Gateway to 1.3 Million Acres of Wilderness
Ashley National Forest begins just 15 miles north of Vernal and stretches across 1.3 million acres of the Uinta Mountains. Best Western Vernal Inn is your last-stop basecamp — weekly rates from $588, free breakfast, and kitchenettes for packing trail food.
From Best Western Vernal Inn, the Ashley National Forest boundary is approximately 15 miles north on Highway 191. From there, access roads lead to trailheads, campgrounds, fishing streams, and some of the most remote wilderness in the lower 48 — the High Uintas Wilderness Area, home to Kings Peak, Utah's highest point at 13,528 feet. Vernal is the last town with hotels, groceries, gas, and outfitters before you enter the forest.
Ashley National Forest draws visitors year-round. The biggest draws are fall hunting season — elk, mule deer, and moose tags bring thousands to the Uintah Basin every September and October — and summer backpacking in the High Uintas. The forest also offers hundreds of miles of ATV and OHV trails, mountain lake fishing for brook, brown, and cutthroat trout, and horseback pack trips into some of the most pristine alpine terrain in Utah.
Pro Tip: During September and October elk season, Vernal hotels fill up fast. Book early and lock in a weekly rate — hunters who stay the full rifle season save hundreds at $588/week compared to nightly pricing, and our free breakfast means one less meal to worry about before dawn.
The forest boundary is approximately 15 miles north. Drive time to popular trailheads ranges from 20 minutes to about an hour depending on destination.
Yes. Many fall guests are elk and deer hunters. We offer weekly rates from $588, early breakfast starting at 6 AM, free truck and trailer parking, and kitchenettes.
Yes. Free parking accommodates trucks, horse trailers, ATV trailers, and oversized vehicles.
Yes. Pet friendly with a small pet fee. Ground-floor rooms are available.
Weekly rates from $588 · Free hot breakfast · Free parking · Pet friendly