Joes Valley
Reservoir
Joe's Valley is situated on the Wasatch Plateau in Central Utah. Juniper, pinyon pine and sagebrush cover the area, and aspens and pines dot the surrounding hillsides.
The 1,170 acre reservoir is 7000 feet above sea level and offers good fishing for cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, tiger muskie and trophy lake. Boating, water skiing and canoeing are popular on the lake. A boat ramp is located nearby on the eastern shoreline. Horseback riding, bouldering, hiking and mountain biking are popular in the area as well. The boat ramp area has a large parking lot for day-use and overflow parking. Day use picnic area near the boat ramp and there are staging areas for the Arapeen ATV trails near the north and west sides of the lake.
A campground containing 46 sites, including 15 double sites for up to 12 people each, in an open valley with little shade but great scenic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. One large group site can accommodate up to 100 people/40 vehicles and is shaded by a large pavilion. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided.
Renowned bouldering opportunities are located in nearby Straight and Cottonwood Canyons. Popular mountain fisheries at Grassy Lake, Pete's Hole, and Potters Ponds are all within 10 miles of the group site. The 370-mile Arapeen Off-Highway Vehicle Trail System can be accessed directly from the Reeder Trailhead. Attractions at Joes Valley Reservoir include the Orange Olsen Guard Station rental, and Joes Valley Group Pavilion.
fun fact
Joes Valley is named after Joseph Swasey who had a cabin in the valley.
There is a story of Charley and Sid in this cabin. One day the brothers had been riding and came in for the night. Sid was going to take care of the horses and Charley was headed to the cabin to cook supper. As Charley was headed to the cabin, and had witnessed a bear walking into it. He hurried and caught up with Sid and told him he would take care of the horses instead. So Sid headed into the cabin and Charley snuck up behind him and shut the cabin door and locked it behind him and started yelling at Sid, "Fight him fair! Fight him fair!"
Sid ended up killing the bear with a 3 legged stool and a fire poker.
-Local Story
Location
From SR 10 in Castle Dale, head north on N Spartan Center Street to join SR 29. Head west on SR 29 for about 15 miles before reaching the lake. The road loops around the north end to reach the campground in the west lake shore.
