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.
(Photos by Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter)
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 — visit swanerecocenter.org to register and learn more!
(Photos by Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter)
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, there will be a lot more information waiting for you to discover.
We hope you get out there to see these beautiful creatures in action. Happy summer!
