Koosharem is a town in Sevier County, Utah, United States. Koosharem is also known as "Grass Valley". It generally comprises the area known as Burrville, Utah on the north, south through the valley and through the town of Koosharem and down to the south end with the town of Greenwich, Utah. The valley is made up of private lands nestled within the Fishlake National Forest. Koosharem is situated at the cross-roads for travelers going between Capitol Reef National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park and/or Zion National Park. Koosharem is also the closest town to the famous Fish Lake. The town also serves as an important point along the many trails of the Piute ATV Trail System.

Koosharem's only store, the historic Grass Valley Mercantile, shares this secondary naming reference.

The name of the town Koosharem originates from the Native Americans indigenous to the area, the Piute Indians and their term for the valley named for the deep red clover that grows in the lush meadows of the Koosharem Valley,. The population was 244 at the 2020 census.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.6&nbsp;square miles (1.5&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>), all land. A 2008 annexation increased the population to an official estimate of 400.

Koosharem has one church, a cemetery, baseball diamond, fire station, a dairy, a motel, two restaurants, and a store (post office located inside that store).

Koosharem is rural and isolated but relatively centrally located. The table shows driving miles from the center of Koosharem to the following:

{| class="wikitable sortable"

|-

! Destination !! Road Miles

|-

| Bryce Canyon National Park || 70

|-

| Fish Lake, Sevier County || 15

|-

| Zion National Park || 133

|-

| Richfield, Utah || 29

|-

| Sigurd, Utah || 28

|-

| Salt Lake City, Utah (Airport) || 185

|-

| Las Vegas, Nevada (Airport) || 292

|-

| Moab, Utah || 195

|-

| Grand Junction, Colorado || 244

|-

|}

Koosharem and the Grass Valley include habitat for threatened and endangered species. These species include the Greater Sage Grouse, the Utah Prairie Dog, Pygmy Rabbit, bald eagles, golden eagles, western toads, and ferruginous hawks.

Climate

Koosharem has a cold semi-arid climate (Köppen BSk).

Economy

Koosharem's economy is based on a combination of traditional agriculture and growing tourism-related industries.

Agriculture. Farming and ranching remain significant economic activities in the area, utilizing the local land for crop cultivation and livestock raising.

Tourism and Recreation. The town's location near natural attractions has led to the development of tourism-based businesses:

  1. Fishlake National Forest and the Paiute ATV Trail attract outdoor enthusiasts.
  2. Proximity to national parks brings in visitors.
  3. The area is known for hunting, particularly elk. In 2008, the world record "Spider Bull" Elk was harvested near Koosharem.
  4. Local businesses offer ATV rentals for trail exploration.

Local Businesses. The town center includes:

  1. Koosharem Mercantile (locally known as "the Merc"), a general store serving as a community hub.
  2. Two restaurants: Red Clover Cafe and Koosharem Cafe.

Other Economic Contributors

  1. Sorenson's Ranch School for troubled youth provides employment opportunities.
  2. Guiding services for hunters and tourists.

Koosharem's economy continues to evolve, balancing its agricultural roots with an expanding service sector catering to both residents and visitors. riders, and sight seers.

Demographics

As of the census