Winter Hike to Mt. Olympus
Holladay, Utah
Details
Distance
7 miles
Elevation Gain
4200 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Ken Meleta
Olympus is a relatively safe winter summit and a good introduction to easy snow climbing. Enjoy classic views of Salt Lake valley and the Wasatch.
Approach: You can access the well traveled Mount Olympus Trail the same as you would any other season. Park in the trailhead lot or along Wasatch Blvd. The trail starts on the south side of the parking lot.
Route Description: Even in the winter the Mount Olympus trail should be pretty straightforward to follow. The trail maintains a packed snow/ice surface even at lower elevations through most of the winter. Additional traction (such as Microspikes) will prove very valuable to moving quickly and safely and snowshoes may not be needed. The trail is steep and switchbacks numerous times as it travels up toward the top.
After 3 miles, you’ll reach “the saddle”. This is a great place to rest, grab a snack, and take in the views of numerous peaks to the southeast. Many people make this their high point and turn back from here. The route continues north from the saddle and climbs steeply over snow covered class 3 terrain. You shouldn’t “need” an ice axe or anything other than good foot traction, but be sure to move carefully and avoid taking an unnerving fall. If you're going to need flotation from snowshoes at all, this stretch of the route is where you'll be putting them on. If you don't have snowshoes or don't want to lug them up there, wait a couple days after a storm for the boot track to be stomped out. Keep following the boot track to the summit and descend the same way you came.
For the summer hike, check out Hike Mt. Olympus.
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Reviews
Take layers of clothing. Make sure to tell someone where you are going and when to expect you back. Bring warm gloves, socks and head covering. Water and something warm to drink too. Spikes are needed on the icy spots.
5.0
This hike is awesome in the winter, less crowded and if the snow is deep enough you can slide most of the trail on the way down. It would be hard to get me on this trail in the summer after doing it in the winter
5.0
I've done Olympus twice this winter (Tollcats Canyon to South Summit) Jan/Feb 2017 and had a great experience both times. Was surprised how many people on the lower trail, but when the trail starts to get snowpacked (depending on time of season and recent weather) the crowds thin out and only those with spikes of some sort can make it up. And beware of parking in the designated lot, especially before light or after dark. Sadly there are lots of break-ins there. I always park on Wasatch Boulevard below to avoid an problems If you are thinking of giving it a try, do it! I far, FAR prefer Olympus in the winter rather than warmer months. The views to the south of Twin Peaks, Lone Peak, Pfeifferhorn, and others are spectacular in the winter. Just remember to bring some sort of trail spikes. Gaiters will also make it much better if there's recent snow.
5.0
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