Wildcat Mountain (Utah) facts for kids

Wildcat Mountain is a peak in Utah, a state in the western United States. It's about 52 miles west of Tooele. This mountain is over 5,200 feet tall. Long ago, during the Cold War, it was near a special practice area. This area was used for training with planes.

Wildcat Mountain: A Look Back

This mountain holds a unique piece of history. It shows how countries prepared during a time called the Cold War. The Cold War was a period of tension. It was between the United States and the Soviet Union. This time lasted from the end of World War II until about 1991. Both sides built up their armies. They also practiced for possible conflicts.

What is Wildcat Mountain?

Wildcat Mountain is a tall natural landmark. It stands in the northern part of Utah. The mountain is quite high, reaching more than 5,200 feet. It is located far from big cities. This makes it a quiet and remote place.

A Secret Airfield's Past

At the base of Wildcat Mountain, there's a hidden secret. You can see what looks like a small airport. This wasn't a real airport for passengers. It was built to look like one. It helped pilots practice their skills.

What Can You See There?

This mock airfield has a main runway. It also has a taxiway. These are paths for planes. You can see special parking spots. These are called hardstands. Several old, broken-down planes are visible. These include types like the T-37 and Mig 29. There are also Mig 21 and Phantom II planes. Many of the Phantom planes are quite damaged. They are found at the north end of the runway. The area around this airport shows signs of impacts. These impacts are from practice munitions.

Why Was It Used?

This area was a "bombing target field." It was used during the Cold War. Pilots would fly over and practice hitting targets. They used fake bombs or special training rounds. This helped them get ready for real missions. It was a way to train without causing actual damage.

Exploring the Area

You can look at this area from above. Satellite views are available online. Tools like Google Earth and Bing Maps show it clearly. It's a fascinating reminder of the Cold War. The area might even still be used for training. If you look east towards a place called Dugway, you'll see more target areas. These areas also show many signs of past training.