Hierarchical and geographic relationships that define theWasatch Back region.
Internal
Defines key natural and geomorphic features that structure the region.
Salt Lake Valley
Salt Lake Valley is the flat, sediment-filled basin around Salt Lake and Salt Lake City. It serves as the region's economic, cultural, and transportation hub.
Great Salt Lake
Great Salt Lake is a massive, endorheic terminal lake known for its high salinity, unique ecosystem, and as a migratory stop for birds.
Basedow Butte
Basedow Butte is a distinctive volcanic peak or mesa visible from the valley, offering local prominence and talus slopes.
Wasatch Mountains
The Wasatch Mountains run north-south along the eastern side of the Salt Lake Valley, defining regional climate, recreation, and access routes.
Nearby
Lists major nearby towns and cities that provide services and gateways to the region.
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is the metropolitan hub for the region, offering cultural attractions, transportation hubs, and urban amenities.
Provo
Provo is a cultural and educational center powered by BYU, with access to hiking, river recreation, and trail networks.
Lehi
Lehi is a fast-growing suburban community bridging the Salt Lake Valley and the slower-paced gains of the Point of the Mountain region.
Snyderville Basin
Snyderville Basin encompasses ski resorts like Deer Valley and Park City, plus affluent neighborhoods and mountain access points.
Bordering
Defines larger regional contexts and adjacent geographic domains.
Colorado Plateau High Plains
Colorado Plateau High Plains are the dry, windswept regions beyond the mountain front, characterized by sagebrush, deserts, and layered geology.
Rocky Mountains
The Rocky Mountains are the broader continental spine, influencing climate, ecology, and long-distance travel across western North America.
Great Basin
Great Basin is the expansive, drainaged-induced basin region characterized by basin-and-range topography, high deserts, and xeric ecosystems.
