⛰️ The Surprise Oasis: A Guide to the Row Lakes on Boulder Mountain

The unexpected and tranquil beauty of the Row Lakes.

Boulder Mountain, Utah, is a name that commands respect among adventurers. It’s a vast high-altitude plateau dotted with hundreds of lakes, but reaching them often involves navigating some of the most terrifying, boulder-strewn roads imaginable. We’ve had our share of white-knuckle drives in pursuit of our goal to catch 100 fish in 100 different lakes. So when we set out for the Row Lakes and our first route turned into an overgrown, barely-there track, we almost gave up. But what we found when we tried a different approach was a delightful surprise: a chain of beautiful, easily accessible lakes that felt like a secret oasis. It was a rare and welcome gift from the notoriously tough Boulder Mountain.

---

🗺️ Adventure at a Glance

• 🏞️ Location: Boulder Mountain, Dixie National Forest, near Escalante, Utah
• 🥾 Activity: Fishing, Hiking/Strolling, Photography
• 🚗 Vehicle Required: High-clearance recommended; road conditions vary dramatically.
• 📈 Elevation: Approx. 9,500 - 10,000 feet
• ⏱️ Time to Explore: 2-3 hours for the main lakes, or a full day to include Blue Lake.
• ⭐ Shauna's Rating: 💎💎💎💎💎 (5 out of 5 Diamonds)

🌟 The Golden Nugget

Don't Miss This: Your route is everything on Boulder Mountain. We first tried to reach Row Lakes from an eastern entrance and the "road" was so bad we had to turn back. However, the southern approach was a lovely, easy dirt road that led right to the lakes. Don't trust your mapping software blindly! Scout your route from multiple directions and be prepared to turn around if a road feels unsafe. The easy way in made this one of the most pleasant surprises we've ever had on the mountain.

SHORT FROM ROW LAKES

---

🥾 The Journey: A String of Mountain Jewels

A Delightful Surprise

After our terrifying first attempt to reach these lakes, arriving via the southern route felt like a dream. I was shocked. Were we really at the same lake we had struggled so much to get to? Were we truly on Boulder Mountain, a place infamous for its brutal roads? It was such a delightful and welcome surprise. The adventure just kept getting better from there.

The Three Sisters: Exploring the Row Lakes

This spot is called "Row Lakes" because it's a chain of three lakes lined up in a row. Two are so close they are back-to-back; you can stand on a narrow passage of land, see one lake, and then simply turn around to see another. Each has its own personality. My favorite is the first one on the east side. It's so unique because it has a natural spring in the middle, and you can see bubbles rising to the surface—a favorite spot for fish enjoying the minerals. We loved simply wandering between them, exploring the different shorelines and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

One of the serene upper Row Lakes.

The Bonus Quest: Catching an Arctic Grayling

Of course, my husband Todd was eager for the next challenge: a nearby spot called Blue Lake. True to form, the infamous Boulder Mountain roads reappeared for this short side trip. It was a tricky drive, but the reward was immense. In that lake, we caught a rare and beautiful Arctic Grayling! With its distinct dorsal fin, it was probably the coolest fish we caught all summer and a perfect trophy to cap off an amazing day of exploration.

💡 Pro-Tips & Trail Guide

• ♦️ Route Planning is Key: Don't just trust one map. The southern approach to Row Lakes is generally much better than the routes from the east. The main road to the lakes is good, but exploring side roads to other lakes (like Blue Lake) can get rough quickly.
• ♦️ Fishing: The lakes are stocked with trout, but Blue Lake offers the rare chance to catch an Arctic Grayling. Check Utah DWR regulations for limits.
• ♦️ High Altitude: You are at nearly 10,000 feet. The air is thin, and weather can change in an instant, even in summer. Bring layers and be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms.
• ♦️ A Mountain of Lakes: Boulder Mountain gets its name from the lava rock boulders that make travel difficult, but it could have been named "Thousand Lakes Mountain." It's a fantastic destination for anglers and explorers willing to brave the roads.

---

⭐ Final Thoughts

The Row Lakes were a perfect reminder that even the most challenging places have their moments of gentle grace. It was a day of stark contrasts—from a terrifying road to a peaceful shoreline, from simple trout to a rare Arctic Grayling. This surprising oasis has become a cherished memory, a testament to the rewards of perseverance and the delightful surprises that await on Boulder Mountain.

Sending Love and Positive Vibes,

Shauna from VRGetaway