Electric Lake is a high-altitude gem in Utah, nestled amid the scenic Panoramaland and Castle Country regions. Created in 1974 by constructing a dam to collect waters from Upper Huntington Creek, Boulger Creek, Coal Creek, and seasonal streams, the lake serves irrigation needs, provides cooling water for a Rocky Mountain Power generating plant, and offers ample water-based recreation in the Manti-La Sal National Forest.
Recreational Activities
Waterskiing: Despite the cold waters, Electric Lake is one of the few lakes that allows waterskiing.
Fishing: Popular for its excellent trout fishing, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources manages the lake as a catch-and-release fishery. Anglers can find cutthroat trout and tiger trout.
Boating: Although no marinas exist, a concrete boat ramp is available for launching boats.
Camping: Dispersed campsites are available around the lake, and two organized Forest Service campgrounds are nearby, offering camping on a fee basis.
Access
The lake is easily accessible via Utah Highway 31 and Highway 264, regularly plowed in winter.
Surrounding Terrain
The area around Electric Lake varies from forested regions with pine, aspen, oak, maple, and spruce-fir to sagebrush and pinyon, making autumn particularly colorful and cool for hiking.
Historical Significance
The lake covers the ghost town of Connellsville, a coal-mining and coke-smelting town from 1874 to 1878. An archeological excavation moved one of the remaining coke-smelting ovens to a viewpoint overlooking the reservoir.
Nearby Attractions
Lake Canyon Recreation Area: Popular with ORV enthusiasts and located between Huntington and Cleveland Reservoirs.
Castle Country: Known for the San Rafael Swell, fossil deposits, and historical sites. The Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry and the Utah State University Eastern Prehistoric Museum in Price are notable attractions.
State Parks: Huntington State Park, Scofield State Park, and Goblin Valley State Park offer camping facilities and other amenities.
Real Estate
While there are no private properties along Electric Lake’s shoreline, real estate opportunities exist outside the national forest and protected areas. Options include existing homes, cabins, and vacant building lots.
Electric Lake and the surrounding Castle Country region provide a perfect blend of recreational activities, historical significance, and natural beauty, making them attractive destinations for visitors and potential places to call home.