Definition
Daniels Pass is a mountain pass situated in the Wasatch Range of north‑central Utah, United States. The pass is traversed by U.S. Route 189, providing a vehicular corridor between the Heber Valley and the Wasatch‑Cache National Forest region.
Overview
The pass lies within Summit County, approximately midway between the towns of Heber City and Midway. It serves as a seasonal transportation route for local residents, tourists, and commercial traffic traveling between the inter‑mountain west and the Wasatch‑mountain communities. The surrounding area is characterized by typical Wasatch‑Range alpine terrain, including coniferous forests, granite outcrops, and seasonal snowpack.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Daniels Pass” is believed to derive from an early settler or prospector surnamed Daniel (or Daniels) who was active in the region during the mid‑19th century settlement of the Heber Valley. Precise historical documentation of the naming is not available, and the exact individual for whom the pass was named has not been definitively identified.
Characteristics
- Elevation: The pass’s summit elevation is reported to be roughly 8,100 feet (≈2,470 m) above sea level, though exact figures vary among sources.
- Climate: Daniels Pass experiences a high‑elevation continental climate, with cold, snow‑laden winters and mild summers. Snow typically persists on the roadway into late spring, necessitating seasonal snow‑removal operations.
- Transportation: U.S. Route 189 is the primary paved roadway crossing the pass. The route is maintained by the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), which monitors conditions and provides winter grooming and de‑icing.
- Recreation and Ecology: The vicinity of Daniels Pass provides access to outdoor recreation such as hiking, mountain biking, and back‑country skiing. The flora consists mainly of subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce, and lodgepole pine, while fauna includes mule deer, elk, and various bird species typical of the Wasatch alpine environment.
Related Topics
- U.S. Route 189 – the highway that traverses Daniels Pass.
- Wasatch Range – the mountain range that contains the pass.
- Summit County, Utah – the administrative jurisdiction encompassing the pass.
- Mountain passes of the United States – broader category of similar geographic features.
Note: While Daniels Pass is recognized in regional maps and transportation documents, detailed historical records about its naming and precise topographic measurements are limited. Accurate information on certain specifics, such as the exact elevation and the identity of the eponymous individual, is not fully confirmed.