Things to do in Wasatch Range, Wasatch Range: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas

September 14, 2021 Leonarda Pillsbury

Stretching 160 miles through Utah, the Wasatch Range makes a rugged, glacial backdrop for the 85% of the state’s population living within 15 miles. Mount Nebo is highest at 11,928 feet, but the peaks around Alta and Park City are most popular. "The greatest snow on earth" falls on these spectacular slopes. Lone Peak’s granite outcrops provide top climbing. Canyons and valleys are loved by fly-fishermen and hikers. After all that adventure, retire to a hip restaurant or enticing hot tub in chic Park City.
Restaurants in Wasatch Range

1. Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area

1325 W Glovers Ln, Farmington, UT 84025-4706 +1 801-451-7386
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area

Reviewed By KayeN675 - Provo, United States

This is a hidden gem and one that people, especially birders, need to know about. Because of COVID the instruction center is closed for now so we missed out on that. But the walks and drive along the dikes are wonderful! We passed about 8 other cars with bird watchers and maybe 6 trucks with airboats. Even though these are loud, they didn't disturb our experience much. We saw 42 species of birds in about 4 hours - Pelicans, Canada geese, Gadwalls, Great Blue Herons, Pintails, Teals, Grebes, Avocets, Sand pipers, Yellow legs, blackbirds and more. The water ways are beautiful and inviting for the birds and habitat. The road is well maintained. There is a pit toilet near the beginning of the drive - it's the only one on the drive - nothing farther out. This really is an amazing treasure so close to the populated Wasatch Front. We will make trips back, for sure. Take binoculars, water and sunscreen for warmer days. It was a bit chilly and windy but it was a beautiful day.

2. Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

2155 W Forest St, Brigham City, UT 84302-4429 +1 435-723-5887 http://www.fws.gov/refuge/bear_river_migratory_bird_refuge
Excellent
70%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 168 reviews

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

Reviewed By nete2017 - Pocatello, United States

Just two weeks before Christmas, we expected to identify maybe 10 birds at the refuge. This isn't exactly high time for birding. However, we were surprised to be able to identify nearly 40 birds, including a Barn Owl, many Pheasants, Bald Eagles, Golden Eagle, many Northern Harriers, Swans, Hooded Mergansers, a Loggerhead Shrike,man Great Blue Herons, and many varieties of ducks, though low in numbers. It was thrilling! And remarkably, the roads were well packed and not muddy. We have been here every month of the year and have never been disappointed. Occasionally, you will also see deer, a coyote, raccoons, beaver, weasels, etc.

3. Ogden Nature Center

966 W 12th St, Ogden, UT 84404-5410 +1 801-621-7595 http://www.ogdennaturecenter.org/
Excellent
63%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 68 reviews

Ogden Nature Center

This 127-acre wildlife sanctuary offers hands-on field classes for children, teachers and adults and a rehabilitation facility for hundreds of injured and orphaned wild birds.

Reviewed By mynond1228 - Hayden, United States

We took the grandkids there as part of our annual "Cousin's Day Out" this year because it seemed a safer alternative to reduce our exposure to Covid 19 as it was an outside venue. WE ALL LOVED IT!! Who knew this was such a great spot! The grandkids (ages 6-7) had a ball. They were able to run and explore without us constantly telling them to calm down and be quiet. They were fascinated with the tortoise and we went back and looked at him twice. The bird exhibit was interesting and they enjoyed crawling into the bear's den and climbing the lookout tower. Many of the trails were shaded and flat . Entrance fees were quite reasonable. What a gem! We were there a couple of hours and would definitely go again.

4. Fifth Water Hot Springs

Diamond Fork Road Trail Head at Junction of 6th Water Creek, Springville, UT 84660 http://utah.com/hiking/fifth-waterfalls-trail
Excellent
70%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 43 reviews

Fifth Water Hot Springs

Reviewed By M9949NIshannonb - Price, United States

Beautiful hike and views are wonderful.-- However: Ms. Karalis: I have recently moved to the area and I was taking my family for a hike at the Fifth Water Hot Springs Trail Head. There was no real parking in the lot. I scaled the area for any signs that said I could not park off the road, none seen. We left for our hike at 5:45 pm. I get back and we a parking ticket by ?? And no citation number. I actually though the ticket was a hoax since we could not even read who fined us. Monday I call Utah County Justice Department. They refuse to give me a court date. I then said I had pictures to prove I was well off the road and emergency vehicle could past us. I was upset and asked to talk to the Head Sheriff. Guess what. He didn’t call back. I was given the excuse that the rangers can’t afford signs, but that gives the sheriff department a right to rip people off? Thanks for reading, Shannon Boucher

5. Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter

1258 Center Dr, Park City, UT 84098-7653 +1 435-649-1767 [email protected] http://www.swanerecocenter.org
Excellent
63%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 51 reviews

Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter

Reviewed By Spiketon

We really enjoyed hiking through the foothills here. Too much snow in the mountains but the paths were clear here. The welcome center was super helpful and had a good trail map. The views are beautiful as we climbed. We also took the path in the wetlands which was very nice. No fee- just donations.

6. Aspen Grove Family Camp

9521 N. Alpine Loop Road, Provo, UT 84604 http://aspen.byu.edu
Excellent
50%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
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4.5 based on 18 reviews

Aspen Grove Family Camp

7. Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve

41 S 3200 W, Layton, UT 84041-8747 +1 801-531-0999 http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/utah/placesweprotect/the-great-salt-lake-shorelands-preserve.xml
Excellent
33%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 48 reviews

Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve

Reviewed By CheryceW

We love going to the preserve to see the different birds and other animals. It is flat so it's easy for everyone and my kids love to climb the tower. we have seen lots of different wildlife too like beavers, frogs, birds, and cows. Be aware of the mosquitoes though. They can be vicious early and late in the day.

8. Hyrum Reservoir State Park

405 W 300 S, Hyrum, UT 84319-1547 +1 435-245-6866 http://www.stateparks.com/hyrum_reservoir_state_park_in_utah.html
Excellent
29%
Good
57%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
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Terrible
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4.0 based on 7 reviews

Hyrum Reservoir State Park

Reviewed By mysugarpie - Tulsa, United States

This is small State Park in the middle of town and is built around a pretty lake with a boat dock with a fish cleaning station. It has multiple clean restrooms for the size. It appears to be a favorite spot for locals with a large day use area. The RV sites are adequate, has trees, and are nicely terraced so no one is next to you. Tent sites are located by the lake. Try to get a site close in or you will be next to the busy street. Plenty area to take a walk. I highly recommend. I hope you find this review helpful.

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