The Mountains of the Buffalo
Utah's Last Great Wilderness.Rising abruptly from the desert floor to over 11,000 feet, the Henry Mountains were the last mountain range to be mapped in the contiguous United States. They remain a rugged, high-altitude sanctuary for one of the only genetically pure bison herds in the country.
Explore the Henry Mountains in Utah
The Henry Mountains are a geological anomaly—a series of "laccoliths" where molten magma pushed upward but never quite broke through the earth’s crust. This unique birth created five massive, isolated peaks that tower over the surrounding red rock desert. Because of their extreme vertical rise and remote location, the "Henrys" offer a dramatic transition from scorched desert shrubland to cool sub-alpine forests of aspen and fir within a single afternoon’s drive.
This range is perhaps most famous for its residents: a free-roaming herd of American Bison. Descended from animals brought here in the 1940s, this herd is unique for being one of the few in existence that is both free-ranging and brucellosis-free. Between the wandering buffalo, the prehistoric fossils hidden in the foothills, and the sheer lack of crowds, the Henry Mountains represent the true, untamed spirit of the American West.
Curated Experiences
Into the Wild
Explore the final frontier of the American West.Things to do
The Henry Mountains are managed by the BLM and offer a "pure wilderness" experience with very little infrastructure.-
Wildlife Photography: Beyond the bison, the Henrys are home to massive mule deer, antelope, and mountain lions. The transition zones between the desert and the forest are prime spots for spotting wildlife at dawn.
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Backcountry Driving: The Bull Creek Pass Scenic Drive takes you to over 10,000 feet, offering one of the highest and most dramatic mountain passes in Utah accessible by vehicle.
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Geological Hunting: The foothills are a treasure trove for rockhounds; the area is well-known for producing high-quality petrified wood and jasper.
Know Before
You Go