Юта, Native North Americans of the Uto-Aztecan language family of the California-Intermountain culture area. The Ute were spread through central and western Colorado, eastern Utah (whose name is derived from "Ute"), and north-western New Mexico. They were subdivided into bands, of which the principal were the Tabequache, Muache, Capote, Wiminuche, Yampa, and Uinta. They lived entirely by hunting and on wild fruits and roots. Trading with the Navajo and Paiute, the Ute obtained blankets and baskets. From the Mexicans, and by raids on other peoples, they were able to procure herds of horses, sheep, and cattle. Their usual type of dwelling was a brush shelter, later supplanted by a small tepee.

The Ute made their first treaty with the United States government in 1850, and by subsequent treaties were limited in range until all bands, except the southern Ute, were removed to their present reservation in Utah.