Nature

Harvey Gap State Park is located at an elevation of 6,400 feet, surrounded by cedar and sagebrush with shady cottonwood trees along the shore. The Grand Hogback, the ridge that marks the edge of the Rocky Mountains, runs along the south end of the reservoir. Visitors see a variety of wildlife, including migrating waterfowl, and can explore pinyon-juniper woodlands.

Plants

The hills surrounding Harvey Gap are covered by pinyon-juniper woodlands. Common plants include Utah juniper, pinyon pine, four-wing saltbush, shadscale, big sagebrush, rabbitbrush, golden aster, king spike-fescue, Indian ricegrass, and western wheatgrass.

The flats support a sagebrush community dominated by big sagebrush, rabbitbrush, four-wing saltbush, wild buckwheat, milkvetch, western wheatgrass, squirreltail, and peppergrass. Previously disturbed sites were reclaimed with crested wheatgrass and sweetclover. Diverse wetland plant communities have become established around the reservoir and below the dam.

Wildlife

There are many migratory and resident birds here, including waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors attracted to the reservoir. The park provides excellent opportunities for wildlife watching, particularly during migration periods.

Mule deer are common, as are cottontail rabbits, coyotes, raccoons, chipmunks, and golden-mantled ground squirrels. The reservoir supports a diverse fish population including largemouth and smallmouth bass, trout, crappie, bluegill, perch, catfish, northern pike, and tiger muskie.

Updated: 6/3/2025 10:30 AM MT