Wasatch Crest Trail

Wasatch Crest Trail from Guardsmans Pass TH
via Elbow Fork
 Hike Time: 8.5 to 14.5 hours
 Distance: 11.7 miles
 Elevation Gain: 2844 feet
Main Aspect: All Directions
 Climb Rate: 243 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 5%
Notes: The trail follows the ridge between Park City and the Cottonwood Canyons. This is also part of the Great Western Trail. You can take side trips to several peaks along the way.

Trailhead: Guardsmans Pass TH
Trailhead Elevation: 9490 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: No
Distance from Park-N-Ride: 17.1 miles
Area: Big Cottonwood Canyon
Area Location: East on 7200 S (SR190) in Salt Lake County
Area Fee: None
Dogs Allowed: No
Notes: The Guardsman Pass road turns off the Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd just before you get to Brighton. Follow the road to the summit. The parking area is usually crowded. This is also the start of the Wasatch Crest trail for mountain bikers.

Waypoint 1: Scott Pass
 Elevation: 9485 Feature: Saddle
Notes: The pass is between Scott Hill and Tri-County Peak. It borders the Park City Mountain Ski Resort. This pass was used as an alternative route into Big Cottonwood Canyon, before the road up Big Cottonwood was well developed.

Waypoint 2: Scott Hill
 Elevation: 10116 Feature: Peak
Notes: Named for the Scott Mine that was located on the hill. The miners named Scott were not around long, but the name stuck. It is been a point of reference in Big Cottonwood Canyon.(from The Lady In The Ore Bucket by Charles Keller)

Waypoint 3: Silver Peak
 Elevation: 10002 AKA: Silver Benchmark
 Feature: Peak
Notes: It is at the top of the ridge separating Willow Fork and Beartrap Fork.

Waypoint 4: Desolation Peak
 Elevation: 9990 AKA: Ninety Nine 90
 Feature: Peak
Notes: The peak looks down on Desolation Lake, but also provides great 360 degree views. The Wasatch Crest trail goes below its base, so it is likely you will see mountain bikers, especially on odd days of the month when bikers are allowed in upper Mill Creek.

Waypoint 5: Park City Overview
 Elevation: 8930 Feature: Saddle
Notes: The Park City Overview pass is, of course, between Mill Creek Canyon and Park City. It is near one of the Park City ski resorts.

Waypoint 6: Elbow Fork
 Elevation: 6650 Feature: Trail-Nature
Notes: Elbow Fork is a sharp 90 degree turn in the Mill Creek Canyon road. There are several trailheads and destinations in this area.

Destination: Wasatch Crest Trail
Elevation: 10060 Feature: Trail-Distance
Notes: The Wasatch Crest Trail is a popular with hikers and mountain bikers.