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Details

Distance

2.23 miles

Elevation Gain

3307 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Travis Poulson

Steep and challenging, this trail offers the perfect early morning or after-work training run. This is the go-to hike for leg conditioning!

Are you planning a big adventure and need a boost getting ready for it? You came to the right place. This is my go-to when I’m preparing to climb a big mountain. It’s hard to find a steeper trail in the area (that’s not a game trail), and the West Face is usually free of snow early in the season.

The hike is 4.6 miles round-trip with an elevation gain of 3,200 feet. Park in the lot at the northern end of Wasatch Boulevard and start marching east up the obvious trail. There are a couple forks early on, just stay on the path that takes you straight up the mountain, because that’s how this trail rolls, straight up.

It’s an exposed route with very few trees, so I don’t recommend hiking midday in the summer. Stick to mornings or evenings. In the spring, wildflowers are abundant, and in the fall, the hillside bursts with reds and yellows. 

On top, you’re rewarded with fantastic views in every direction. To the south, Mount Olympus juts from the valley with its granite slabs, and to the west, you’ll see the entire Salt Lake Valley. If your knees aren’t interested in the steep descent, you could take the more frequented eastern trail down into Millcreek Canyon, but that requires a shuttle. 

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Features

Fitness
Photography
Running
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike Jacks Mountain

Hike Mt. Aire

Hike Neff's Canyon

Climb West Slabs of Mount Olympus

Grandeur Peak East Trail

Salt Lake Overlook via Desolation Trail