Wasatch Mountain State Park

Wasatch Mountain State Park Review

Wasatch Mountain State Park, a 22,000-acre preserve, is 3 mi from Heber City. Visitors enjoy a number of activities ranging from serene hikes along winding mountain trails to golfing at one of the two 36-hole golf courses. Children have their own fishing pond near the visitor center, which also provides parking places. During winter, hiking turns to snowshoeing, cross-country or backcountry skiing along Dutch Hollow, Snake Creek, or Pine Creek trails winding up through stands of gambel oak, aspen, and maple. Locals know the best time of year in the park is autumn when the mountainsides light up with deep crimson, ochre, and ruddy salmon-color leaves. On the southern end of the park is Soldier Hollow (2002 Olympic Dr. 435/654-2002. www.soldierhollow.com), venue for the 2002 Winter Olympic biathlon and cross-country events. Soldier Hollow is open to the public year-round for hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, tubing, snowshoeing, biathlon, and other events. The City Slicker trails cater to beginner and intermediate skiers who may find the Olympic course daunting. A beautiful lodge has food concessions, equipment rentals, and a souvenir shop.