Wasatch

The Wasatch is a prominent mountain system in Utah, comprising the Wasatch Range and related foothill regions. The name derives from a Ute term, commonly interpreted as meaning mountain pass or a related topographic description.

The Wasatch Range runs roughly north-south along the eastern edge of Utah's Great Basin, forming the backbone of much of northern and central Utah and defining the Wasatch Front, the populous corridor that includes Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Provo. The crest reaches notable elevations, including Mount Nebo at about 11,928 feet (3,637 meters).

Geology: The range is a fault-block formation created by the Wasatch Fault, part of the Basin and Range Province. Uplifted blocks and normal faulting produced steep peaks and extensive canyons, with a mix of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.

Recreation and places: The range features canyon corridors such as Big Cottonwood and Little Cottonwood, hosting ski resorts including Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, and Solitude, along with hiking, rock climbing, and winter sports. The Wasatch Front area encompasses major cities and serves as Utah's primary population center.

Management and water resources: Much of the mountains lie within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest and related public lands. The range and its canyons provide critical water resources and habitat for wildlife, shaping both regional climate and outdoor recreation.