Mt. Olympus (9,030 ft) is the prominent peak above Murray/Millcreek, Utah and is recognizable from anywhere in the SLC valley due to its two long, rocky spines on the West face.

About

Though it’s not the tallest summit in the area, hiking Mt. Olympus is sure to give your legs a workout. Gaining 4,100 ft in just 3.3 miles (one way), your legs will feel like jelly quickly. The rise of this peak from the valley floor to summit impresses locals as well as visitors alike. The trail also quickly changes from city to backcountry, as you enter the Mt. Olympus Wilderness in just 30 minutes of hiking. Hiking Mt. Olympus is a popular trail year-round, especially for Peak Baggers.

Tips for hiking Mt. Olympus

– Summer months are quite hot but the trail is dry; start hiking as early at 5:30-6am to beat the heat– Spring and Fall are perfect for hiking as the trail is dry, yet valley temperatures aren’t too hot to hike mid-day. The stream still flows at 2 miles in.– Winter provides a fairly “safe” summit, as the avalanches are less prone compared to surrounding peaks. However, always check avalanche conditions before heading out that day. Snowshoes and/or microspikes will be required.
Dogs are allowed off leash on this trail; however, I only recommend that dogs who have experience hiking in this kind of terrain, steepness, and mileage go. Dogs also need to be fairly comfortable hiking up the last 600 feet, which is a class 3 scramble. If you bring your dog, bring plenty of water, as there is only one water source at the first stream 2 miles in.

Directions

From SLC head east on I-80 then than I-215 south. Take exit 5 for 4500 South, and turn right. At the next stop light (Wasatch Blvd) turn right. Drive south for 1.5 miles, then look for the left turning lane that takes a very sharp left turn uphill, which leads you into the parking lot. If this lot is full, you can also just park along Wasatch Blvd then walk up to the TH. Here’s a driving map.

Trail Info

Distance: 7 miles RT

Elevation gain: 4,100 ft

Time: 6-8 hours

Dog friendly? Yes, off leash

Kid friendly? No

Fees/Permits? None

 

The new parking lot was finished Summer 2020.

Now you enter the parking area as a one-way road, entering from the South end. There is now also a port-a-potty.

New parking area from above. You can still park along Wasatch Blvd, and especially in summer you will have to due to the popularity of this trail.

 The trail begins right from the parking lot. If you parked along Wasatch Blvd, you’ll need to hike up to the official TH.

 Your heart gets pumping very quickly as you make your way up the stairs.

The trail was re-routed in 2022 to add a new switchback at the very beginning.

 You’ll hike past this rocky outcropping, popular for people working on their rappel skills. Stay right.

 Follow the main trail, and within 10 minutes you’ll see your first trail split sign – turn right up the switchback. Hiking straight/left follows the Z-Trail/Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST), and leads you over to the neighborhood below Neff’s Canyon.

 The trail offers pretty amazing views the entire time. This is looking South towards Cottonwood Heights.

 Pass the official Mt. Olympus Wilderness sign.

 You’ll come to another trail split area with a sign. Stay right again. Going left will connect back down to the Z-Connector Trail.

What a great day for a summit!

The trail briefly flattens out just before the stream.

 At 2 miles, you’ll cross the first stream. This is a great place to take a quick break and let the dogs drink. This stream is usually dry by Mid-summer.

 After the first stream is where the trail begins to get even steeper. Hike up roughly 20 steep switchbacks.

Don’t forget to look back down to SLC! Such a great view.

Now the giant rock steps begin.

The last 1/3 mile is the steepest yet.

Finally, a good view of where we are headed.

Finally at the saddle! Whew, what a great view of Broads Fork Twin Peaks and Lone Peak in the distance!

From the saddle, stay left.

 From the saddle, turn left and continue following the trail as it leads you to the base of the class 3 scramble. The dogs all did great, and only needed a boost in two sections.

It’s really not as bad as it looks. The very first time I summited Mt. Olympus in 2014 as a solo hike, I was able to get up and down by myself. Since its a class 3, there are always really good handholds.

Charlie only needed a boost in two areas of the scramble. Otherwise, he was able to do it on his own without slipping.

Almost to the summit.

Whoo-hoo, 4th time on Mt.Olympus! I highly recommend wearing compression socks, as they will save your calves on this climb.

Misty, Max, and Leo did such a good job, and they were very proud of themselves! Total time up was 3 hours 12 minutes!

 

Mt. Olympus, Winter 2017

Winter is my preferred time to summit, as the snow covers up all the rocks making it easy to climb up in my opinion.

This view is looking East towards Wildcat Ridge.

 On the summit looking down to the valley.

 

Watch my video from May 2022!

 

Trail Map

 Total hiking time, including our break at the top, was 6 hours 32 minutes. Gaia GPS is the best tracking app!

 

Also Read…

6 Steepest Hikes in the Wasatch Mountains

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