Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forests

Recreational Activities

The Uinta and Wasatch-Cache are now being administered under one unit, the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. The web site is also undergoing some major changes. For now access the individual forest recreation activities in the navigation bar located on the left or select one of the following.

Uinta Recreation Activities | Wasatch-Cache Recreation Activities

Most National Forest System lands are open, free of charge for your use and enjoyment. Entrance and user fees may be charged at some areas. Some of the areas are operated by private concessionaires under special use permits issued by the Forest Service. Please practice Safety and Leave No Trace to make your visit safe and enjoyable while protecting resources we all enjoy.

Other things you may need to know:

• Avalanche Conditions
• Watershed
• Forest Rules and Regulations
• Fire Prevention

Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act 2008 Accomplishment Reports

The Act provides agencies with recreation fee authority for 10 years, which will allow the agencies to make improvements and provide additional services to forest visitors.

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