Henry Mountains
Mountains Isolated Utah mountain range, classic laccolith geology
A remote massif in south‑central Utah, part of the Colorado Plateau. Hikers, backcountry drivers and wildlife watchers head there for rough red‑rock panoramas, alpine pockets and the small bands of wild horses that roam the range.
The Henry Mountains are a compact mountain range in south-central Utah, United States, with peaks that exceed 11,000 feet. The range sits as an isolated group of rugged summits on the Colorado Plateau.
Terrain includes steep, rocky ridges and high plateaus popular with backcountry hikers, climbers, and wildlife observers. The area is largely public land managed for multiple uses, with remote dirt roads providing access into the foothills.
The range was among the last in the contiguous United States to be mapped in the 19th century during Western surveying and exploration. Since then the mountains have remained relatively undeveloped, used for grazing, recreation, and wildlife habitat.
The Henry Mountains occupy a remote section of south-central Utah on the Colorado Plateau, set away from major urban centers and surrounded by semi-arid plains and canyons.
- Wild horses: Home to a managed population of free-roaming mustang horses that is monitored by federal land agencies.
- Highest peak: The highest point reaches 11,522 feet (3,512 meters), offering alpine terrain distinct from surrounding desert plateaus.
What to See #
- Mount Ellen: The highest summit in the range, rising to 11,522 feet (3,512 meters), and a focal point for hikers and climbers.
How to Get to Henry Mountains #
The Henry Mountains are best accessed by car from cities such as Hanksville or Blanding; many approach via US‑191 and local dirt roads. High‑clearance vehicles and local maps are recommended for backcountry tracks.
Tips for Visiting Henry Mountains #
- Roads into the Henry Mountains are rough and require high‑clearance 4x4 vehicles-plan accordingly and check local road conditions.
- The Henry Mountains are remote: carry extra fuel, water and emergency communications; cell coverage is intermittent.
- Combine wildlife watching (desert bighorn and the reintroduced wild horses) with geological interest-the range was one of the last surveyed by the US Geological Survey in the 19th century.
Best Time to Visit Henry Mountains #
Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions; summer can be very hot and winter cold and snowy at higher elevations.
Weather & Climate near Henry Mountains #
Henry Mountains's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 32°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -9°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -6°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 1°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 11 mm.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall.
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August
August is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with 32 mm of rain.
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September
September is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall.
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October
October is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -8°C. Light rainfall.
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