The Beautiful
Valleys of Piute

Piute County is located in the central southern portion of the state, and at the present, is one of the smallest in both area and population of Utah's twenty-nine counties. Its area is largely covered with mountains. In fact, it would probably be one of Utah's largest counties if it were ironed out flat.

There are two narrow valleys in the County. The Sevier River Valley lies in western Piute and runs from Marysvale on the north to Junction, Kingston and Circleville on the south. Grass Valley (Otter Creek Valley) lies in eastern Piute, beginning at Greenwich on the north, running south to Angle and Antimony. The western boundary approximates the crest of the Tushar Mountains, Delano Peak (12,173 ft), is the high pint of the High Plateaus section of the Colorado Plateau. The eastern border is on the plateau of the Parker Mountain Range. The two valleys are split by the Sevier Plateau (Monroe Mountain-Forshea Mountain Range).

Circleville is home to some of the richest soil in the county. Circleville potatoes are some of the finest grown anywhere. Alfalfa farming flourishes in the nutrient rich soil, contributing to some of the largest dairy farms in the county. Circleville boars there famous of infamous. Robert Leroy Parker, better known as Butch Cassidy. His boyhood home still stands on US Highway 89, 2 miles south of town. Circleville is the gateway connecting the Paiute ATV Trail and the Freemont ATV Trail, which leads to the west side of Bryce Canyon National Park.

Kingston is a beautiful area for picnicking, camping, hiking, and fishing. The rock formations in the canyon are varied and interesting with many Indian caves to explore. The town of Kingston is a treat to visit with many historic and human interest sights.

Junction is the Piute County seat, A beautiful old courthouse, constructed in 1903, and built with handmade adobe bricks, adorns Junctions city center. In 971 the majestic courthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Buildings. It remained in continuous use as county offices until it was sold in March 1997. It is now in use as a vacation rental. A new Piute County Courthouse was dedicated February 28th 1997. The complex is home to the US Post Office, Courts, Public Health Department, School District offices, USU Extension offices as well as all essential county offices.

Scenic Highway 153 from Junction to Beaver climbs from 6000 to 10,000 feet in beautiful mountain country, abounding with deer and elk. Snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are growing in popularity in this area due to the great access provided by Highway 153.

Marysvale to the north end of the western valley is known for its rich mining heritage. The primary canyon west out of Marysvale is the beautiful Bullion Canyon deriving its name from gold bullion. Be sure to pick up a driving tour pamphlet to guide you on your beautiful ride up the mountain. Don't miss the rich history, open air museum at the Marysvale Miners Park. Most importantly, make the two mile round trip hike to see the spectacular Bullion Canyon Waterfall. Though mining in the Marysvale area has swindled to one operation, agriculture is abundant with tourism and recreation dominating the local economy.

Two open-air dance halls in Piute County stand as reminders of the romance of the 1930's to the 1950's. The open-air dance hall just outside of Kingston is called the Purple Haze. The other historic beauty is the Cottonweed Grove in Marysvale. Both have been used for dancing and special occasions through the years.

There are six reservoirs located within Piute County boundaries. The two largest, Piute and Otter Creek supply water for the counties to the west and north of Piute, and are home to some of Utah's best fishing. Barney Lake a beautiful, secluded lake known for its pristine location and world class fly fishing. Manning Meadows Reservoir is know for its native Bonneville Cutthroat Trout, Upper and Lower Box Creek Reservoirs supply water for the eastern valley and Greenwich area. The Kingston-Circleville areas are irrigated from the waters of the Sevier River. The balance of the county's farms and ranches are predominantly irrigated from the numerous mountain streams.

Whether on your ATV/UTV, fishing, camping, winter sports, family or any other adventure that brings you to Piute County, we invited you to fall in love with every part and come back to visit often.