Piute County

Piute County is a county located in the state of Utah, in the United States. The population was 1,556 at the 2010 census. It is named after the Piute Native American tribe. The county seat is Junction, while Circleville is the largest city and only incorporated municipality.

The terrain is rugged, typical of the Great Basin region; it mostly consists of mountains and desert lands. The highest point in the county is East Mountain (11,140 ft / 3,393 m), located near Bullion Canyon. Much of Piute County is part of the Fishlake National Forest where visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, and fishing. The area is also home to many wildlife species such as bighorn sheep, mule deer, cougars, elk, waterfowl and raptors.

Piute County is home to a number of lakes and reservoirs, including Otter Creek Reservoir, which provides recreational opportunities such as fishing and boating. The area is also popular for hunting, especially deer and elk.

Piute County, once part of Beaver County, was established in 1865. It is characterized by the majestic Tushar Mountains along its western boundary and boasts Delano Peak, the highest point in the High Plateaus section of the Colorado Plateau. The Sevier River Valley is where the majority of the county's population is concentrated. Adding to its diverse landscape, Grass Valley (Otter Creek) lies between the central Sevier Plateau and the eastern Parker Range.

Exploration of the Kingston Canyon caves, now a popular recreational area, has revealed evidence of prehistoric inhabitants. While little is known about the Paiute Indians' predecessors, the Paiutes themselves were peaceful gatherers and skilled hunters who crafted beautiful baskets and rabbit skin clothing for winter protection.

In 1864, the towns of Circleville and Junction were settled by a group of Mormon pioneers from Ephraim. The fertile Sevier Valley provided excellent grazing for livestock, which remains an important part of the county's economy. The county is also supported by the cultivation of wild hay, alfalfa, grain, and pastureland for beef and dairy production. Remnants of earth-covered potato cellars stand as a testament to successful crops in past times. The Piute School District provides employment for many county residents, and a small group of retirees contributes to the local economy. However, like many rural areas in Utah, recent high school graduates are often drawn to urban opportunities, while the strong sense of home keeps natives rooted in Piute County. Major services are accessed nearby Richfield, located north of Highway 89.

Piute County is located in the southern part of Utah. It is bordered by Garfield County to the north and Wayne County to the south. The county covers an area of 1,902 square miles (4,921 km2), making it the ninth-largest in the state by total area. The eastern boundary follows along almost the entire length of Fishlake National Forest.

Located in the small community of Circleville, the Butch Cassidy Childhood Home is a historic site that pays tribute to one of the most famous outlaws in American history. Visitors can explore an authentic log cabin and learn about his upbringing as well as the Wild Bunch Gang.

A popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, Otter Creek State Park offers camping and access to a variety of activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The park is also home to the largest nesting population of bald eagles in Utah.