The Great Journey of the Sevier River

The Sevier River drains a 5,500-square-mile portion of the mountainous desert transition zone between the eastern border of the Great basin and the Colorado Plateau. The river is the longest river entirely within the State of Utah. The Sevier flows north, origination in Kane County flowing through Garfield, Piute, Sevier, Juab and Millard Counties. It bends west and then south to empty into the mostly dry bed of the Sevier Lake in West Millard County at the end of its 325-mile run.

Paiute Indians who inhabited the region called the river Seve'uu. It was named "Rio Severo" (wild river) by the early Spanish explorers. It is thought that early American explorers translated the name Sevier River as we know it today.

Irrigation near the mouth of the river started with settlement in 1859 in west Millard County. Obtaining water for irrigation was the most significant challenge for settlers in the semi-arid land. Uncontrolled flooding caused downstream irrigators to abandon many dams before they were finally permanently established in 1912.

There were many disputes and decisions about water allocation and ownership until 1936, at which time the Cox Decree finally allotted all the water of the Sevier River. The decision is still a very sore subject with many locals on the upper Sevier. It is one of the most used rivers in the United States. Less than 1 percent of the total precipitation goes un-consumed. Consumption is about 1,100,000 acre-feet annually.

The Sevier provides many recreational opportunities. German Brown and Rainbow trout flourish the entire length of the Sevier. The fishing is usually excellent whether you fly fish, bait fish, or spin. Marysvale Canyon is also a favorite among kayaking enthusiasts, whitewater rafters, swimmers and tubers.

Canyons of the Sevier River are home to a variety of wildlife including; deer, elk, mountain lion, bobcat, bear, badgers, porcupines, rabbits, coyotes, hawks, and even a few eagles. Bird watchers will find the canyons of the Sevier River plentiful with a variety of species.

One thing for certain, the size and uniqueness of the Sevier River provides many opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast.