Fireflies in Utah: A Guide to Observing Nature’s Light Show

Fireflies, also known as lightning bugs, are soft-bodied beetles. These bioluminescent beetles emit light to communicate to mates and deter predators. While they are commonly associated with the eastern United States, fireflies can also be found during the summer in Utah’s marshes and wetlands! 

Viewing Fireflies 

• Seasonality: During the summer, May to July. 
• Timing: Typically start flashing around dusk or later. 
• Conditions: Choose a warm summer night with little to no wind—fireflies are most active when temperatures are mild and the air is calm.
• Habitat: Fireflies love wetland habitat and dark areas where they can perch on tall grasses. Try looking at areas with standing water that are far from city lights!  

Observing Fireflies Responsibly 

• Minimize Light Pollution: Avoid using flashlights or phone screens. If necessary, use red lights, which are less disruptive. 
• Stay on Designated Paths: Stick to trails to help protect wetlands and other habitats! 
• Limit Catching: Observe fireflies with your eyes! Please refrain from catching fireflies, as it can disturb them. 
• Participate in Community Science: Report sightings to the Western Firefly Project to aid in the research and conservation of fireflies.

Fireflies on the Swaner Preserve 

One of the best publicly accessible places to see fireflies is on the south side of the Preserve along the trail between Cutter Lane and Swaner’s fenceline. This scenic path is open 24/7 and offers a nice spot away from the road, perfect for watching fireflies light up the night! Fireflies on the Preserve are typically most active from mid-June through early-July, with peak viewing between 9:30 and 10:30 PM, just after dark. 

Parking can be tricky near Cutter Lane, so we recommend parking in Kimball Junction and then walking or biking along the trail to reach the best viewing areas. 

Join us at the EcoCenter for our Firefly Night on July 1, 2026, from 9:00–10:30 PM to observe and learn more about fireflies from the back deck and boardwalk. Registration is required, and spots are limited.

Other Places to View Fireflies in Utah 

Swaner Preserve is not the only place to see fireflies in Utah, they can be found across the Wasatch Back, Cache Valley, along Utah Lake, and more! As mentioned above, the Western Firefly Project is a great resource to find out more about these bugs and find a map where others have reported sightings. This project is run by the Natural History Museum of Utah, and if you Google the project name, you'll find much more information. 

We hope you get out there to see these beautiful creatures in action. Happy summer! 

Other Naturalist News

Loss of Beaver Population Next to Swaner EcoCenter

Between March 23 and April 2, five dead beavers were discovered near the Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter by Swaner staff. All five beavers shared one lodge outside the EcoCenter, and samples collected from one of the beavers tested positive for tularemia.

Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter Welcomes New Executive Director

We are thrilled to announce our new executive director, Lewis Kogan. Learn more about his impressive career and excitement to join the organization.

What To Do If You Find a Baby Bird

It’s spring, which means baby animals of all kinds are starting to appear! Learn what to do if you find a baby bird during this time of year.

Amazing Butterflies

If you enjoy summer days hiking in the local mountains or sitting among the flowers in a nearby garden, you have undoubtedly observed butterflies flitting from flower to flower or gliding on updrafts overhead. These small fragile creatures have withstood

American Wetlands Month

Did you know that May is American Wetlands Month? It's the perfect time to celebrate the amazing wetlands right here in the Wasatch Back! Wetlands are one of the most important—and rare—ecosystems in Utah. In fact, less than 1% of our entire state is cons

Clever Creatures: How Local Wildlife Prepares for Winter

All around us, wildlife here on the Wasatch Back are making remarkable adjustments to survive the cold months ahead. Some tuck themselves away in a kind of suspended animation, while others stay active, transforming their behavior to endure freezing tempe

Become a Community Scientist

Towards the end of April, you have a unique opportunity to become a part of something big – the City Nature Challenge! In Park City, this event is a collaboration between Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter and Basin Recreation, and it's all about observing and d

Life on the Edge: Extreme Environments

Utah is home to a plethora of unique habitats and ecosystems, some of which create especially challenging conditions for survival! Many organisms in Utah depend on special adaptations to help them survive and even thrive in these extreme environments.

How Stars and Nature Guide Us Through Change

Places like the Swaner Preserve have become increasingly rare. Behind a shopping plaza with diverse restaurants, boutiques, and condos, there lies a 1,200-acre piece of permanently protected open space. It starkly contrasts the life around its border—a sl

DIY Snow Gauge

Although winter can be cold and dark, it is also a great season to explore and engage with nature in new ways! A fun and easy way to do this is by building your own snow gauge! With a paint stirrer and a few materials, you can measure snowfall and connect

PreviousNext