Utah’s Pando Is One Of The Oldest Living Things In America

Tucked away in the Fishlake National Forest, Pando might look like any other grove of trees, but it's actually a unique organism, and well-known around the world. It's thought to be the heaviest living thing on the planet, and one of the oldest as well.

Pando is clustered over 140 acres in the Fishlake National Forest. You'll find it nestled in the foothills of the Fremont River Ranger District.

Though it looks like 40,000 individual aspen trees, the trees are actually one organism - a clonal colony that shares the same root system.

Scientists estimate that Pando weighs around 13 million pounds, which makes it the world's heaviest organism. It's also one of the oldest living organisms on the planet.

It's difficult to determine just how old the root system of this aspen grove is, but estimates range from 10,000 years to 80,000 years. It's certainly the oldest living organism in America, and one of the oldest in the entire world.

Though Pando has survived for thousands of years, it might not be around for very long. The organism suffers from root rot, and bark beetles are attacking it. Deer and other mammals graze on the young upshoots, killing them. Pando is not regenerating at its normal rate, and could die off completely.

The Forest Service and scientists from around the world are working to to restore Pando. When you visit, you'll find some sections of the grove fenced off. These research plots help us learn more about Pando, and how to help it survive.

Fall is a great time to get a look at Pando. Its beautiful golden and orange leaves turn the Fish Lake Basin into a vibrant, colorful landscape.

Check out Pando soon! It's located on Highway 25, about one mile southwest of Fish Lake.

Learn more about Pando on the U.S. Forest Service's website. Have you visited this beautiful natural wonder? If so, we'd love to hear about your trip and see your photos!