Community Guide

Altamont, Utah

Altamont is a small town in Duchesne County, with a population of just over 200. It sits along State Route 87 and serves as the hub of the Upper Country. Established as a centralized location for a new high school in 1935, the town’s name combines those of nearby Altonah and Mount Emmons.

Altamont, Utah Main Street with a cafe, church and supermarket.
Altamont Main Street.

Community Facts

  • County: Duchesne
  • Coordinates: 40.3593, -110.2863
  • Elevation: 6,388 ft.
  • Population: 239
  • Area Code: 435
  • Telephone Exchanges: 454, 408
  • ZIP Code: 84001

Post Office

Map

Gardening Info

  • Hardiness Zone: 5b
  • Annual Precipitation: 9.98 in.
  • Average Last Spring Freeze: June 1
  • Average First Fall Freeze: Sept. 22
  • Average Freeze-Free Days: 113.6

1991-2020 precip. normals,
1953-2025 avg. freeze dates

Gardening Notes

Altamont has two soil complex groupings: (1) Bluehon-Lapoint-Hazmaz: a loam to sandy-loam soil mix and (2) Lapoint-Pointla: a mix of loam to clay-loam. These soils drain well, except for the clay-heavy Pointla, which drains somewhat poorly, has a shallow water table (1-3 ft.) and slight to moderate salinity. All of Altamont's subsoil is gravelly with hardpan at 2-4¼ ft., resulting in low water availability. The hardpan also limits root depth for trees and shrubs. The town's soil is alkaline with high calcium carbonate (35-65%). The growing season is relatively short and precipitation low.

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, along with Arcadia.

Businesses & Services

Upper Country Market is a grocery store with hardware and sporting goods sections. The store features a hot and cold case deli for grab-and-go meals. It also hosts a branch of Mountain America Credit Union, open three days a week. The only gas station in town is Swasey's Other Place, a Sinclair station.

Trent's Grill serves burgers, fries, drinks, ice cream and more. The Bluebell Store & Grille, another nearby dining option, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Altamont Motel is a small hotel with rooms containing kitchenettes. The Mountain Home Lodge and Falcon's Ledge offer additional lodging options close to Altamont.

Altamont Theatre is a recently renovated movie theater showing classic movies and holding plays, classes and other events. Country Flair is a western-themed clothing boutique focused on women's clothing. Altamont is also home to Branded Boutique and Salon a hair salon that carries women's clothing.

Churches

Altamont is home to the Altamont Stake Center, which serves the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Altamont and surrounding communities. The stake center also hosts a family history center. A seminary building serves the high school's Latter-day Saint students.

Healthcare

Altamont is home to a small medical clinic, with limited hours, operated by Uintah Basin Healthcare. Hospital, emergency and other medical services are available in Roosevelt, 18 miles away.

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. The schools belong to the Duchesne County School District.

Community Resources & Public Services

Government, Public & 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. Altamont also has a fire department, which it shares with the other Upper Country communities.

Parks & Recreation

Altamont’s park features a playground, ball diamonds, outdoor basketball courts, a pavilion and restrooms. Altamont also has a rodeo arena and cemetery, both located off State Route 87 just west of town.

The Altamont War Veterans Memorial honors those from the area who’ve served their country. The memorial is located in front of Altamont High.

Events

Longhorn Days, held around Pioneer Day in mid-late July, is Altamont's biggest yearly celebration, with a rodeo, parade, pageant, fireworks show and week of activities.

Library

The Duchesne County Library hosts library nights in Altamont for returns, pickups, checkouts and opening new accounts. There’s also a library drop box at the Upper Country Market.

Sources