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It was such a gorgeous day yesterday here in Salt Lake that I decided to go for a little hike near my house. I chose to head up to the old airplane beacon on top of Mount Wire also known as Big Beacon. The route is approximately 2.3 miles one way, so just a touch over 4.5 miles round trip. I started hiking around 10:00 am and before long had crossed the Shoreline Trail and was heading up Georges Hollow towards Red Butte. After an hour or so, I arrived at a small saddle where you can look down and northeast into Red Butte Canyon. After taking a couple pictures of the canyon, I turned southeast and made my way to the top of the mountain. The north slope still had some icy snow to negotiate but it wasn't too bad. I had brought my micro spikes but didn't end up using them. It took an hour and twenty minutes to get to the top and once there I climbed the beacon to take some pictures and eat a Cliff Bar while enjoying the unseasonably warm weather. Once done enjoying the view, I retraced my path back to the trailhead and then headed home. On my way down I saw a butterfly. Amazing for February in Utah!
Mount Wire is a great early season hike that will take you to 7143'. Be sure and climb the beacon to get great views of the Salt Lake Valley, Emigration Canyon and Red Butte Canyon.
Route Map
View from the Shoreline Trail
Icy trail to begin with
Looking up towards the top of Mount Wire
Red Butte Canyon
View of the Wasatch Front
First glimpse of the beacon after leaving the saddle
Grandview Peak to the north, just above Black Mountain Ridge
Looking slightly northeast along the ridge from Mount Wire
The throat of the beacon
Emigration Canyon
The old beacon
A butterfly in February! It is located on the small rock just to the right of center.
Featured image for home page:
Mount Wire is a great early season hike that will take you to 7143'. Be sure and climb the beacon to get great views of the Salt Lake Valley, Emigration Canyon and Red Butte Canyon.
Route Map
View from the Shoreline Trail
Icy trail to begin with
Looking up towards the top of Mount Wire
Red Butte Canyon
View of the Wasatch Front
First glimpse of the beacon after leaving the saddle
Grandview Peak to the north, just above Black Mountain Ridge
Looking slightly northeast along the ridge from Mount Wire
The throat of the beacon
Emigration Canyon
The old beacon
A butterfly in February! It is located on the small rock just to the right of center.
Featured image for home page:
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