The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

cougar © George Hansen

Open to the Public

Yes

Things To Do

Things to do View All

Plan Your Visit

Getting ready for your visit View All

Get Directions

Why You Should Visit
The upper half of Snake Creek Canyon consists of alpine forest, with steep granite cliffs at the top of a ridgeline reaching an elevation of 10,321 feet. Snake Creek, a perennial stream, runs through the southern edge of the property.

Location
Snake Creek Canyon is part of Wasatch Mountain State Park, near Midway, in Wasatch County, Utah.

Hours
Open year-round.

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
The last undeveloped Wasatch canyon near urban Salt Lake City and Provo, the upper reaches of this important wildlife area and open-space canyon were slated for ski area expansion and possible subdivision/development.

What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
Through the purhase of a collection of mining claims, this 732-acre habitat was preserved and was turned over to Wasatch Mountain State Park. The site boundaries of the Snake Creek purchase were created to encompass the canyon watershed, which serves Midway City, Heber City, Wasatch County and Salt Lake County. The canyon will be managed as a part of Wasatch Mountain State Park as undeveloped land for continued recreational use by the public.

Conservation Partner
Wasatch Mountain State Park   

Things To Do

What to See: Plants
Alpine forest with low-lying grasses and flowers, sage, oak brush, aspen, and coniferous trees.

What to See: Animals
Elk, deer, moose, bear, cougar, and pika. Possibly three-toed woodpecker, flammulated owl, and spotted frog.

Plan Your Visit

Conditions
Wasatch Mountain State Park is one of the most frequently visited parks in Utah. Visitors to the park enjoy hiking, skiing and snowmobiling. Use of the park is free of charge, except for the campground area, which is $3 per car per night. For more information, please contact Wasatch Mountain State Park at 1281 Warm Springs Drive, Midway, UT 84049, (801) 654-1791.

Directions

From Salt Lake City:

• Take I-80 east to U.S. 40 (exit 148), and drive south about 11 miles to Heber City.
• From Heber, follow State Road 113 west about 3 miles to the town of Midway.
• When this road ends on the west side of town, turn north to pick up State Road 220.
• This road heads west briefly, then runs north for about 1.5 miles to the Visitor Center before becoming National Forest Road 085, an improved dirt road suitable for passenger cars.
• After about 2.5 miles you will be entering the Snake Creek Canyon parcel.

Discussion

Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.

Add Your Comments

Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!

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