THE GREAT OUTDOORS — From the lofy heights of King's Peak to the Henry Mountains, Utah has no shortage of incredible mountain views. These aren't the only places, however, to see some of Utah's world-famous scenery.

Here's a look at two of the Beehive State's lesser-known mountain ranges where you can find great views and escape the crowded Wasatch Front.

Raft River Mountains

Located in the extreme northwest corner of the state, the Raft River Mountains are one of the more unique areas of Utah. This range runs east-west; almost all the mountain ranges in the Great Basin run north-south.

The Raft Rivers are also the only place in Utah to catch Yellowstone cutthroat trout. For anglers looking to complete the Utah Cutthroat Slam, a trip to the Raft River Mountains is necessary.

In addition to the fish, the Raft Rivers house a bursting population of wildlife and give Utah it's only connection to the Columbia River Basin. Clear Creek, one of the range's larger rivers, drains into the Raft River, which is a tributary to the Snake River in Idaho. That connection is how Yellowstone cutthroat trout arrived in Utah.

Things to know for your visit

Most of the Raft River Mountains are managed by the Sawtooth National Forest, and there's one national forest campground in the area. The Clear Creek Campground doesn't require a fee and offers primitive camping and picnic sites.

Aside from fishing, the Raft Rivers offer hiking trails and some good four-wheeler trails as well. The Bull Flat Trail is 5-miles long and one of the range's most popular ATV trails.

The best time to visit

The Clear Creek Campground is usually open June-October, though the season varies depending on weather conditions. The Raft River Mountains top out around 9,000 feet, so even during the summer, prepare for inclement conditions.

How to get there

From Salt Lake City to the Clear Creek Campground, it is 144 miles. Head north on I-15 until Tremonton, where you will get onto I-84 westbound toward Snowville. Take exit five and head west on Utah State Highway 30. Highway 30 turns into Highway 42 and turns north into Idaho, where it becomes Idaho State Highway 81. Follow Highway 81 to Strevell Road, which takes you west. After a few miles, you'll reach Clear Creek Road which heads south. Follow that to the campground.

Deep Creek Mountains =====================

The Deep Creek Mountains reside on the Utah/Nevada border and are slightly more accessible than the Raft Rivers.

Home to Ibapah Peak, which towers over the landscape at 12,087 feet, the "Deeps" (as they're called by the locals) are far more removed from civilization than the Raft River Mountains.

Featuring a maze of ATV and hiking trails, the Deep Creek Mountains are also home to Bonneville cutthroat trout, which count towards an angler's completion of the Utah Cutthroat Slam.

Most people visit the Deeps to hike Ipabah Peak, though it's worth noting the scenery, solitude and vast range of the mountains are also attractive.

Things to know for your visit

The Deep Creek Mountains get very cold at night, so the standard high country season of June through October is recommended as the best time to visit. Ample camping opportunities exist, though there are no federally managed campgrounds in the mountains.

For details on where to camp, contact the Salt Lake City Bureau of Land Management field office at 801-977-4300.

How to get there

The most popular way to access the Deep Creek Mountains is to head south on Highway 6 until reaching the junction with Utah State Highway 174 just south of Lyndyl. Follow this to the Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge and head west on the Pony Express Overland Stage Trail. Then turn south on the Snake Valley Road and drive until you reach the CCC Campground.

Have you been to either of these places or have a favorite remote place you'd like to share? Let us know in the comments.

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