North Fork Duchesne River By Utah Outdoor Activities
This unique rock formation known
as the Stone Face is located up the North Fork of the
Duchesne River. Sitting high up on the mountain side the
Stone Face appears to be guarding the valley and hundreds of
years of secrets. The myth of the Stone face, a 25-foot tall
rock outcropping that resembles a one eyed man with high
cheek bones is said to be signaling the route to a lost
Spanish gold mine. The legend is that the Spanish
conquistador Hernando Cortes dispatched exploration parties
as far north as Utah in search of the Seven Cities of
Cibola. In the Uintah Mountains, they supposedly struck
gold. But after the conquest, the mine lay dormant for
centuries until Brigham Young sent Thomas Rhoads to find it.
With the help of a Ute Indian chief, who knew the secret
location, Rhoads brought forth enough gold to help establish
the Mormon empire -- or so the story goes. When viewing the
Stone Face one can visualize the mysteries of this natural
rock formation as it stands watch over this mountain of
secrets.
Spend a summer day and travel over the Wolf Creek Pass
State Road 35 and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery and take some
time to visit the Stone Face. The Stone Face location is marked with a
small forest service sign. Be sure to bring your fishing pole as the
North Fork Duchesne offers fantastic fishing opportunities.
Driving Directions:
In the summer months travel from Salt Lake City via I-80 east to exit
148 Heber/Vernal. Travel on US-40 to the Park City/Kamas/Francis exit.
Turn left onto SR-248 towards Kamas/Francis. Approx 11.4 miles turn
right onto SR-32. Follow SR-32 through town to a four way stop. Turn
Left onto SR-35 and continue over Wolf Creek Pass. Be sure to bring your
camera and enjoy the many scenic pullouts that Wolf Creek Pass offers.
Be on the lookout for wildlife as it is not uncommon to see Deer, Elk,
Moose, and even Bears. Once over Wolf Creek Pass towards the bottom you
will turn left up the North Fork Duchesne.
