Bear Canyon Bridge

Start at the Orson Smith trailhead in Draper. Follow the signs to the suspension bridge, then loop back to where you started. Approximately 2.5 mile loop. Not shaded.

Mehraban Wetlands Park

Draper’s Mehraban Wetlands Park offers visitors up to a mile of walking opportunities on paved and gravel paths through a natural wetland environment. In addition to lush wetland vegetation the park also features two large ponds that are popular with fisherman and nature lovers alike. The entire trail is either paved or packed gravel and is suitable for children and adults of all abilities.

Trailhead

Mehraban Wetlands Park is located at 898 E. Riparian Drive in Draper, Utah. To reach the park from I-15:

1. Take Exit 292 for 11400 South.
2. Turn east onto 11400 South and continue 1.7 miles.
3. Turn right onto 1000 East and continue 0.5 miles.
4. Turn right onto Riparian Dr., and continue 0.2 miles to the parking area on the left (40.536410, -111.866495).

The Route

From the parking area, begin hiking on the paved path heading into the wetlands. The path circles around the south end of the park before arriving at a junction. To the left is a trail that accesses two small ponds while continuing straight leads to the north end of the park on Willow Wood Dr.

Turn left at the junction and continue walking to the first of two ponds in the park. A gravel path follows the perimeter of the first pond. Several park benches and a dock are available. Just beyond the first pond, cross a wooden bridge before arriving at the larger of the two ponds known as Sunset Pond where another dock and park benches offer visitors a place to sit and take in the scenery.

Return the way you came. Total hiking distance is variable depending on the route you choose, but it is easy to walk up to 1 mile by following the various trails throughout the park.

Rules and Regulations

• Dogs allowed on leash.
• Clean up after pets.
• No littering.
• No smoking or open flames.
• Stay on designated trails.
• Park closes at 10 p.m. daily.

Draper city trails

Here is a link to a map of trails in Draper city.

Beatout Trail

The Beatout Trail from White Pine TH
via Upper Bells Canyon Reservoir
 Hike Time: 12.0 to 20.0 hours
 Distance: 14.2 miles
 Elevation Gain: 6051 feet
Main Aspect: All Directions
 Climb Rate: 426 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 8%
Notes: No one seems to know where this trail got its name. Some say its because you have to beat your way out of Bells Canyon after descending from South Thunder.

Trailhead: White Pine TH
Trailhead Elevation: 7660 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: Yes
Distance from Park-N-Ride: 5.3 miles
Area: Little Cottonwood Canyon
Area Location: East on 9400 S (SR210) in Salt Lake County
Area Fee: None
Dogs Allowed: No
Notes: Watch for a sign that says White Pine Trailhead about half way up Little Cottonwood Canyon, just after passing Tanners Flat. It is a good size parking lot on the south side of the road, with an outhouse. This trail leads to several canyons.

Waypoint 1: Red Pine Lake
 Elevation: 9640 AKA: Lower Red Pine Lake
 Feature: Lake
Notes: High alpine lakes are great, but this one is extra beautiful. There are good places to camp on the south side of the lake. Incidently, Red Pine refers to Douglas Fir that was harvested from the canyon in the late 1800s. White Pine refers to Engelmann Spruce.

Waypoint 2: Pfeifferhorn
 Elevation: 11326 AKA: Little Matterhorn Peak
 Feature: Peak
Notes: The highest peak along the Alpine Ridge, it stands out from many directions. The climb near the top has some exposure, but remains a popular destination for more seasoned hikers. Utah Valley pioneers called it the anthill. I guess they did not see it up close.

Waypoint 3: Chipman Peak
 Elevation: 10954 Feature: Peak
Notes: I have been looking at Chipman Peak from my house for 10 years, and still have not found an easy way up to it. Most people summit the peak while passing between Pfeifferhorn and South Thunder on Lightning Ridge on the Beatout Traverse.

Waypoint 4: South Thunder
 Elevation: 11154 Feature: Peak
Notes: It is well guarded, so any route will be somewhat difficult. See Bells Canyon, Hogum Gulch and Lake Hardy from its summit.

Waypoint 5: Upper Bells Canyon Reservoir
 Elevation: 9400 Feature: Lake
Notes: It is part of the Salt Lake watershed, meaning no dogs allowed. The service road used to build the reservoir is long gone.

Destination: The Beatout Trail
 Elevation: 11326 Feature: Trail-Distance
Notes: The Beatout Trail is an all day hike that starts at White Pine Trailhead and ends at a Bells Canyon Trailhead. In between is a lot of mountain scenery on the Alpine Ridge.

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.

White Baldy

White Baldy from White Pine TH via Upper Red Pine Lake
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 5.5 to 9.0 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 9.6 miles
 Elevation Gain: 3661 feet
Main Aspect: All Directions
 Climb Rate: 763 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 14%
Notes: Take the right fork off the White Pine Trail to hike up to Upper Red Pine Lake. From there climb the boulder field to the ridge, then follow it to the peak.

Trailhead: White Pine TH
Trailhead Elevation: 7660 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: Yes
Distance from Park-N-Ride: 5.3 miles
Area: Little Cottonwood Canyon
Area Location: East on 9400 S (SR210) in Salt Lake County
Area Fee: None
Dogs Allowed: No
Notes: Watch for a sign that says White Pine Trailhead about half way up Little Cottonwood Canyon, just after passing Tanners Flat. It is a good size parking lot on the south side of the road, with an outhouse. This trail leads to several canyons.

Waypoint 1: Red Pine Lake
 Elevation: 9640 AKA: Lower Red Pine Lake
 Feature: Lake
Notes: High alpine lakes are great, but this one is extra beautiful. There are good places to camp on the south side of the lake. Incidently, Red Pine refers to Douglas Fir that was harvested from the canyon in the late 1800s. White Pine refers to Engelmann Spruce.

Waypoint 2: Upper Red Pine Lake
 Elevation: 10000 Feature: Lake
Notes: There are 2 lakes at Upper Red Lake. You could camp there, but there’s not much cover.

Destination: White Baldy
 Elevation: 11321 Feature: Peak
Notes: It towers over White Pine Canyon, Silver Fork and the Wishbone Basin.

Silver Peak

Silver Peak from Willow Heights TH via Willow Lake
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 4.0 to 6.5 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 7.4 miles
 Elevation Gain: 2182 feet
Main Aspect: Southwest
 Climb Rate: 590 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 11%
Notes: Follow the trail up Willow Creek, past Willow Heights. Climb to the Park City ridge and head northeast.

Trailhead: Willow Heights TH
Trailhead Elevation: 7820 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: No
Distance from Park-N-Ride: 11.5 miles
Area: Big Cottonwood Canyon
Area Location: East on 7200 S (SR190) in Salt Lake County
Area Fee: None
Dogs Allowed: No
Notes: The trailhead is on the north side of the road. Look for a large rock with a plaque on it. There is not much parking.

Waypoint 1: Willow Lake
 Elevation: 8480 AKA: Willow Heights
 Feature: Lake
Notes: Willow Heights is a basin with Willow Lake and gentle terrain. A great hike for the family, or snow shoe in the winter. Follow the trail northeast from the lake to find the secluded Dry Lake.

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

Scott Hill

There are two trails to Scott Hill:

Scott Hill from Guardsmans Pass TH via Scott Pass (less steep, more mountain bikes)
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 2.0 to 3.0 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 3.6 miles
 Elevation Gain: 626 feet
Main Aspect: All Directions
 Climb Rate: 348 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 7%
Notes: You can side slope around Tri-County Peak and the Jupiter Bowl hill, then drop down to Scott Pass. The trail from Scotts Pass to Scotts Hill is lovingly referred to as Puke Hill by the mountain bike community.
Trailhead: Guardsman 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: Tri-County Peak
 Tri-County Peak
 Elevation: 10026 AKA: Guardsmans Pass Peak
 Feature: Peak
Notes: I first climbed this peak in the winter, on snowshoes. I didn’t see anyone the whole way up from where they close the Guardsmans Pass road in the winter. Once on the peak, I kept hearing voices. When I looked over the north edge I saw a Park City ski lift about 50 feet away – it made me chuckle.
Waypoint 2: 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.
Destination: 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)


Scott Hill from Scott Pass TH (more steep, less mountain bikes)
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 2.0 to 3.0 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 3.2 miles
 Elevation Gain: 1006 feet
Main Aspect: West
 Climb Rate: 629 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 12%
Notes: Bypass some of the mountain biking traffic by starting at this trailhead instead of Guardsman Pass.
Trailhead: Scott Pass TH
Trailhead Elevation: 9110 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: Yes
Distance from Park-N-Ride: 16.0 miles
Area: Big Cottonwood Canyon
Area Location: East on 7200 S (SR190) in Salt Lake County
Area Fee: None
Dogs Allowed: No
Notes: Park along the road at the last switchback before Guardsman Pass. There is an outhouse hidden in the trees down the dirt road a bit.
Destination: 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)

Pfeifferhorn

Pfeifferhorn from White Pine TH
via Upper Red Pine Lake
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 5.5 to 9.5 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 10.8 miles
 Elevation Gain: 3666 feet
Main Aspect: All Directions
 Climb Rate: 679 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 13%
Notes: This is the standard route to Pfeifferhorn. Follow trails to Red Pine Lake, then stay east as you make your way to Upper Red Pine Lake. From there climb to the saddle then down the ridge to the peak.

Trailhead
White Pine TH
 White Pine TH
Trailhead Elevation: 7660 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: Yes
Distance from Park-N-Ride: 5.3 miles
Area: Little Cottonwood Canyon
Area Location: East on 9400 S (SR210) in Salt Lake County
Area Fee: None
Dogs Allowed: No
Notes: Watch for a sign that says White Pine Trailhead about half way up Little Cottonwood Canyon, just after passing Tanners Flat. It is a good size parking lot on the south side of the road, with an outhouse. This trail leads to several canyons.


Waypoint 1
Red Pine Lake
 Red Pine Lake
 Elevation: 9640 AKA: Lower Red Pine Lake
 Feature: Lake
Notes: High alpine lakes are great, but this one is extra beautiful. There are good places to camp on the south side of the lake. Incidently, Red Pine refers to Douglas Fir that was harvested from the canyon in the late 1800s. White Pine refers to Engelmann Spruce.
Waypoint 2
Upper Red Pine Lake
 Upper Red Pine Lake
 Elevation: 10000 Feature: Lake
Notes: There are 2 lakes at Upper Red Lake. You could camp there, but there’s not much cover.


Destination
Pfeifferhorn
 Pfeifferhorn
 Elevation: 11326 Feature: Peak
Notes: The highest peak along the Alpine Ridge, it stands out from many directions. The climb near the top has some exposure, but remains a popular destination for more seasoned hikers. Utah Valley pioneers called it the anthill. I guess they did not see it up close.

Pioneer Peak

Pioneer Peak from Catherine Pass TH
via Sunset Peak
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 2.5 to 4.0 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 4.8 miles
 Elevation Gain: 1060 feet
Main Aspect: ALL
 Climb Rate: 442 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 8%
Notes: The route is straightforward, down the Sunset Peak ridge and up the Pioneer Peak ridge.

Trailhead
Catherine Pass TH
 Catherine Pass TH
Trailhead Elevation: 9380 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: Yes
Distance from Park-N-Ride: 10.6 miles
Area: Little Cottonwood Canyon
Area Location: East on 9400 S (SR210) in Salt Lake County
Area Fee: None
Dogs Allowed: No
Notes: There is a parking lot near the Catherine Pass trailhead (TH), but the basin gets busy on weekends. Quite often, volunteers stand at a booth near the upper Alta parking lot to encourage people to walk from there or take a free shuttle.


Waypoint 1
Catherine Pass
 Catherine Pass
 Elevation: 10220 Feature: Saddle
Notes: The pass seems to be the center of many great hikes. It sits on the divide between Big Cottonwood and Little Cottonwood Canyon, and is the gateway to several peaks.

Waypoint 2
Sunset Peak
 Sunset Peak
 Elevation: 10648 Feature: Peak
Notes: This is one of the easiest peak hikes in the Wasatch. It takes about an hour from the Alta side and about an hour and a half from Brighton. You can see Big Cottonwood, Little Cottonwood and Snake Creek drainages from here. This is a good family hike for families with older children.

Destination
Pioneer Peak
 Pioneer Peak
 Elevation: 10440 Feature: Peak
Notes: Lots of people get to Pioneer Peaks neighbor, Sunset Peak. Very few venture over to this peak. It sits above Lake Catherine and Dog Lake.

(If you have an extra hour or two, climb down the east side of Sunset Peak and hike along the ridge to Pioneer Peak, the next mountain to your east.)

Pipeline Trail

The Pipeline Trail follows the contours of most of the lower part of Mill Creek Canyon. It is popular with hikers, runners and mountain bikers. I even saw evidence of horses on the trail.

Four trailheads access it:
 Burch Hollow Trailhead  5.0 to 8.0 hrs 14 miles 740 feet South
 Church Fork Trailhead 5.0 to 8.0 hrs 14 miles 840 feet South
 Mount Aire Trailhead 4.5 to 7.0 hrs 14 miles 120 feet South
 Rattlesnake Gulch Trailhead 5.0 to 8.5 hrs 14 miles 1450 feet South

Preston Peak

Preston Peak from Brighton Lakes TH
via Snake Creek Pass
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 3.0 to 4.5 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 5.2 miles
 Elevation Gain: 1525 feet
Main Aspect: North
 Climb Rate: 587 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 11%
Notes: Climb up to Snake Creek Pass from Brighton on service roads or follow the trail past Dog Lake. When you get to the pass, turn right (west) and follow the ridgeline to the peak.

Trailhead: 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
  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: Preston Peak
 Elevation: 10285 Feature: Peak
Notes: Preston Peak is on the ridge between Pioneer Peak and Clayton Peak. There is a plaque on the highest rock telling you where you are.

Mount Baldy

Mount Baldy from Albion Basin TH via Cecret Lake and Germania Pass
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 2.5 to 4.0 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 4 miles
 Elevation Gain: 1648 feet
Main Aspect: Northeast
 Climb Rate: 824 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 16%
Notes: This peak separates Snowbird from Alta. It is a short hike from the top of Snowbirds tram on Hidden Peak.

Trailhead: Albion Basin TH
Trailhead Elevation: 9420 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: Yes
Distance from Park-N-Ride: 11.1 miles
Area: Little Cottonwood Canyon
Area Location: East on 9400 S (SR210) in Salt Lake County
Area Fee: None
Dogs Allowed: No
Notes: The road goes all the way to Albion Basin for a few months in the summer. The parking lot is near the campground, however, it gets busy there on weekends. Volunteers stop people at the upper Alta parking lot to encourage them to walk or take a free shuttle.

Waypoint 1: Cecret Lake
 Elevation: 9885 AKA: Secret Lake
 Feature: Lake
Notes: Yes, that’s the correct spelling – if they spelled it correctly, then it wouldn’t be a secret, right? If you are not overwelmed by the beauty at Albion Basin, Cecret Lake is icing on the cake. This is a great destination for families of all ages.

Waypoint 2: Germania Pass
Elevation: 10600 Feature: Saddle
Notes: Every pass (saddle) sits between 2 valleys and 2 peaks. The valleys on either side of this pass, are Mineral Basin/upper American Fork Canyon, and Little Cottonwood Canyon. The peaks are Mount Baldy and Sugarloaf mountain.

Destination: Mount Baldy
 Elevation: 11068 Feature: Peak
Notes: Great 360 degree views of Mineral Basin, Little Cottonwood Canyon, Sugarloaf Peak and AF Twin Peaks. This peak is relatively easy to get to.

Mount Evergreen

Mount Evergreen from Silver Lake TH via Twin Lakes
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 2.0 to 3.0 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 3.2 miles
 Elevation Gain: 890 feet
Main Aspect: Southeast
 Climb Rate: 556 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 11%
Notes: Follow the trail from Silver Lake to Twin Lakes, then along the north side of the lake to the saddle. For a loop, head down toward Lake Solitude then back to Silver Lake.

Trailhead: Silver Lake TH
Trailhead Elevation: 8730 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: Yes
Distance from Park-N-Ride: 14.4 miles
Area: Big Cottonwood Canyon
Area Location: East on 7200 S (SR190) in Salt Lake County
Area Fee: None
Dogs Allowed: No
Notes: The Solitude Nordic Center becomes the Silver Lake visitors center in the summer. There is full facilities and information inside. The center also has picnic tables in the vicinity. The trail starts behind the visitors center

Waypoint 1: Silver Lake
 Elevation: 8730 Feature: Lake
Notes: Follow the boardwalk around half the lake, where you can fish or watch ducks. This hike is perfect for families with really young children. Its located in the Brighton area of Big Cottonwood Canyon.

Waypoint 2: Twin Lakes
 Elevation: 9460 Feature: Lake
Notes: Twin Lakes is a reservoir about twice as big as Silver Lake and is surrounded by several peaks.

Destination: Mount Evergreen
 Elevation: 9620 Feature: Peak
Notes: The peak sits between Twin Lakes and Lake Solitude, and is a lot easier to climb than some of its neighbors.

Jupiter Hill

Jupiter Hill from Guardsmans Pass TH via Tri-County Peak
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 1.5 to 2.0 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 2 miles
 Elevation Gain: 508 feet
Main Aspect: South
 Climb Rate: 508 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 10%
Notes: The trail is short and not too difficult. Drive a few hundred feet past Guardsman Pass. Follow an old road to the top.

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: Tri-County Peak
 Elevation: 10026 AKA: Guardsmans Pass Peak
 Feature: Peak
Notes: I first climbed this peak in the winter, on snowshoes. I didn’t see anyone the whole way up from where they close the Guardsmans Pass road in the winter. Once on the peak, I kept hearing voices. When I looked over the north edge I saw a Park City ski lift about 50 feet away – it made me chuckle.

Destination: Jupiter Hill
 Elevation: 9998 AKA: Guardsmans Pass Peak
 Feature: Peak
Notes: It can be seen from Park City. It is part of the Park City Mountain Ski Resort.

Honeycomb Cliffs

Honeycomb Cliffs from Alta TH
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 2.5 to 4.5 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 4.2 miles
 Elevation Gain: 1809 feet
Main Aspect: Southwest
 Climb Rate: 861 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 16%
Notes: The trail through Grizzly Gulch passes many artifacts from Alta’s mining days.

Trailhead: Alta TH
Trailhead Elevation: 8670 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: No
Distance from Park-N-Ride: 8.1 miles
Area: Little Cottonwood Canyon
Area Location: East on 9400 S (SR210) in Salt Lake County
Area Fee: None
Dogs Allowed: No
Notes: The trail starts in Alta where a paved road heading north leaves the main road. It goes past a church and the city offices. Follow the road through 2 switchbacks until you get to a junction. The junction to the north goes toward Cardiff Pass and Flagstaff Peak. The trail east goes through Grizzly Gulch toward Twin Lakes Pass.

Waypoint 1: Grizzly Gulch
Elevation: 9350 Feature: Canyon
Notes: This gulch is east of Alta. It has reminders of the mining heyday in this region. Continue on for hikes to Honeycomb Cliffs, Twin Lakes Pass, Patsey Marley and Mount Wolverine.

Destination: Honeycomb Cliffs
Elevation: 10479 Feature: Peak
Notes: This is an easy climb from the Alta side.

Great Western Trail

Great Western Trail AF Canyon from Timpooneke GWT to Ant Knolls
 Hike Time: 11.0 to 19.0 hours
 Distance: 13.2 miles
 Elevation Gain: 5803 feet
Main Aspect: All Directions
 Climb Rate: 440 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 8%
Notes: As the Great Western Trail heads north from here, you pass Mill Canyon Peak, Forest Lake, Sandy Baker Pass, Poleline Pass and the Ant Knolls.

Trailhead: Timpooneke GWT
 Trailhead Elevation: 7360 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: Yes
Distance from Fee Station: 8.4 miles
Area: Alpine Loop / Timpanogos
Area Location: Starts in American Fork Canyon or Provo Canyon
Area Fee: $6
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Notes: The Great Western Trail passes the Timpooneke area, and shares a trailhead with Mount Timpanogos.

Waypoint 1: Mill Canyon Peak
 Elevation: 10349 Feature: Peak
Notes: At the peak you can see Heber Valley, Deer Creek, Cascade Peak, Mt Nebo, Mt. Timpanogos, Box Elder Peak, Lone Peak, the Alpine ridge, Red and White Baldy, Hidden Peak with the Snowbird Tram and Mineral Basin.

Waypoint 2: Forest Lake
Elevation: 8500 Feature: Lake
Notes: The lake is much quieter than it was in years past, except for when motorcycles and ATVs ride through.

Waypoint 3: Ant Knolls
 Elevation: 9840 Feature: Peak
Notes: This is one of the many highpoints along the Great Western Trail. As with any highpoint in this area, it has great views of surrounding mountains.

**Can easily continue on with this next section of trail:

Great Western Trail Cottonwoods from Pole Line Pass TH to Clayton Peak
 Hike Time: 8.0 to 13.5 hours
 Distance: 8.5 miles
 Elevation Gain: 4760 feet
Main Aspect: All Directions
 Climb Rate: 560 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 11%
Notes: The Great Western Trail leaves American Fork Canyon in this section and travels past both Cottonwood Canyons.

Trailhead: Pole Line Pass TH
Trailhead Elevation: 8730 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: No
Distance from Fee Station: 15.4 miles
Area: American Fork Canyon
Area Location: East on Timpanogos Hwy (SR92), exit 284 in Utah County
Area Fee: $6
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Notes: Follow the Tibble Fork dirt road past Dutchman Flat. Take the right fork at the Cascade Springs junction and follow it to the summit

Waypoint 1: Ant Knolls
 Elevation: 9840 Feature: Peak
Notes: This is one of the many highpoints along the Great Western Trail. As with any highpoint in this area, it has great views of surrounding mountains.

Waypoint 2: Sunset Peak
Elevation: 10648 Feature: Peak
Notes: This is one of the easiest peak hikes in the Wasatch. It takes about an hour from the Alta side and about an hour and a half from Brighton. You can see Big Cottonwood, Little Cottonwood and Snake Creek drainages from here. This is a good family hike for families with older children.

Waypoint 3: Pioneer Peak
 Elevation: 10440 Feature: Peak
Notes: Lots of people get to Pioneer Peaks neighbor, Sunset Peak. Very few venture over to this peak. It sits above Lake Catherine and Dog Lake.

Waypoint 4: Preston Peak
 Elevation: 10285 Feature: Peak
Notes: Preston Peak is on the ridge between Pioneer Peak and Clayton Peak. There is a plaque on the highest rock telling you where you are.

Waypoint 5: 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.

Waypoint 6: Clayton Peak
 Elevation: 10721 AKA: Mount Majestic
 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.

Ferguson Overlook

Ferguson Overlook from Ferguson Canyon TH
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 2.0 to 3.0 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 2.4 miles
 Elevation Gain: 1410 feet
Main Aspect: West
 Climb Rate: 1175 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 22%
Notes: The trail follows the creekbed in this very steep canyon. The switchback that takes you out of the canyon is a welcome site. The overlok is just past the next switchback.

Trailhead: Ferguson Canyon TH
Trailhead Elevation: 5240 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: No
Area: Salt Lake Valley
Area Location: Various locations on East Bench in Salt Lake
Area Fee: None
Dogs Allowed: No
Notes: Go to about 3800 Timberline Dr in Cottonwood Heights. The trail starts at a dirt road heading northeast. There is good parking

Destination: Ferguson Overlook
 Elevation: 6650 Feature: Ridge
Notes: This is a good destination if youre short on time. There are great views of Big Cottonwood Canyon and Salt Lake Valley.

Flagstaff Mountain

Flagstaff Mountain from Alta TH
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 2.5 to 4.5 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 3.8 miles
 Elevation Gain: 1860 feet
Main Aspect: Southeast
 Climb Rate: 979 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 19%
Notes: The trail follows old mining roads and goes past the imfamous Emma Mine. There’s no trail after the mine, just head up the bowl to the northwest, aiming for the saddle west of Flagstaff. There a trail from the saddle to the peak.

Trailhead: Alta TH
Trailhead Elevation: 8670 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: No
Distance from Park-N-Ride: 8.1 miles
Area: Little Cottonwood Canyon
Area Location: East on 9400 S (SR210) in Salt Lake County
Area Fee: None
Dogs Allowed: No
Notes: The trail starts in Alta where a paved road heading north leaves the main road. It goes past a church and the city offices. Follow the road through 2 switchbacks until you get to a junction. The junction to the north goes toward Cardiff Pass and Flagstaff Peak. The trail east goes through Grizzly Gulch toward Twin Lakes Pass.

Destination: Flagstaff Mountain
 Elevation: 10530 Feature: Peak
Notes: Flagstaff is at the junction of the Cottonwood Ridge and the Reed and Benson Ridge. Overlooking Alta, Mill D South Fork and Days Fork, you can see a lot of country from here. There is a higher peak a short distance to the north, which cannot be seen from Alta.

Days Fork

Days Fork from Days Fork TH
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 1.5 to 2.5 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 2 miles
 Elevation Gain: 825 feet Main Aspect: North
 Climb Rate: 825 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 16%
Notes: The first part of the trail is steep and narrow, but after the first quarter mile it get much better.
Trailhead
Days Fork TH
 Days Fork TH
Trailhead Elevation: 7375 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: Yes
Distance from Park-N-Ride: 9.8 miles Area: Big Cottonwood Canyon
Area Location: East on 7200 S (SR190) in Salt Lake County
Area Fee: None
Dogs Allowed: No
Notes: Turn into the Spruces CG and head for the parking lot in the back. The trail leaves the south end.

Destination
Days Fork
 Days Fork
 Elevation: 8200 Feature: Canyon
Notes: A popular summer and winter destination. There was lots of mining activity in this canyon.