Pando, the Trembling Giant in Utah 2024

You've probably never thought that a forest can be a fake. Could you imagine the largest and the oldest root system in the world that creates clones of trees? This is not a fiction. It's a real living organism and it is found in Utah

Best time: September–October

Pando is a unique living organism, which is considered to be one of the oldest existing on our planet. It is a huge grove of quaking aspens, which formed an entire forest out of one single organism. All of the 47,000 stems found in the Fishlake National Forest in Utah are genetically identical and have an interconnected underground root system. The trees in the forests look like clones, which is quite fascinating. It's difficult to grasp how massive the Pando actually is. It covers an area of 103 acres (43 ha) and weighs around 6,000 tons. It is considered to be over 80,000 years old. All those trees are reproduced via a process of root spreading.

Pando Fall Foliage

The most spectacular time to observe the phenomenon is fall. Quaking aspens are known for their stunning golden fall foliage, which seems to brighten up the evergreens of the Fishlake National Forest. Because the forest sit on a mountainous terrain, the leaves change their color quite early in the season, starting from mid-September, The peak of fall colors can be witnessed in late September and early October.

Future of the Quaking Aspen Tree

The future of this unique giant plant is in danger. The stems suffer from droughts and pests, while the roots are under attack as well due to overgrazing by deer and elk. Pando stems usually wither after 110-150 years. If there are no new stems to replace the old ones, Pando can die due to a sudden withering and shrinking. Nowadays, extensive studies and monitoring programs are underway to protect the tree and to monitor the wildlife activity around it.

Location & Trails

The Pando Grove is located in the Fishlake National Forest in south-central Utah. The forest is home to the largest alpine lake in the Beehive state. Pando can be reached by traveling on Highway 25 southwest of the lake. The Fish Lake Scenic Byway is a great opportunity to witness both the lake and Pando, as well as embark on a hiking trip. The Fishlake Loop, which begins and ends at the Fish Lake Lodge, offers two hike variations, with the west part of the trail being easier and well-marked. The east section proves to be a challenge for some, with steep climbs and hilly terrain.

Fishlake National Forest

Named after Fish Lake, a beautiful mountain lake, Fishlake National Forest is worth staying around for, if you're in the area. Besides Pando, there's several other places to witness stunning fall foliage, including Johnson Valley Reservoir. This large body of water is also surrounded by beautiful aspen trees, reflecting in the lake. The Reservoir and Fish Lake are linked by a marked trail, so you can visit both landmarks in one day. Admission to the forest is free, however, some activities may require a permit, which can be purchased for a fee. The forest is open year-round, except for picnic areas and some facilities, which operate from 6 am until 10 pm.

Practical info

When is a good time to witness the yellow color of Pando?

Pando's clone trees are spectacularly yellow during fall, making September to October an ideal time to visit the area. Even though you can visit throughout the year, this period is when the vibrant colors of Pando are most visible, and it's truly amazing.

Which specific region of Utah is Pando located?

Pando is situated in the Fishlake National Forest, in south-central Utah. This living organism spans approximately 43 hectares and weighs over 6,000 tons. The unique interconnected root system of the genetically identical trees are found in this location that is open to the public for exploration.

How did Pando come to be and how ancient is this living organism?

Pando is one of earth's oldest living entity, more than 80,000 years old, and is the result of vegetative reproduction. The ancient root system generated new trees and stems and the identical trees in the entire forest are clones that share the same genetic material and are linked underground. The forest is unique from others that exist on earth due to this single massive organism.

What are the factors that threaten Pando’s existence?

A few challenges threaten the continued existence of Pando - the most significant of which is drought, causing leaves and stems to wither and shrink. Deer and elk overgrazing also affect the roots and increase the likelihood of older poles dying without the possibility for replacement. Sudden death can occur if new trees do not emerge, and it would be a massive loss to the environment considering the age and peculiarity of Pando.

Why is the autumn season the best time to observe Pando?

The autumn months are best for viewing Pando because the vibrant yellow of its leaves creates a breathtaking spectacle visible within the grove. The forest is an organism of magnitude and resilience, and a walk-through during this season is essential. It's an opportunity to witness Pando's unique root system, which has preserved it for an astonishing 80,000 years.

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