Utah’s Pando Is One Of The Oldest Living Things In America
Pando, located in Fishlake National Forest, is the world's heaviest and one of the oldest living organisms, facing threats from root rot and bark beetles.
Tucked away in the Fishlake National Forest, Pando might look like any other grove of trees, but it's actually a unique organism, and well-known around the world. It's thought to be the heaviest living thing on the planet, and one of the oldest as well.
Pando is clustered over 140 acres in the Fishlake National Forest. You'll find it nestled in the foothills of the Fremont River Ranger District.
Scientists estimate that Pando weighs around 13 million pounds, which makes it the world's heaviest organism. It's also one of the oldest living organisms on the planet.
It's difficult to determine just how old the root system of this aspen grove is, but estimates range from 10,000 years to 80,000 years. It's certainly the oldest living organism in America, and one of the oldest in the entire world.
Though Pando has survived for thousands of years, it might not be around for very long. The organism suffers from root rot, and bark beetles are attacking it. Deer and other mammals graze on the young upshoots, killing them. Pando is not regenerating at its normal rate, and could die off completely.
The Forest Service and scientists from around the world are working to to restore Pando. When you visit, you'll find some sections of the grove fenced off. These research plots help us learn more about Pando, and how to help it survive.
Fall is a great time to get a look at Pando. Its beautiful golden and orange leaves turn the Fish Lake Basin into a vibrant, colorful landscape.
Learn more about Pando on the U.S. Forest Service's website. Have you visited this beautiful natural wonder? If so, we'd love to hear about your trip and see your photos!
Fall in Utah is magical. Destinations like Guardsman Pass, Little Cottonwood Canyon, and the Alpine Scenic Loop come alive with vibrant fall foliage. And while these destinations are certainly bucket-list-worthy, there are many other destinations that should not be overlooked during this time of year. Duck Creek Village in southern Utah is one of these spots. While popular in the summer, in the fall you can enjoy peace, quiet, and some of the most beautiful fall foliage in Utah.
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Duck Creek Village is a small community that sits right off Utah Scenic Highway 14 in southern Utah. It is tucked away in the Dixie National Forest.
Duck Creek is an outdoor lover’s paradise with many activities for the entire family. I recommend one of the many hiking trails in the area to capture fall foliage views.
Don’t forget to visit Mammoth Cave, which is actually one of the largest lava tubes in Utah. There are more than 2,200 feet of passages and scientists believe the lava is only a few thousand years old.
Plus, Duck Creek Village is also home to all types of charming vacation rentals where you can stay and truly immerse yourself in the vibrant fall foliage.
This gorgeous A-frame cabin is tucked away in the trees. It features three bedrooms and two bathrooms and is perfect for a fall getaway with the entire family in mind.
Duck Creek Village is also just a short drive from other destinations like Cedar Breaks National Monument, Navajo Lake, Zion National Park, and more.
Have you ever spent time at Duck Creek Village? What did you do during your stay? Let us know in the comments! Visit the official Duck Creek Village website for additional information.
If you plan to hike or spend time outdoors while in this southern Utah area, make sure you are prepared. Check out our ultimate hiking list, featuring 75 must-have hiking accessories.
Where & When To See Fall Foliage In Utah
If you are like me, viewing the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows on the trees is one of my favorite things about the autumn months. But, where can you find the best fall foliage in Utah? The following are just a few of my favorite places in Utah to view fall foliage:
When is fall foliage expected to peak? When should you visit the above destinations? Well, typically, by the first week in October, you will notice the leaves changing colors in northern Utah. Keep in mind that peak fall foliage does not last long in Utah and by the middle of October, you may find you are too late to really enjoy the vibrant fall colors. Fortunately, southern Utah tends to change colors later in the month and these colors will slowly fade away by the middle of November.
Know Before You Go
Duck Creek Village is a popular year-round destination. It is particularly busy in the summer months with the abundance of outdoor activities all around. However, there is nothing quite like the fall as you’ll encounter fewer crowds and gorgeous views. You’ll also find a number of cabins rentals available including this mountain retreat with a hot tub. What could be better than a relaxing soak while surrounded by fall foliage?
And when you are hungry, there are also plenty of delicious places to eat from homestyle plates to tasty pizza. Just make sure to check the restaurant’s hours before you visit as they may be limited due to the season.
Utah has many unique features that set it apart from other states in the country. For example, we are home to the Mighty 5 – some of the most popular national parks in America. We also are home to one of the largest collections of dinosaur bones in the world and also, one of the world’s largest concentrations of natural arches. But, there is one more unique fact that often gets overlooked — Utah is the only state in America where each county contains part of a national forest.
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Did you know that approximately 28 percent (or 15 million acres) of Utah’s land is comprised of forests?
In Utah, you will find six national forests. These include Dixie, Fishlake, Manti-LaSal, Uinta, Ashley, and Wasatch National Forest.
While we love the beauty that the forests bring to the Beehive State, these areas are also where recreational opportunities really shine. Dixie National Forest is one of the largest national forests in Utah. Here, you will find nearly two dozen campgrounds including my personal favorite — Posey Lake Campground.
Not far from Escalante, this hidden gem camping spot is next to a small lake and is one of the least touristy places in southern Utah. During a visit, fish, float, or hike the Posey Lake Overlook Trail.
And speaking of hikes … there is nothing quite like the hikes you will find in Utah’s forests. The Wasatch-Cache National Forest is 2.5 million acres and is near Salt Lake City. Here, you will find many popular hiking trails including Stewart Falls, one of the best waterfall hikes in Utah.
This state park is located in Fishlake National Forest and is where you can step back in time to view artifacts and petroglyphs created by the Fremont Indians more than 1,000 years ago.
It’s easy to take for granted Utah’s national forests but when you think about all they offer, they quickly become a favorite part of our great state.
For more information about each of Utah's national forests, visit the U.S. Forest Service website. And if you do plan to spend time outside on a camping, hiking, or even stargazing trip, visit REI or Backcountry for all necessary gear.
