Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Welcome

The majestic peaks and rugged backcountry of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest lie within easy reach of one of the wests fastest growing metropolitan areas. Encompassing nearly 1.3 million ecologically-diverse acres, including seven Wilderness areas, the Forest is one of the most frequently visited in the nation. From skiing in world-renown powder to cruising the scenic highways or picnicking on a lazy afternoon, Uinta-Wasatch-Cache has just about something for everyone.

Highlights

Fall Colors

The Intermountain Region experiences wonderful autumn colors. Visit the Intermountain Region Fall Color web page to find out where to take a scenic drive or visit our photo gallery to see some picturesque areas in our Region. Mother Nature produces some beautiful artwork.

Bears in Utah?

The black bear, Ursus americanus, is fairly common in Utah, where it can be found primarily in large forested areas. Contrary to its name, the black bear is not always black; the species varies in color from reddish to light brown to black.

Black bears are omnivores with diets consisting of fruits, insects, grubs, some small vertebrates, and carrion. They breed in June or July, and young are born in January or February; average litter size is two. Young stay with their mother until the fall of their second year. Black bears are nocturnal and are dormant during the winter.

The black bear is currently the only species of bear that occurs naturally in Utah. The grizzly bear, Ursus arctos, was exterminated in Utah during the 1920's.

Black bears usually retreat before people are aware of them. Their hearing is more sensitive than a human's, and their broad, soft foot pads allow them to move quietly downwind where they can best identify their dangers. The may stand upright to see farther.  If need be, they can run faster than 25 mph or climb trees as fast a squirrels. They generally prefer to forage for wild foods away from people but are almost as quick as chipmunks to seek food in campsites and garbage cans when wild nut and berry crops fails. They rarely attack people. Campground bears and roadside panhandlers may nip or cuff people that crowd around them, try to pet them, or tease them with food. But the injuries, if any, are usually slight, only occasionally requiring stitches.

For much more information about Black Bears, read a copy of the Forest Service publication Watchable Wildlife: The Black Bear

Bear Safety Tips - Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

A Forest for Everyone

Tremendous recreation opportunities abound across the varied landscapes of the Wasatch-Cache. Albion Basin boasts a magnificent display of rare and color wildflowers, spring, summer, and fall. Pineview Reservoir hosts an astounding 750,000 water-loving visitors annually. The High Uintas Wilderness Area offers a remote and refreshing escape from the congestion of urban & suburban life. Even though it's vast, the Forest's widespread appeal is not without consequence. Frequent visitation increasingly exerts pressure on wildlife habitat, watershed, and wilderness areas. Now, more than ever, public participation is crucial if we are to leave a healthy Forest for future generations.

Recreation & Healthy Forests

Recreation is by no means incompatible with a healthy forest. However, a thoughtful, proactive approach is essential. Several conservation education and restoration programs are already in place across the Wasatch-Cache. As the Forest Service carefully balances diverse recreation opportunities with conservation efforts, visitors are encouraged to learn more about forest ecosystems and tread lightly while recreating on land. Working together, we can safeguard the land and beauty of the Forest for many generations to come.