Mountains in Utah

1. Mount Timpanogos

Mount Timpanogos (aka Mt. Timp) is the second highest and the most dominant mountain in the Wasatch range, standing guard over the Provo, Orem, and Pleasant Grove areas, approximately 45 miles south of Salt Lake City.

The mountain is very popular with outdoor enthusiasts and there are three trails (varying from 12 to 16 miles) for hikers to choose from, which will take you to the summit and back.

Mount Timp is home to the only true glacier in Utah, and in spring and fall many climbers take the challenge to reach the summit via the glacier route using ice axes and crampons.

You will see a variety of wildlife, including moose, mountain goat, deer, and pika. Campers can pitch a tent at the Timpooneke Campground, but motorhomes and trailers are discouraged on the steep and winding Alpine Highway. Map

2. Bountiful Peak

Bountiful Peak is one of the highest points of the striking Northern Wasatch Range and, along with several other mountains in the area, it reaches an altitude of over 9,000 feet.

Much of this Utah mountain is bisected by canyons and surrounded by rugged cliffs, making it an ideal destination for avid hikers and scramblers.

You can approach the summit along four different trails, each of which has its own appeal. If you are planning to hike in winter, Parrish Creek is the recommended route, while in spring and summer hikers will get to see up to four waterfalls if they choose the scenic Davis Creek route.

Unlike many other scenic peaks, you can drive almost all the way to the top of Bountiful Peak, which is a great treat for non-hikers. Map

3. Deseret Peak

Beautiful Deseret Peak is the highest summit in the Stansbury Mountain Range (11,031 feet) in the Deseret Peak Wilderness in western Utah.

The Utah mountain attracts a large number of hikers each year and there are several trails to be explored.

Many visitors use the South Willow Creek route to reach the summit and return along the same route (an 8-mile roundtrip), but the best way to appreciate the entire scenic mountain is to do a loop hike, returning via the Pockets Fork and Dry Lake Fork trails.

If you want more of a challenge, you can try the Twin Couloirs snow/ski route.

There are six campgrounds in the area and the best time to hike Deseret Peak is between Memorial Day and late October. Map

4. Box Elder Peak

You will find Box Elder Peak in the Wellsville Mountains of northern Utah, where it towers over the Wasatch-Cache National Forest.

The mountain is a popular destination for walking, hiking, and bird watching, and people come from near and far for excellent raptor sightings, including hawks, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons.

Of the three popular hiking trails, the 4.5-mile Rattlesnake Trail is the most direct route to the summit, followed by the Coldwater Canyon Trail at 5.7 miles and the Deep Canyon Trail at 7.4 miles.

If you fancy a snow climb, May is the best time to tackle Box Elder Peak, while September and October offer the added attraction of beautiful fall foliage.

There are no campgrounds in the area, but respectful backcountry camping is allowed. Map

5. Canaan Mountain

Located South of Zion National Park in southern Utah, Canaan Mountain forms a rugged escarpment surrounded by steep cliffs on all sides.

Hikers can choose from three main routes to reach the summit, all of which are between 9 and 10 miles long and can be combined to form a loop trail.

However, hiking Canaan Mountain is considered to be an adventurous expedition where good route-finding skills are required and you should not underestimate the relatively short distance.

If you plan to reach the summit you are advised to treat this as a 2-day backpacking hike. Day hikers generally choose the 11-mile Squirrel Canyon to Water Canyon Loop or the 14-mile Water Canyon to Eagle Crags Thru-hike.

There are two campgrounds in Zion National Park and the Water Canyon Trailhead offers primitive camping. Map

6. Gunsight Peak

Gunsight Peak is one of the highest peaks in the Clarkston Mountains, located between Gilbert’s Peak and Kings Peak in northern Utah, and is clearly visible to anyone driving along the I-15.

If you enjoy exploring the path less travelled, you will love hiking Gunsight Peak – much of the approach to the peak is located on private land and very few people even know about this brilliant hike.

Visitors can choose from two routes to the summit, either approaching via the Henry’s Fork Trailhead (8 miles one way) or the Winter Canyon Route, which is considerably shorter at 5 miles one way.

If you have the time and energy, Gunsight Peak can be climbed along with Gilbert’s Peak and King’s Peak.

Campers can pitch their tent at the Henry’s Fork Campground. Map

7. King’s Peak

Towering to a massive 13,527 feet above sea level, King’s Peak is the highest peak in Utah, proudly towering over Duchesne County in the High Uintas Wilderness Area.

The mountain regularly attracts walkers, hikers, and backpackers and has recently been named one of the best trails in the world by National Geographic.

To reach the summit, you will face a strenuous but extremely scenic 28-mile hike – most people bring along a tent and spend a memorable night or two under the stars alongside one of the lakes in the Henry’s Fork Basin.

If you’re not up to summiting the mountain, there is a variety of shorter hiking trails starting at the Henry’s Fork Campground that will lead you to picturesque lakes where you can go fishing or kayaking. Map

8. Mount Magog

Visually striking, Mount Magog is one of the highest peaks in the Bear Mountain Range in northeastern Utah and attracts scramblers and hikers who are looking for a path less travelled.

Campers can base themselves at either the Upper or Lower Canyon Campgrounds or the Spring Hollow Campground or bring along a backpack and do some backcountry primitive camping along the way.

Most hikers start their ascent along the Southwest Ridge along the Tony Grove Trailhead in Logan Canyon, but you can also use South Ridge Route or combine the two routes for a loop trail.

You can look forward to an exhilarating and scenic hike that requires some full-on rock climbing near the summit. Map

9. Thayne Peak, Utah

Located in the central Wasatch Mountains above Salt Lake City, Thayne Peak and nearby Thayne Canyon offer locals and visitors a picturesque mountain and forest setting for walking, hiking, and trail running.

Hiking is at its best from May to October and there is a choice of trails that will reward you with exceptional views from the summit.

You can start your hike at the Desolation Trailhead in Millcreek Canyon and then choose the Thayne Canyon Trail (2.75 miles to the summit) or the Desolation Trail (4.75 miles to the summit) or combine the two to make a loop trail.

Thayne Peak can be hiked all year round, but you will probably need snowshoes in winter, when the peak is covered in snow. Map

10. Navajo Mountain

Navajo Mountain rises majestically above Lake Powell in the Navajo Indian Reservation in southeastern Utah to reach a very respectable 10,388 feet above sea level.

The enormous whale-shaped mountain is considered to be a sacred site to the Navajo and hiking is not allowed.

However, you can still explore the natural beauty of Navajo Mountain by going on a Navajo-guided tour of fascinating Antelope Canyon and the Upper Part of East Waterholes.

You can also go on a boat trip on Lake Powel and then follow the 1-mile Rainbow Bridge Trail to see the world’s highest natural bridge.

If you plan to do any camping, you should arrange a permit in advance. Map