menu search

Posted in Utah Nature February 03, 2021 by Catherine Armstrong

A Winter Hike To The Top Of Utah’s Mount Olympus Is A Frosty Adventure

Towering high on the skyline of the Wasatch Mountain Range, Mount Olympus is one of Utah’s most recognizable peaks, and one of its most beautiful. The hike to the top is challenging, but many Utahns and visitors take it on every year. It can be pretty crowded on the trail on a summer weekend, but if you’re willing to attempt a winter hike, you’ll probably have it all to yourself.

During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.

The trailhead to Mount Olympus is located just off Wasatch Boulevard in Sandy. Depending on the winter day, you might not see any snow at the bottom, but you'd better be prepared for snow as you start to ascend.

Make sure to prepare for the conditions and weather! It's a good idea to have traction cleats on your hiking boots, and perhaps even bring a pair of snowshoes along. Trekking poles are helpful as well, and you'll want plenty of cold-weather gear too.

You'll be climbing more than 4,000 feet along the way, so what you see at the bottom of the mountain can be vastly different than conditions near the top.

The trail is just eight miles, out and back. On a winter weekday morning, you'll likely have it all to yourself.

During summer months, hikers have to contend with lots of loose shale, but the snow covers that up nicely...

...and its blanket makes the scenery even more pretty!

The views of the surrounding mountains are even more stunning in the winter.

When you reach the summit, you might have a spectacular view of the Salt Lake Valley below...

...or you might find that you've climbed all the way up above a thick sea of clouds.

Even if your valley view is obscured, this hike is definitely worth your effort during the winter months. Bundle up, grab your winter gear, and get out there!

Have you hiked Mount Olympus in the winter? We’d love to see your photos in our comments!

If you’re looking for more winter hikes around the Beehive State, check out these eight trails.

Address: 5789 Wasatch Blvd, Holladay, UT 84121, USA

Catherine Armstrong

Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.