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The biggest problem with national and state parks in Utah is choosing which ones to visit (alas one can't visit them all). To add to one's dilemma of choosing from the five national parks and many state parks consider adding Wasatch Mountain State Park to one's tentative list. Utah's national parks include some of the most popular national parks in the United States.
Wasatch Mountain State Park is located in the northern part of Utah in Wasatch County - and is just one of the 40 state parks in Utah. While at Wasatch Mountain, take time to explore the unusual waterway of the Great Salt Lake - the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere.
Why Wasatch Mountain State Park Is Ideal For Outdoor Recreation
Wasatch Mountain State Park is the most developed state park in Utah and is named after the majestic Wasatch Mountains. Like many Utah parks, it has a high elevation (around 5,900 feet or 1,800 meters) while wildlife includes moose, deer, elk, wild turkeys, and more.
In short, Wasatch Mountain State Park is ideal for outdoor recreation and enjoyment. There are many outdoor sports and activities to be enjoyed here (although no water sports as it lakes a lake or reservoir).
- Size: 21,592 acres (8,738 ha)
- Established: 1961
- Entry Fee: $10.00 Per Car (Day Use Fee)
It is one of Utah's most popular state parks and is close to Salt Lake City. Many of Utah's attractions are remote but at least Wasatch is easy to access. It is an outdoor playground of year-round activities.
Nearby Attractions
Other attractions in the area include Park City - famous for its world-class resorts and independent films. The place has more than 400 miles of trails and is the world's only International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) Certified Gold Level ride center.
- Top Nearby Attractions: Park City and Heber Valley
Another attraction in the area is Heber Valley which astonishes visitors with its alpine splendor. It is a place of exclusive resorts, authentic dining, and golf.
Camping In Wasatch Mountain State Park
The state park has some 139 campsites (as well as two pavilions for groups). Facilities include (hot) showers, restrooms, and utility hookups.
Stay at the Pine Creek Campground. If one would like to be sure of a place to stay, then reservations are available up to 16 weeks in advance (group reservations can be made 11 months in advance). Reservations can be made online or by calling the reservation office. Stays are limited to 14 days in a 30-day period.
- Campground: Pine Creek Campground
- Reservations: Available Up To 16 Weeks In Advance
- Call: (800) 332-3770
The park also has cabin rentals available for rent - and these are available during the winter months as well. They can also be reserved up to 16 weeks in advance.
Activities In Wasatch Mountain State Park
The park offers activities like hiking, off-roading, horseback riding, camping, picnicking, and in the winter Nordic skiing, snowmobiling, and snow tubing. It even has golf courses.
- When To Go: See The Park In Different Seasons
While there enjoy a morning of golf. There are not one, or two, but four 18-hole golf courses to choose from.
- Golf Courses: Four 18-Hole Golf Courses
- Popular Golf Courses: Wasatch Mountain and Soldier Hollow Golf Courses
In the summer there are more than 19 miles of trails for biking or hiking.
In The Winter Months
In the winter the park transforms into a winter wonderland. The Soldier Hollow Nordic Center there even hosted some events of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Soldier Hollow boasts the longest snow tubing lanes in the state and is complete with tow lifts and night tubing.
The venue is still open to the public year-round and athletes and weekend recreationists make use of the facility. In the winter go Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and tubing through the breathtaking alpine terrain.
- 2002 Winter Olympics: Partially Hosted At The Soldier Hollow Nordic Center
In The Autumn Months
Go in the fall and see the leaves turn orange, magenta, and purple. Autumn is also a great time to get a glimpse of the wild turkeys, moose, and elk of the area. This is when they descend the mountains to lower elevations with the approach of winter.
- Autumn: Great For Foliage And Seeing Wildlife