South Mountain (Herriman)

Overview.

South Mountain is the high point on the western Traverse Range, above Herriman Utah. It shares it's duty with View Benchmark, the high point of the eastern Traverse Range guarding and dividing the southern portion of Salt Lake County, from the northern portion of Utah County. South Mountain has a dominating presence over Herriman, though recently homes and subdivisions have slowly been creeping up its north flanks progressively over the past decade.

The mountain offers a great conditioner hike for those wanting a quick break away, and the views from the top are fantastic. The northern view gives a glimpse of the Salt Lake Valley, bordered by the Oquirrh Range to the west, and the Central Wasatch Range to the east. South views give a unique angle of Southern Wasatch Range, and the Lake Mountains.

Getting There

Access to South Mountain is located at Herriman, Utah. The usual approach to Herriman is from the Bangeter Highway area. If approaching from the north or south on Bangeter, turn west onto 13400 S and continue west just over 1 mile to Monarch Meadows Parkway. This is just before the McD's. If you pass the McD's, you missed the turnoff (signal). Turn left (south) onto the parkway and continue approximately 1.25 miles. The parkway has a meandering course heading south at first, the curving south east, then south once again. After getting on a southern heading the parkway is 4800 west. The southern most portion of 4800 W forces a turn to the west onto Paradise Rose road which becomes Juniper Crest Road. It goes uphill slightly and stay on it till you come to Ambermont Drive (about a mile from the intersection). Turn right onto Ambermont Drive and follow it uphill to Rolling Brook Drive (look for the big bronze elk), and take a left into "Lookout Ridge" subdivision area. Take a right at Orchard Spring Road till you hit a T with Lookout Ridge Drive. Turn right and when it curves left, it becomes Pulley Lane. Stay on Pulley Lane a short distance and turn left on Hunt Handley Drive. This turns into Secret Sunset Circle and will lead up a a cul de sac which is the trail head. Whew...did you follow all of that?

Red Tape

Most of the access and area to South Mountain is the ever expanding amount of residential real estate. As mentioned above access will constantly be changing due to homes being built. Also keep in mind that much of the access once off of 13400 south is through a residential area where many young families call home. Keep your eyes peeled for little ones who may be out in the road, joggers and bicyclists.

If approaching the mountain from the south there will be a good chance you'll be crossing the Camp Williams Military Reservation boundary at one point or another. For this reason the primary access to the mountain is from the north side.

When to climb and gear.

This is an all season peak.

Summer, Spring and Fall.

During these seasons the proper attire, weather pending is mainly all one will need. The summer season will get hot, plan of some sunscreen and plenty of water. Most footwear can be worn on the route up, the standard route up to the peak will not warrant anything special. A good set of trekking poles can come in handy as well. Down below the area can get muddy during the early/mid spring season or just after a fresh storm, plan on dealing with that aspect accordingly. There is minimal bushwacking involved along the ridge area, pants can help with that issue though not really needed.

Winter.

This is the best time perhaps to hit up this peak while the higher Wasatch Peaks are rampant with avalanche danger. Virtually no avalanche danger exists on this route/peak. One thing interesting about the mountain is that not much snow accumulates at the base, however once in the vicinity of the upper ridge area the snow reaches a greater depth making snowshoes or skies needed unless you don't mind post holing for a portion of the route. Proper winter attire will be needed though nothing too advanced.

Route information.

There are several different routes up the mountain mainly by following one of the smaller sub ridges which lead to the primary ridge the summit is located on. Once following the directions to the culdesac area, there are two ridges which can be used.

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Ridge One. (Located directly above the culdesac)

One way mileage: 1.4 miles.

Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,520 feet.

Class I and II.

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Ridge Two. (Located at the end of the dirt road beyond the culdesac)

One way mileage: 1 mile.

Elevation Gain: 1,310 feet.

Class I and II.


Mountain weather.

Due to this mountains lower altitude the weather will correspond most directly with that in Herriman. Check for the local forecast for that area.