volleyball court, amphitheater, archery range, and horseshoe pits. Hiking trails, petroglyphs, and fishing access are also nearby. Sam Stowe Group-Use Area offers direct access to the Paiute ATV Trail.
Centennial Picnic Ground is located on a historic homestead site on the banks of Clear Creek, this day-use area offers picnic tables, fire rings, water, shade, and primitive restrooms. Group day-use is allowed by permit only; no overnight use. The parking lot is accessible to OHVs.
Camping Tips
Numerous trails lead visitors to hundreds of rock art panels, viewpoints, and geologic wonders located throughout Clear Creek Canyon. Pick up a trail guide at the visitor center, then, hike any number of trails, which range from one-quarter mile to five miles in length. Hiking trails are for non-motorized use only.
ARCHEOLOGICAL FEATURES: All historic and prehistoric features at Fremont Indian State Park are protected. Do not touch rock art or pick up any objects you may find lying on the ground. Remain on designated trails at all times.
The most impressive ATV trail system in the world runs right through the middle of Fremont Indian State Park. Trailheads and parking are located within the park. The Sergeant Mountain Trailhead features parking, picnic tables, shade, water, a fire pit, and an informational kiosk.
Park Features
Clear Creek Canyon is home to many animal species such as deer, cottontail rabbits, squirrels, and raptors. Among the more elusive animals living in the area are mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, ringtails, and foxes. Though rarely seen, beaver are plentiful as evidenced by the many fallen trees and damns. Beware of rattlesnakes, which are frequently sighted in summer months.
Among the pinion, juniper, scrub oak, and cottonwood trees, visitors will find rabbit brush, sagebrush, and squaw brush.
Rent a GPS unit at the visitor center and find the hidden, Utah State Parks 50th Anniverary geocaches.
Location
Fremont Indian State Park and Museum
3820 West Clear Creek Canyon Road
Sevier, Utah 84754
(435) 527-4631
Learn
more about this park and book your reservation
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