Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
Viewing Plants
In summer, wildflowers turn the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest into a kaleidoscope of color! Here are just few of the more popular viewing areas:
- Albion Basin: Above the town of Alta around 9,500', over 120 species have been documented in this unique wetland and geologic area, including paintbrush, columbine, lupine, Jacob's ladder, and penstemons.
- Cascade Springs: Located within the American Fork Recreation Fee Area, over seven million gallons of water flow through this artesian spring each day. Boardwalks and trails make viewing easy within this riparian oasis.
- Silver Meadow: A wet meadow, this area contains one of the largest and most dependable populations of a tiny fern called the dainty moonwort. The meadow is also known for displays of pink elephant's head, white spikes of orchids and blue camas. This viewing area is just off the Wolf Creek Highway (Highway 35) on the Heber-Kamas Ranger District.
- Tony Grove Lake: Venture off the Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway on the Logan Ranger District to see an explosion of summer wildflowers during July and August. A boardwalk, picnic area, and nature trail around the lake provide excellent viewing possibilities.
- Whitney Area: This area is located off the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway on the Evanston-Mountain View Ranger District. Whitney Reservoir, Mill City Creek, Road Hollow, Meadow Creek, and Moffitt Pass/Moffitt Basin contain some of the most intact sub-alpine forb communities in the Uinta Mountains. In late summer, orange sneezeweed dominates the meadows, along with sticky geranium, polemonium, monk's hood, and arnica.
Please visit our Celebrating Wildflowers page for more information.
Autumn Leaves
The Nebo Loop is famous for its beautiful trees and mountain vistas, especially in late September to early October when the red maples and golden aspens draw Sunday-afternoon gawkers from around the state. Other great spots to enjoy autumn fireworks include Alpine Loop, Logan Canyon, Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, Snowbasin, Monte Cristo, and Provo Canyon.