🐟 Monroe Mountain Lakes – High-Altitude Beauty and Peaceful Fishing Retreats

Perched high above Marysvale in the Fishlake National Forest, the Monroe Mountain lakes offer a serene getaway for campers, riders, and anglers alike. Surrounded by pine forests, wildflower meadows, and crisp alpine air, these remote mountain reservoirs are ideal for fishing, picnicking, photography, or simply escaping the heat of the valley below.

Accessible by ATV/UTV via the Paiute Trail or by vehicle through scenic mountain roads, the lakes include:

  • Barney Lake
  • Manning Meadows Reservoir
  • Upper Box Creek Reservoir
  • Lower Box Creek Reservoir

Each lake has its own charm, and together, they make for a memorable mountain day trip that’s just a short ride from your site.

Quick Overview of the Lakes

  • Barney Lake is at ~9,400 ft. and is stocked with Rainbow and Tiger Trout, best for picnicking and peaceful views
  • Manning Meadows is at -9,800 ft. and is stocked with Cutthroat, Tiger, and Brook Trout, best for fishing and ATV/UTV access
  • Upper Box Creek is at ~9,600 ft. and is stocked with Tiger Trout, best for seclusion and scenery
  • Lower Box Creek is at ~9,400 ft. and is stocked with Rainbow Trout, best for family-friendly shore fishing

Fishing at Monroe Mountain Lakes

All four lakes are stocked by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and are popular with locals and travelers alike for high-elevation trout fishing. These lakes are known for:

  • Cool, clear water
  • Quiet shorelines
  • Excellent fly and spinner fishing
  • Opportunities to catch Tiger Trout, Rainbow, Brook, and Cutthroat Trout

Tip: Because of their elevation, fishing is best from late June through September. Ice can linger into early summer at Manning Meadows and Upper Box Creek.

Getting There

From your base in Marysvale, the lakes are accessed by scenic mountain routes — ideal for ATV riders or 4x4 vehicles. Here’s how to reach them:

By Vehicle:

  • From Marysvale, take Cottonwood Canyon Road (FR068) or Monroe Mountain Road (FR078). These forest roads climb up to the lakes and pass through Fishlake National Forest.
  • Roads are dirt and gravel, typically well-maintained but subject to seasonal conditions. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended.

By ATV/UTV:

  • Connect to the lakes via Paiute Trail segments:
    • Trail 01 & 25 for Barney and Manning Meadows
    • Trail 89 and Trail 06 for Box Creek access

You can easily build these lakes into a full-day loop ride — ride up in the morning, fish or picnic at the top, and return before dinner.

What to Expect at Each Lake

Barney Lake

  • Peaceful and picturesque
  • Limited fishing access, but great for relaxing
  • Scenic rest stop with meadow and forest views
  • Often used as a waypoint by ATV riders

Manning Meadows Reservoir

  • The most remote and scenic of the group
  • Stocked with Cutthroat, Brook, and Tiger Trout
  • Popular with fly fishers and serious anglers
  • Small parking area, no facilities
  • May have snow into early summer

Upper Box Creek Reservoir

  • Higher, smaller, and more secluded
  • Clear mountain water, quiet setting
  • Fewer crowds = better chance for solitude
  • Great for wildlife watching (look for deer and birds of prey)

Lower Box Creek Reservoir

  • More accessible than Upper Box
  • Wide banks and shallower edges make it kid-friendly
  • Great for picnic stops and short casting from shore
  • Known for consistent rainbow trout bites

What to Bring

  • Valid Utah fishing license
  • Rods, tackle, and bait or flies
  • Picnic supplies or snacks
  • Warm layers (temps are much cooler than in the valley)
  • Sunscreen and bug spray
  • Folding chairs or picnic blanket
  • Binoculars and a camera; the views are worth capturing

Rules & Regulations

  • Fishing License Required: Purchase online at Utah DWR or at local vendors in the area.
  • Catch Limits: Vary by species — refer to the current Utah Fishing Guidebook.
  • Private Land: Respect fences and signs. Use only designated public access points.
  • Leave No Trace: Pack out trash and fishing line.

From Camp to Lake in a Single Ride

When you stay at our Marysvale RV Park, you're just a scenic ride away from some of Utah’s best high-mountain lakes. Guests love planning a "lake day" ride up in the morning, cast a few lines, enjoy lunch by the water, and return to camp by evening.

These lakes also make a great non-ATV outing for families or visitors who just want a peaceful mountain drive and a cooler day in the pines.