Wasatch Mountain State Park
A scenic mountain park offering vibrant fall colors, challenging golf, and diverse trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak fall foliage
Wasatch Mountain State Park
Best Time
Peak fall foliage
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic mountain park offering vibrant fall colors, challenging golf, and diverse trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
"This is an absolutely gorgeous park that has some of the best fall colors in the state."
🚗 Guardsman Pass Drive
Go early for the best fall colors and fewer cars on this popular scenic route.
🥾 Trail Etiquette
Be mindful of other hikers and bikers. Pack out everything you pack in to keep trails pristine.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Guardsman Pass Scenic Drive
Park Entrance to Guardsman Pass
A breathtaking drive showcasing vibrant fall colors, especially in early October. A must-do for scenic views.
WOW Trail
Various trailheads
An iconic hiking and biking trail, often done as a shuttle. Offers challenging terrain and rewarding views.
Lakes Course Golf
Golf Course
A challenging and well-maintained 18-hole golf course with stunning mountain backdrops and water hazards.
Cecret Lake
Alta, Utah (nearby access)
A crystal-clear alpine lake offering a short, easy hike and mirror-like reflections of the surrounding peaks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Fall Foliage Visit
Park Entry Fees & Passes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Guardsman Pass Drive
Go early for the best fall colors and fewer cars on this popular scenic route.
🥾 Trail Etiquette
Be mindful of other hikers and bikers. Pack out everything you pack in to keep trails pristine.
💰 Park Entry Fee
A $10 fee applies for parking. Consider an annual pass if you visit Utah State Parks often.
🐝 Bee Repellent
If camping in summer, bring bee spray as they can be prevalent.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Guardsman Pass Drive
Go early for the best fall colors and fewer cars on this popular scenic route.
🥾 Trail Etiquette
Be mindful of other hikers and bikers. Pack out everything you pack in to keep trails pristine.
💰 Park Entry Fee
A $10 fee applies for parking. Consider an annual pass if you visit Utah State Parks often.
🐝 Bee Repellent
If camping in summer, bring bee spray as they can be prevalent.
📸 Capture the Colors
Visit during peak fall foliage for vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Wasatch Mountain State Park, particularly its stunning fall foliage, which is considered among the best in Utah. The park's golf courses, especially the Lakes Course, receive high praise for their maintenance and challenging play. Campers note the well-equipped sites but mention dusty conditions and summer bees.
"This is an absolutely gorgeous park that has some of the best fall colors in the state. It has a rare combination of brilliant red’s yellows and oranges during the peak leaf season.
It also has an amazing hiking and biking trail that is iconic that is typically done as a shuttle from the bottom up to the top and then take it going back down to the bottom. The trail is appropriately called the “WOW” trail.
There is a small lake and visitor center with bathrooms at the bottom as well as a good size parking lot with bathrooms at the top"
Randle Likes
"Played 18 holes at their Lakes course and was thoroughly impressed with all of the experience.
Golf Course(s) = diverse, challenging, rewards quality shots while punishing bad ones. All Par 3’s have water as a forced carry.
Staff = knowledgeable, friendly, seem to really enjoy their jobs.
Amenities = new carts, stunning driving range
Cost = pricey for public course, but once you play you’ll understand why they can charge $60-80 per round. 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽"
Edward Waldron
"Very beautiful golf course! Very well maintained and so clean and pretty! One of the most pretty in all of Utah if not the prettiest. Highly recommend you experience this course. And the clubhouse is very nice as well with a cafe and gear shop."
Slowstroll
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wasatch Mountain State Park is accessible via Highway 40. From Salt Lake City, take US-189 S to US-40 E towards Heber City. The park entrance is well-marked. Guardsman Pass is another scenic route, though it can be busy during peak seasons.
Yes, it's a relatively short drive from Salt Lake City, typically around 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes depending on traffic and your specific destination within the park.
The park has multiple access points, including the main entrance off Highway 40 near Midway and access points for specific trailheads and campgrounds. Guardsman Pass also offers a scenic entry.
Public transportation options are limited for reaching Wasatch Mountain State Park directly. It is best accessed by private vehicle.
Yes, depending on whether you're heading to the golf courses, campgrounds, or specific trailheads, there are various entry points and internal roads within the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a $10 fee for parking within the park if you plan to hike, bike, or picnic. Driving through or having an annual Utah State Park pass waives this fee.
Tickets are not typically required for general park entry. However, if you plan to camp or use group sites, reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.
The park is generally open year-round, but specific facilities like campgrounds and visitor centers may have seasonal hours. It's always best to check the official Utah State Parks website for the most current information.
An annual Utah State Park pass provides access to all state parks and can be a cost-effective option for frequent visitors.
Yes, if you are simply driving through the park and not stopping to park for activities, you generally do not need to pay the day-use fee.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The 'WOW' Trail is a popular choice for both hiking and biking, often done as a shuttle. For easier access, consider trails around the campgrounds or the short hike to Cecret Lake (nearby).
Absolutely! Wasatch Mountain State Park is renowned for its spectacular fall foliage, with vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges. Late September to early October is typically peak season.
Activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, disc golf, and two golf courses. In winter, it offers opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
While there isn't a swimming hole within walking distance of the campgrounds, visitors can access Deer Creek Reservoir or local fishing spots for wading. Cecret Lake is a beautiful, clear alpine lake nearby.
Yes, Wasatch Mountain State Park is generally dog-friendly, but always keep your pets on a leash and clean up after them.
🎫 ⛳ Golf & Recreation
The park features two golf courses: The Lakes Course and The Mountain Course. The Lakes Course is known for its challenging holes with water hazards and is highly rated for its maintenance and beauty.
Golf fees can be pricey, typically ranging from $60-$80 per round, reflecting the quality of the courses and amenities. It's recommended to book tee times in advance.
Yes, Wasatch Mountain State Park offers trails suitable for horseback riding, making it a great destination for equestrian enthusiasts.
During winter, the park transforms into a winter wonderland, offering opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on its trails.
Yes, there is a visitor center located at the bottom of the park, which can provide information and maps for your visit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing plenty of snacks and water, as amenities can be spread out. The park's open spaces are great for picnics, and the general atmosphere is relaxed. While there's no swimming hole directly in the park, nearby reservoirs offer opportunities for water play.
🚗 Day-Trippers
💰 Budget Travelers
Alternatively, focus on activities that don't require extensive fees, such as scenic drives or shorter hikes accessible from pull-offs. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Chasing Fall Colors in Wasatch Mountain State Park
+1To catch the peak colors, plan your visit for late September to early October. Weekdays are highly recommended to avoid the crowds that flock to this natural spectacle. Early morning light often provides the most magical photographic opportunities, with the sun illuminating the leaves in a golden glow.
+1Beyond the scenic drives, many hiking trails offer immersive fall color experiences. Trails like the WOW Trail wind through aspen groves, allowing you to walk amongst the turning leaves. Remember to check local foliage reports for the most up-to-date information on peak color timing.
Hiking and Biking the WOW Trail
While the WOW Trail is a highlight, the park offers a network of other trails catering to various skill levels. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, trails around the campgrounds or the short, accessible path to Cecret Lake (a nearby gem) provide beautiful scenery without extreme exertion.
When exploring the trails, it's crucial to practice Leave No Trace principles. This means packing out all trash, staying on marked paths to prevent erosion, and being respectful of wildlife. The park's popularity means that adhering to these guidelines helps preserve its natural splendor for future visitors.
Golfing at the Lakes Course
Reviewers consistently praise the course for its beauty and the quality of its greens and fairways. While the green fees can be on the higher side, many visitors feel the experience justifies the cost, citing the challenging yet fair design and the overall pleasant atmosphere. The clubhouse amenities, including a cafe and gear shop, add to the premium experience.
Booking tee times in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak golf seasons, to secure your preferred slot. The course is designed to reward good shots while penalizing errant ones, making it an engaging round for golfers of all skill levels looking for a memorable day on the links.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit