Discover the Best Birding Spots in Utah
- Jordan
- Jun 9
- 8 min read
Utah is a birdwatcher's paradise, boasting a diverse range of habitats and a wide variety of bird species. From its large mountain ranges to its dry deserts, Utah has a robust bird list and 428 species have been documented in the state at the time of this blog. These are the top 10 birding locations in the state of Utah.
By Ken Lund. Timpanogos Cave National Monument, American Fork Canyon, Utah, CC BY-SA 2.0
Number 10 on our list takes to the Alpine Loop Road which travels between American Fork Canyon and Provo Canyon in Utah County. The Alpine Loop is approximately 27 miles and takes about 45 minutes to drive. It's a narrow road so one must be careful while rounding the corners. During the day there are plenty of trails one can park at and explore for birds such as Mountain Chickadees, Hairy Woodpeckers, etc. However, this place really comes to life at night. From late May to early August travelers of the Alpine Loop can take periodic stops along the route. This is one of the best places in the world to listen for Northern Saw-whet Owls and Flammulated Owls.
These two birds are incredibly difficult to find and the Alpine Loop provides some of the best opportunities to do so. Just remember to not disturb the owls by lingering too long or by spamming playback.
By Baileypalblue - Own work, Public Domain
Number 9 on this list takes us to the tiny ski town of Alta. You'll want to visit this hotspot from November to early May for the best results. Up at the feeders at the town offices just across from the ski resort one can find some of the most unique species on earth. These birds of course are a high-elevation finch species known as Rosy-finches.
There are two species of rosy-finch that regularly visit the feeders, Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches and Black Rosy-Finches. Both of these birds can be found reliably feeding on the bird seed throughout the Winter and is one of the easiest places in the world to find these birds. The feeders also support Clark's Nutcrackers, Steller's Jays, and Red-breasted Nuthatches. Just be aware that parking can be an issue during the skiing season. This is a spot you definitely don't want to miss! If you'd like to see the feeders in action watch these videos here.
At number 8 on our list we have a small nature center in Southern Utah in St. George. This is the best easily accessible hotspot in the Southern Part of the state. The park features a variety of habitats including forest, desert, and a small pond. Some of the main species you can find depending on the time of year are Abert's Towhees, Bewick's Wrens, Ladder-backed Woodpeckers, and if you're lucky Greater Roadrunners.
There is no fee for entry at this park and if you have family or kids with you there are playgrounds nearby as well as tennis courts. Because this hotspot is so far south, there are species here that you would struggle to find in the more Northern areas of the state. I have several videos featuring this park so check them out on this playlist here.
Sand Hollow State Park is also in the Southern end of the state just outside of St. George. Sand Hollow features incredible red sand and a large reservoir which attracts a large variety of water species. By itself this park is worth the visit, but you can also find Black-necked Stilts, Cinnamon Teal, and Long-billed Dowitchers.
As water is relatively unavailable in the Southern part of the state, Sand Hollow becomes a trap for vagrants. In fact, just last year in 2024, Sand Hollow was the site of Utah's first state record of Black-headed Gull, a European gull species way out of its range. The park is also a great location for swimming, picnicking, boating, and trail riding. It's more than worth a day trip!
Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge
Qfl247, CC BY-SA 3.0
Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge could arguably take up the number 1 spot on this list. However, it is really hard to get to and is far away from any city in the state. Fish Springs is found in the middle of Juab County and in the Great Basin Desert. Again, where there is water, there is also life. Fish Springs NWR features the largest species list of any hotspot in the state. To get there, you have to take a dirt road for quite a few miles so a high clearance vehicle is recommended. The roads can also get messy during the Winter so it's worth waiting for the snow to completely melt before making the long trek.
The refuge features a variety of different species including Canvasback, Long-billed Dowitchers, Northern Mockingbirds, and nesting Snowy Plovers. If you have the time and the resources, it's definitely worth making the trek out to the vagrant trap. You follow the historic Pony Express route and there are a few historical markers and buildings to see along the way. If you'd like to see my adventure at Fish Springs, check out this video here.
Farmington Bay Wildlife Management Area takes up the next slot on our list. It features large amounts of water and is a popular destination for Davis County Birders. Located just North of of the Great Salt Lake Farmington Bay features a wide variety of Utah's waterfowl.
Some of the main highlight birds you can find are Eared Grebes, Western Grebes, Bald Eagles, Sandhill Cranes, and Great Blue Herons. Vagrants also frequently show up and just in 2024 a Ruff appeared in one of the large bodies of water. Right next door is the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Wildlife Center which features a few walking paths and some smaller wetland ponds as well. The state of Utah just recently passed a bill making it a requirement to have a fishing or hunting license to utilize any WMA in the state so just keep that in mind if you do visit. I have several videos featuring this WMA and you can watch them here.
Utah Lake State Park is the hotspot I chose to feature on this list but virtually any hotspot along the lake is worth birding. A popular destination just outside the state park is Skipper Bay Trail. This 1-2 mile trail leads you along the edge of the lake and eventually to the Provo River Delta where you can find large amounts of birds.
Utah Lake State Park and the surrounding areas feature birds like Bald Eagles, Common Loons, Common Goldeneye, various swallow species, and Red-winged Blackbirds. If you have a scope it is definitely worth bringing, especially in the Winter when scoters and loons are present. You never know when a vagrant bird will show up! If you'd like to check out some of my adventures at Utah Lake, check out this playlist here.
Lytle Ranch Preserve can be found in the very Southwestern corner of the state. The closest city to the preserve is St. George and one must take a dirt road for about 10-15 miles to get there. I was able to make the journey just using a Honda Civic, but a higher clearance vehicle is recommended.
You'll want to pay attention while on the dirt road leading to the preserve. Along the way you can find specialty species such as Cactus Wren, Loggerhead Shrikes, Scott's Orioles, and Black-throated Sparrows. Some of these birds can only be found in this portion of the state. Once you arrive at the preserve there are a variety of unique species including Black-tailed Gnatcatchers (near the parking lot), Lucy's Warblers, Phainopepla, and Brown-crested Flycatcher. One can also find Hooded Oriole at the hummingbird feeders. Despite the distance, this spot is definitely worth the visit. Just remember the desert can get hot so pack extra water and sunscreen and go find those birds! If you'd like to watch my adventure at Lytle Ranch, check out this video here.
The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is by far the best birding spot in Northern Utah. It features a 12 mile drivable loop with pullouts for bird viewing. The large wetland area is absolutely full of birds at all times of the year.
During the Winter when the water freezes over, the refuge is the best place in the state of viewing swans, especially Tundra Swans. Bald Eagles stand on the frozen water, and a diverse set of duck species occupy the unfrozen areas. During the warmer months you can find Yellow-headed Blackbirds, a large variety of shorebirds, and lots of bugs. This is one of the best spots for building your Utah bird list so don't miss out! If you'd like to watch some of my videos featuring the BRMBR, check out this playlist right here.
If any of you know me personally, you know that I LOVE Antelope Island State Park. Not only is this one of the most unique places to visit in the state, but it is the best birding spot in the state. The island is found on the Northern end of the Great Salt Lake. It features a causeway that leads out to the main island. The causeway is just as important as the island is for birding so don't pass by it. It is important to pull over along the way to find thousands of shorebirds and ducks and dozens of unique species. During the Spring you can find hundreds of thousands of Eared Grebes on the water leading to the island.
On the island you can find a ton of amazing birds including Horned Larks, Loggerhead Shrikes, Sage Thrashers, and Burrowing Owls. At a few stops like Ladyfinger Point Trail you can find Sagebrush Sparrows at certain times of the year. Also make sure you visit Garr Ranch for one of the best vagrant bird traps in Utah. It features a small forested area where you can find a variety of species. Not only does the island have amazing birds, but it also features a robust lineup of mammals. American Bison roam the island in abundance as well as Pronghorn (antelope), Coyotes, and Bighorn Sheep. I've gotten upwards of 85 species in one visit during peak migration so you should definitely spend at least on of your excursions at Antelope Island. Check out this playlist of videos featuring some of my best adventures on the island here.
Thank you so much for reading through this blog. If you like what you see you can check out my birding exploration channel on YouTube called Bright-Eyed Birding. You can also check out my bird education channel on YouTube called Bright-Eyed Birding Learn. Both are listed below!
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