Snake Creek Pass/Clayton Peak (Brighton)

Snake Creek Pass/Clayton Peak Trail is a 5.4 mile out and back trail located near Salt Lake City, UT that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and trail running and is accessible from June until November.

This hike begins at the Brighton Ski Resort in Big Cottonwood Canyon.  The trail has been recently re-routed, so make sure to take note of the signs marking the new trail.

This trail winds through some beautiful woodland areas with an occasional view of the surrounding canyon.  The trail climbs out of the woodland onto a ridge overlooking Snake Creek Pass.  From here, the beautiful Heber Valley can be seen to the east, Mt. Timpanogos to the southwest, and Big Cottonwood Canyon behind to the northeast.  From here, hikers can return to the trailhead or continue on the service road to the left to tackle Clayton Peak and enjoy its spectacular view.

About 1/4 mile up the service road, the trail will pick up at the base of Clayton Peak.  For the next 1/4 mile, the hike is fairly strenuous.  The trail becomes a series of switchbacks that ascend the face of the peak.  It's a lot of work, but definitely worth it when you behold the view at 10721 feet.

We did find the unmarked trail but spent a decent amount of time rock scrambling just because it was fun. Had lunch at the summit- beware of the biting flies! Then decided to follow the service road and trails down the Great Western side making a full loop. A nice, moderate hike.

The trail starts at the Brighton Lakes trailhead and junctions at the Dog Lake trail. Look for the sign that says Clayton Peak. You will travel through shaded forest and a couple of meadows. Once you are on the service road near the top, you can either look for the unmarked trail (there's a cairn), or follow the service road all the way up to the ski lift and do some boulder hopping to the peak. The unmarked trail is much easier to follow.

 Instead of making this an out and back we shuttled a car to the top of Guardsman Pass and continued along the ridge line and back to the car.


Clayton Peak from Brighton Lakes TH
via Snake Creek Pass
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 3.0 to 5.0 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 5.4 miles
 Elevation Gain: 1961 feet
Main Aspect: Northwest
 Climb Rate: 726 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 14%
Notes: Most of the trail goes over Brighton Ski Resort trails and roads.

Trailhead
Brighton Lakes TH
 Brighton Lakes TH
Trailhead Elevation: 8760 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: No
Distance from Park-N-Ride: 14.7 miles
Area: Big Cottonwood Canyon
Area Location: East on 7200 S (SR190) in Salt Lake County
Area Fee: None
Dogs Allowed: No
Notes: Park near the Brighton Center. The trail starts on the right side of the main building and heads southeast along the edge of a ski run.


Waypoint 1
Snake Creek Pass
 Snake Creek Pass
 Elevation: 10080 Feature: Saddle
Notes: The pass is near the top of the Brighton Ski Resort runs. From here, you can continue on to Clayton Peak, Preston Peak or Pioneer Peak.


Destination
Clayton Peak
 Clayton Peak
 Elevation: 10721 Feature: Peak
Notes: Clayton Peak (Mt Majestic) is the east boundary of Brighton Ski Resort. The peak towers over upper Big Cottonwood Canyon to the west and Bonanza Flat to the east.