Altamont, Utah
Altamont is a small town in Duchesne County, with a population of just over 200, located along State Route 87, it's the hub of the Upper Country. Established in 1936 as a centralized location for a new high school, the town’s name combines those of nearby Altonah and Mount Emmons.
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Community Facts
- County: Duchesne
- Coordinates: 40.3593, -110.2863
- Elevation: 6,388 ft.
- Population: 239
- Area Code: 435
- Telephone Exchange: 454
- ZIP Code: 84001
Gardening Info
- Hardiness Zone: 5b
- Average Last Spring Freeze: June 1
- Average First Fall Freeze: Sept. 22
- Average Freeze-Free Days: 113.2
Gardening Notes
Soil in the town of Altamont is gravelly loam to clay loam with hardpan typically 2-3 ½ feet down. The hardpan limits root depth and plant water uptake. The gravelly soil, low precipitation and hardpan make available soil moisture very low. The soil's high calcium carbonate content (up to 35-65%) makes it alkaline. Some soils in the area are slightly to moderately saline.
Community Life
Altamont is the commercial, religious and educational center of the Upper Country communities of Altonah, Boneta, Bluebell, Mount Emmons, Mountain Home, Talmage and Upalco.
Businesses & Services
Upper Country Market is a grocery store with hardware and sporting goods sections. It features a hot and cold case deli and hosts a branch of Mountain America Credit Union inside. Trent's Grill serves burgers, fries, drinks, ice cream and more. Altamont Theatre is a recently renovated movie theater showing classic movies, plays and holding classes and other events.
Country Flair is a western-themed clothing boutique focused on women's clothing. The town is also home to two hair salons, which also host boutiques: Branded Boutique and Salon and Tumbleweed Salon. There is a Sinclair gas station in town. Altamont Motel is a small hotel with rooms containing kitchenettes.
Churches
Altamont is home to the Altamont Stake Center, which serves the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in surrounding communities. The stake center also hosts a small family history center. A seminary building serves the students of the high school.
Schools
Altamont Elementary School serves grades K-6. A new elementary school is being built to replace the current one. Altamont High School serves grades 7-12. It was rebuilt in 2012.
Community Resources & Public Services
Government & Emergency Services
The Town of Altamont has a mayor and town council. It’s served by the Upper Community Recreation District and the Upper Country Water Improvement District. Law enforcement is provided by the Duchesne County Sheriff’s Office, and the town has its own fire department.
Healthcare
Altamont is home to a small medical clinic, with limited hours, operated by Uintah Basin Healthcare.
Parks & Recreation
Altamont’s park features a playground, ball diamonds, outdoor basketball courts, a pavilion and restrooms. The town also has a rodeo arena and cemetery, both located off State Route 87 just west of town. Longhorn Days, in late July, is Altamont's biggest annual celebration, with a parade, pageant and week of activities.
The Altamont War Veterans Memorial honors those from the area who’ve served in the military. The memorial is located in front of Altamont High.
Library
The Duchesne County Library has offsite library nights in Altamont. There’s also a drop box for the library at the Upper Country Market.