Spring's arrival provides a unique opportunity to see mountain goats amongst steep terrain in an area called Rock Creek. On March 20, we're hosting a free and social-distancing friendly mountain goat watch from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. near Upper Stillwater Dam in northeastern Utah.

Spotting scopes with PhoneSkope adapters will be set-up with viewing screens so you can get a close look at the incredible climbers in their shaggy, wintery white coats. Bring cameras and binoculars if you have them! Biologists will be available to answer questions at locations set-up along the drive. From the site, you might be directed to additional viewing areas.

We suggest having a full tank of gas, bringing warm clothes and a lunch or snacks. There are no amenities once you leave Duchesne and cell coverage is spotty. The road is unmaintained, so if weather conditions prohibit safe travel the event may be canceled. Call 435-781-9453 for an update the day before the event.

COVID-19 Information:

DWR's goal is to keep our staff and the public safe. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are implementing and following all restrictions and recommendations from state and local health officials. We encourage you to do the same and to practice social distancing and responsible recreation during any outdoor adventures. With that said, we have no way to know exactly which regulations will be in place in the coming months. Any changes to those regulations may affect our events and available opportunities. Please keep an eye on your email and follow us on social media for the latest updates. https://wildlife.utah.gov/stay-connected.html

The event will be held in Duchesne County, which is currently under a moderate Covid-19 transmission level. Participants are asked to maintain six (6) feet physical distancing between household groups and to wear a mask when safe distancing is not an option. Participants are also asked to register for a time-slot to speed check-in and reduce crowding at the viewing area. Higher-risk attendees are advised to preregister. If you feel ill before the event or are subject to isolation or quarantine and are experiencing symptoms, you are encouraged not to attend.

Driving Directions:

To reach the viewing site from U.S. Highway 40, take one of the roads from US 40 to Altamont/Mountain Home:

a) If you’re approaching from the west: turn left (north) onto state Route 87 (N. Center Street) in Duchesne. Follow SR 87 north for roughly 15.5 miles and turn left onto the road to Mountain Home (21000 West). This road is about four miles before you reach Altamont.

b) If you’re coming from the east: drive through Roosevelt on U.S. 40 roughly 5 miles and turn right (north) onto Ioka Lane (3000 South; this road is right before US 40 turns south and goes uphill). Ioka Lane is also SR 87, so stay on this road to Altamont, then drive through Altamont to reach the Mountain Home Road, and turn north. This road is roughly 4 miles past Altamont.

From the SR 87/Mountain Home Road Junction: travel north on the Mountain Home Road about 2.8 miles, and turn left at the Mountain Home Store onto Country Route 95 or FR134. This is the road to Rock Creek. The turn isn't well marked, but there is a sign for the Miner's Gulch, Yellowpine, and Stillwater campgrounds.

Follow Route 95/FR134 roughly 20 miles to the viewing area.

Mountain Goat Watch-Upper Stillwater Dam

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