WASATCH RANGE

segment of the south-central Rocky Mountains, extending southward for about 250 miles (400 km), from the bend of the Bear River in southeastern Idaho, U.S., to beyond Mount Nebo, near Nephi in north-central Utah. It lies east of Great Salt Lake and Salt Lake City and includes the Bear River Range at the northern end. South and east of Salt Lake City are many peaks that surpass 11,000 feet (3,400 m), including Mount Timpanogos (12,008 feet ), the highest point in the Wasatch. The mountains tower more than 6,000 feet (1,830 m) above the lake valley immediately to their west. The Mormons, present in the valley since 1847, used the mountain streams for irrigation. A headstream region for the Ogden River, the range embraces parts of the Cache, Uinta, and Wasatch national forests and the Timpanogos Cave National Monument. Mining and tourism are the main economic activities.