Posted in Utah Nature December 17, 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. In fact, the Mount Olympus Trail is one of the best winter hikes in Utah.

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.

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. You can enjoy peace and quiet while cold weather hiking in Utah.

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 winter hike in Utah is definitely worth your effort. Bundle up, grab your winter gear, and get out there!

Click here to learn more about this winter hiking trail in Utah.

Have you hiked Mount Olympus in the winter? Do you think this is one of the best winter hikes in Utah? Let us know your thoughts in the comments and we’d love to see your photos!

If you’re looking for more fun things to do in the winter in Utah, consider a trip down south to the small town of Kanab.

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

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best winter hikes in Utah

December 22, 2021

Courtnie Erickson

What are some of the best things to do in the winter in Utah?

If you love the winter season, the Beehive State is the place for you. The list of things to do in the winter in Utah is long and extensive. For example, you can always spend your time at one of the many ski resorts around the state. In southern Utah, spend the day at Brian Head Resort, near Parowan. Not only can you spend time on the slopes, but this ski resort has an excellent snow tubing hill that the entire family will love.

Cold weather hiking in Utah is another excellent way to spend a winter day. The Silver Lake Loop Trail is a short winter hike. Early in the winter season, you can enjoy this trail in your hiking boots but once winter is officially here, you’ll definitely want to bring along snowshoes. This is easily one of the best winter hikes in Utah.

What are some winter outdoor activities in Utah?

While you can always strap on a pair of snowshoes or cross-country skis, there are several other winter outdoor activities in Utah for you to enjoy. How about soaking in a hot spring? Crystal Hot Springs, located in the northern part of the Beehive State, is a wonderful place to soak, relax, and enjoy the cold outdoor weather. This is a hot spring resort in Utah, so you will have many amenities to ensure your visit is comfortable and convenient.

Another terrific way to spend time outdoors is to visit a national park. Bryce Canyon National Park is absolutely beautiful during the winter months, particularly after it snows. Winter hiking in Utah is particularly popular at this national park and you can capture some breathtaking views of the hoodoos, red cliffs, and snow.

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