Bulletin No. 317 - Range Lands of Utah County and Their Utilization

Utah County, comprising about 1,394,760 acres, lies in the north central part of Utah immediately west of the precipitous Wasatch Mountains. These mountains, which occupy about the eastern half of the county, vary in elevation from 4,700 feet at the bench lands to 9,000 and 10,000 feet. Extreme elevations of 12,000 feet are found on the highest peaks. The western half of the county, although broken by small mountain ranges, is much more level, lower in elevation, and more arid. Whereas the mountainous eastern parts of the county are marked by higher precipitation and, consequently by relatively dense vegetation, mostly oak and aspen, the western half supports sparse vegetation, mostly sagebrush, juniper, or, in alkaline areas, saltbush