Much of Utah is very vast, with grand, sweeping views and not much else. In Utah, you can easily find yourself 100 miles from civilization, surrounded mostly by sagebrush, junipers and perhaps a rattlesnake or two. Isn't it amazing that we live in such a place? In some parts of the country, it's very difficult to find a solitary, peaceful place away from other people. One spot in Utah is particularly remote - Utah's West Desert. Take a look at this remarkable, breathtaking place.
The West Desert covers a lot of territory, and it's surprisingly diverse.
This remote place isn't just sagebrush and rattlesnakes - you'll find meadows, salt flats, springs and even a large mountain range here.
Rush Valley stretches for 30 miles along Hwy 36 in Tooele County.
This terrain may seem forbidding, but many species of animals thrive out here. Watch for antelope.
Herds of wild horses roam these lands, too.
The Pony Express is a fascinating part of America's history.
The Pony Express trail cut through Utah's West Desert south of Rush Valley.
You'll find the Faust Pony Express stop along Hwy 36, between Stockton and Vernon.
Lookout Pass sits at an elevation of 6,192 feet.
Rumor is that passing Pony Express riders warned each other to "look out" for Native Americans along the trail here.
Farther west, you'll find another Pony Express Trail stop at Simpson Springs.
The station here provided Pony Express riders with shelter, food, water and supplies. You can stay overnight in the campground here.
The Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge is also located along the Pony Express Trail, just west of Simpson Springs.
You might be surprised to see wetlands clear out here in the desert, but several springs feed this area. The fish are the ancestors of ancient fish who swam in Lake Bonneville and were trapped here when the waters receded.
Almost as far west as you can get, on the Utah/Nevada border, you'll find the Deep Creek Mountains.
The Deep Creek range is the third-tallest in Utah and is a surprising oasis in a vast desert terrain. Here, you'll find lush valleys, wildflowers and streams.
The Bonneville Salt Flats, on the north side of I-80, are also part of Utah's West Desert.
The hard-packed salt flats cover 40 square miles.
Do you have a favorite spot to go to get away from the hustle and bustle of Utah's more populated places? Tell us about it!
Here's another place in Utah where you might find some solitude (especially on a weekday morning).
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