Wasatch RangeWasatch Range at a Glance
About Wasatch Range
The Wasatch Range is a mountain range in northern Utah that forms the eastern edge of the Salt Lake Valley and the backbone of the state’s front-range recreation corridor. It is a fault-block range with numerous sharp peaks, deep canyons and extensive recreational infrastructure.
The range contains many peaks above 11,000 feet (about 3,350 metres) and stretches for roughly 160 miles north to south. It is a primary destination for alpine skiing, backcountry skiing, mountain biking, climbing and hiking, with multiple developed ski resorts and dozens of canyon trailheads.
The Wasatch Range formed mainly by uplift on the Wasatch Fault and subsequent erosion; glacial action has shaped many of the high cirques and canyons. Human use has included mining in the 19th and early 20th centuries and the later development of ski resorts and mountain recreation facilities.
Geographically the range runs along the eastern boundary of the Salt Lake metropolitan area, with Salt Lake City the nearest major city and numerous smaller towns and resort communities located along the western foothills.
- Dimensions and elevation: Many peaks exceed 11,000 feet (about 3,350 metres) and the range runs roughly north-south for about 160 miles (approximately 257 kilometres).
- Skiing and recreation: Contains several world-class ski areas such as Alta, Snowbird and Park City, with ski seasons typically strongest from December through March.
What to See#
- Little Cottonwood Canyon: A deep glacially carved valley that provides access to major ski areas and climbing routes, with state highways and trailheads leading to Alta and Snowbird resorts.
- Big Cottonwood Canyon: A parallel canyon with scenic drives and trailheads that lead into the Wasatch backcountry and several alpine lakes and creeks.
- Mount Nebo (peak): A prominent peak in the southern Wasatch, frequently climbed in summer and serving as a visual landmark for central Utah; one of the range’s higher summits.
Best Time to Visit Wasatch Range
Winter for skiing; summer for hiking and climbing. Shoulder seasons can be variable.
Weather & Climate near Wasatch Range
Wasatch Range's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -13°C to 20°C. Moderate rainfall (588 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -12° - 0° | -12° | 51 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -13° - 0° | -13° | 53 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -12° - 1° | -12° | 52 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -10° - 4° | -9° | 42 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | -5° - 8° | -3° | 42 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 1° - 14° | 5° | 37 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 6° - 20° | 13° | 50 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 6° - 20° | 13° | 58 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 2° - 15° | 6° | 49 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -3° - 10° | 0° | 46 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -8° - 3° | -8° | 52 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -12° - 0° | -12° | 56 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Wasatch Range
The Wasatch Range is accessed from Salt Lake City and surrounding towns. I-80 and I-15 provide routes to various trailheads and ski areas; public transit connects Salt Lake City to lower-elevation ski-base towns in winter.
Tips for Visiting Wasatch Range
- Use trail maps and stick to marked routes; the Wasatch range has steep terrain and local weather can change quickly.
- For skiers, early-season snow is best found at higher-elevation resorts like Alta and Snowbird; mid-season conditions are variable.
- Be mindful of altitude - the range's high passes can feel thin for those coming from sea level; hydrate and adjust plans accordingly.