History

Wasatch Mountain State Park

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Wasatch Mountain State Park is a nearly 23,000-acre preserve, which was set aside by the state in 1961.

The park provides year-round recreation, including camping, picnicking, hiking, mountain biking, golf, off-highway vehicle and horseback riding. Park facilities include 122 camping/picnicking areas, modern restrooms, hot showers and utility hookups, 2 cabins, and five overnight group areas. The primitive Little Deer Creek campground offers 16 small tent/trail sites and 1 group site limited to a maximum of 25 people. Little Deer Creek is popular for off-road enthusiasts. All camping is closed during winter months.

Wasatch Mountain State Park was the proud host of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games at Soldier Hollow. The venue remains open to the public year-round with a variety of activities and events. Soldier Hollow offers cross-country skiing, tubing, summer and winter biathlon, in-line skating facilities, and more.

The park offers two historic areas, Historic Tate Barn and Huber Grove. Tate Barn stands as a sentry at the southern end of the park. It is an important architectural landmark and a symbol for the Heber Valley. Visitors may also enjoy the Huber Grove, which features the Huber Farmhouse and Creamery.

The Early Settlers and Huber Grove

In the late 1800s, courageous pioneers ventured into the untamed beauty of Wasatch Mountain State Park and Huber Grove, seeking a new life amidst the rugged landscapes. Driven by the promise of fertile soil and abundant resources, these early settlers faced the daunting task of establishing homes and communities in the midst of nature’s challenges.

A small brick cottage on grass with green in the background.

Huber Grove, with its thriving orchards, became a lifeline for these pioneers, providing not just food but also a symbol of their resilience in adapting to the mountainous environment. Through harsh winters and hard work, families carved out a living, creating a close-knit community that withstood the test of time.

Today, the remnants of these early settlements stand as a living history, telling the story of the determined individuals who shaped the foundations of Wasatch Mountain State Park and Huber Grove, contributing to the enduring legacy of Utah’s past. For a deeper exploration of this history, consider visiting the area and discovering more about the settlers with this link.

Opened to the public as a state park in 1968.
Park Acreage – 21,592
Park Elevation – 5,900 ft