Bald eagles travel south to Utah in the colder months in search of open water and reliable food sources. As temperatures drop farther north, rivers, reservoirs and fish hatcheries in Sanpete County become ideal winter habitat. Wildlife officials say hundreds of bald eagles can be found across the state during peak winter months, with several reliable viewing locations right here in central Utah.

One of the most consistent places to see bald eagles in Sanpete County is along West Side Road south of Fountain Green. Eagles are often spotted perched in large cottonwood trees roughly 3.7 miles south of the Fountain Green State Fish Hatchery, where a pull-off allows safe viewing. Bald eagles can also frequently be seen farther south along West Side Road toward Wales and near Wales Reservoir, especially during colder mornings.

Another well-known area for eagle sightings is along the San Pitch River near Mount Pleasant, particularly in large cottonwood trees with dead snags near 8250 East and 20500 North. These tall trees provide ideal perches where eagles can scan the river corridor for fish and waterfowl.

“Bald eagles are iconic birds, and it is always exciting to see them in the wild,” said Adam Kavalunas, Southern Region outreach manager for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. “They can fly up to 30 miles per hour, and when diving, they can reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. They also have a wingspan of roughly 6 to 7 feet.”

Wildlife biologists encourage eagle watchers to bring binoculars or spotting scopes to better view the birds without disturbing them. Eagles are often seen resting quietly in trees, sometimes for hours at a time, conserving energy during cold weather.

While Sanpete County offers some of the best central Utah viewing opportunities, bald eagles are also frequently seen around Utah Lake, along portions of the Provo River, and near nearby reservoirs such as Deer Creek and Jordanelle. However, local officials note that Sanpete’s quieter back roads and river corridors often provide a more peaceful viewing experience.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources reminds residents to view wildlife responsibly. Observers should stay on public roads and property, avoid trespassing on private land, and never approach eagles on foot. If viewing from a vehicle, drivers should pull completely off the road and avoid stopping in traffic.

Bald eagles were once endangered, but conservation efforts have helped their populations rebound across the West. Their regular winter presence in Sanpete County is a visible reminder of that success — and a unique opportunity for residents to see one of the nation’s most powerful symbols in its natural setting.

With February offering peak viewing conditions, wildlife officials say now is the perfect time for residents to keep an eye on riverbanks, reservoirs and tall cottonwoods. A slow drive through the countryside on a clear winter morning may reward patient observers with a glimpse of Utah’s wintering bald eagles soaring overhead or perched against the winter sky.