Wasatch Mountains facts for kids
The Wasatch Range is a long mountain range in the western United States. It stretches for about 160 miles (257 km) from the Utah- Idaho border, going south through central Utah. These mountains are a very important part of Utah's landscape and history.
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What is the Wasatch Range?
The Wasatch Range is part of the larger Rocky Mountains system. It forms the western edge of the Wasatch Front, which is where most of Utah's people live. Many big cities like Salt Lake City, Provo, and Ogden are located right at the base of these mountains.
How were the Wasatch Mountains formed?
The Wasatch Range was formed by a process called faulting. This means that large blocks of the Earth's crust moved along cracks called faults. The mountains were pushed up, while the valleys next to them dropped down. This created the tall, steep mountains we see today. The main fault line is called the Wasatch Fault.
Exploring the Wasatch Range
The Wasatch Mountains are a popular place for outdoor activities all year round.
Winter sports in the Wasatch
In winter, the mountains get a lot of snow, making them perfect for skiing and snowboarding. There are many famous ski resorts here, including:
- Alta Ski Area
- Snowbird
- Park City
- Deer Valley
- Sundance
Summer adventures in the Wasatch
When the snow melts, the mountains become a great place for hiking, mountain biking, and camping. There are many trails that lead to beautiful lakes, forests, and viewpoints. People also enjoy rock climbing and fishing in the mountain streams.
Wildlife and nature
The Wasatch Range is home to many different plants and animals.
Animals of the Wasatch
You might see animals like:
- Mule deer
- Elk
- Moose
- Black bear
- Cougar (also known as mountain lion)
- Many types of birds, including eagles and hawks
Plants of the Wasatch
The lower parts of the mountains have oak and maple trees. Higher up, you'll find pine, fir, and spruce forests. In the spring and summer, wildflowers bloom, adding bright colors to the landscape.
Important peaks in the Wasatch Range
Some of the most well-known peaks in the Wasatch Range include:
- Mount Nebo: The highest peak, standing at 11,928 feet (3,636 m).
- Mount Timpanogos: A very recognizable peak near Provo, popular for hiking.
- Mount Olympus: A prominent mountain visible from Salt Lake City.
Images for kids
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Mount Olympus, a prominent and recognizable mountain visible from much of the Salt Lake Valley, August 2005
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The Wasatch Mountains in the fall, September 2003
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Wasatch Plateau geologic cross section
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The Wasatch Range viewed from Jordan Campus of Salt Lake Community College, March 2006
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The western United States with the Wasatch Range outlined in red.
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Alta ski resort in Little Cottonwood Canyon, February 2009
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Squaw Mountain over Rock Canyon at sunset as seen from the campus of Brigham Young University in Provo, August 2012.
