Wasatch peak info

[Kullaberg63]

I'm driving from Moab to Seattle next week and, weather permitting, hoping to stop for a day hike in the Wasatch.

What would be a must do outing for a first time visitor, given the current snow levels? Summitting a peak is always good!

 

[Ugly]

If you want to miss snow all together, then Mt Olympus will get you up a peak and is snow free. Another option is up Big Cottonwood canyon, I really like Mill B North this time of year up around Mt Raymond and Gobblers. You climb fast and get a look back towards some good snow covered peaks and ridges.
Even on a weekday the trailhead is busy, but once you cross the road and start ascending you should be alone, with maybe just a few lizards sunning on the rocks.

 

[Artemus]

Dang, I wish I was around. I'd buy you a beer and we could regale each other with tales and it would be fun to walk together. Unfortunately I will be in Jellystone looking for wolves.

X2 on the Mt. Olympus Trail. It is a bit of a but buster but some great views and a great alpine, city-edge experience. Another one would be Grandeur from Millcreek using the Church fork trailhead. It is a little bit easier with less vert and you can get a better workout and fun hike by going over the top and down the west ridge to SLC. That is if you can get a friend to pick you up at the bottom. Maybe one that went part way up with you and came back to the car?

 

[regehr]

I'll second Raymond, one of my absolute favorites. Mill B North Fork is nice, or via Butler Fork if you want 3000' elevation gain instead of 4000'. On a hot day it's best to hit Butler early as it is very lush and seems to trap the warm humid air.

 

[WasatchWill]

Agreed on those Salt Lake area hikes mentioned above. Other options beyond the Salt Lake area would be Provo Peak (Provo) as well as Mt Ogden and Ben Lomond (Ogden).

 

[Kullaberg63]

Thanks all. That gives me something to work with. Nobody mentions Timp? Too snowy this early? (Only mtn up there I can name & locate)

Did I read on the USFS site that dogs are not allowed from Mill B trailhead?

 

[WasatchWill]

Timp would be great for a first timer, but the back side, which has the trails, will still have a good amount of snow and ice. If you have spikes it might be doable. Though, there's still probably spots you'll be postholing a bit. The crowds usually don't start making the summit until late June to early July.

 

[Artemus]

Dogs are not allowed in LCC or BCC (Big Cottonwood Canyon) and in Millcreek only on even or odd days. I'll look it up.
http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsem_035021.pdf

Dogs are allowed on the Mt. Olympus trail and the west slopes of Grandeur.