Hike These 12 Peaks In Utah For A Bird’s Eye View Of The Beehive State
There’s something special about hiking one of Utah’s peaks. Not only do you get to immerse yourself in nature while working on your glutes, but you get a bird’s eye view as well as an incredible sense of accomplishment. Here are 12 peaks that will quite literally give you a hiker’s high.
Baldy is a beautiful peak in the High Uinta Mountains, and it's a great first peak to tackle. The hike to the summit is just 1.3 miles, and this one is considered moderate, so it's not as strenuous as other hikes on this list. Check out the alpine lakes far below!
Big Beacon (a.k.a. Mount Wire) is easy to find - it's right above the Natural History Museum. This may be the "shortest" peak on the list, but you'll want to give it plenty of respect - it's a thigh-burning 2,089-foot climb in just 2.3 miles to the top.
You'll find Delano Peak in the Tushar Mountains, and it's a pretty easy summit compared to some of the other hikes here. Though its overall elevation is 12,175 feet, you'll only climb 1,650 feet to the summit. It's a reasonable stroll up a gentle slope, so it's a great peak for kids and newbies.
Deseret Peak will give you quite a workout, with a 3,595-foot elevation gain in 3.2 miles. This mountain is located in the Stansbury Mountain Range in western Utah, and you'll be able to see all the way to the Bonneville Salt Flats from the top. If you want to get a feel for how remote Utah's West Desert is, this is the vantage point.
Grandeur is a pretty accessible, though steep, peak to climb. There are a couple ways to approach it, but the most common is the east trail from Church Fork. You'll climb 2,647 feet in 3.25 miles to the top, and you'll want to watch for rattlesnakes up there - they're a common sight along this trail.
This High-Uintas peak is just gorgeous, but you'll have to work pretty hard to attain it. Start at the Highland Trailhead, and start making your way up, up, up. There's not a formal trail most of the way, but you'll be able to get a pretty clear idea of how to climb this one. There's a little bit of boulder scrambling along the way, and you'll gain 2,089 feet in elevation.
At 13,527 feet, King's Peak is the highest spot in the Beehive State. Located in the Uinta Mountain Range, climbing this mountain is an adventure you won't forget. The Henry's Fork Trail takes you 26.8 miles, out and back, so this one is an overnight backpacking trip for most.
There are a couple ways to get to the top of Mount Nebo, but the North Trail is a common way to go. This hike tricks you into thinking, "This isn't so bad" because it only has an elevation gain of around 1,400 feet for the first 3.5 miles. Then it will kick your butt with another gain of 1,300 feet in less than a mile. Whew! Once you get to the top, you'll see that your effort was worth it.
Mount Olympus is a challenging climb, but the view of the Salt Lake Valley far below is worth the effort. It's about 3.6 miles up the mountain to the summit, and you'll climb 4,124 feet. This might be one of the most popular peaks to climb in Utah, but it's not for the faint of heart.
Mount Peale is a lesser-known peak located near Moab. You'll hike 6.2 miles out and back, and experience an elevation gain of 2,906 feet along the way. You'll feel like you're at the top of the world on this gorgeous mountain.
Start in Big Cottonwood Canyon to reach Mount Raymond. The final approach to the summit requires some boulder scrambling, so you'll want to wear gloves to protect your hands. Most of the trail is lined by gorgeous wildflowers during the summer months. This trail is considered difficult, with an elevation gain of 3,015 feet.
Here's a challenge for you! Pfeifferhorn doesn't look too crazy from afar, but once you get up there, it's a pretty tricky summit to navigate. When you take the Red Pine Lake Trail to the top, you'll climb 3,743 feet in just 4.5 miles.
What’s your favorite peak to hike in Utah? Tell our readers in the comments!
Some of Utah’s steep peaks might seem scary to hike, but many consider this hike the most dangerous in Utah. Check it out!
