Check out the Top 6 Steepest Hikes in the Wasatch Mountains! The Wasatch Mountains are known for the amazing scenery, wildlife, easy access to wilderness, and #beUtahful trails. Included in that list are peaks - with over hundreds of peaks to hike, you're sure to find something for everyone. But what if you like a big challenge, and like hiking where most people don't go? Do you like pushing your legs until they turn to jelly? Breathing so hard you feel like you're about to pass out? If that sounds like fun to you (it is for me haha!) then keep reading.
Mahogany Mountain (9,001 ft) is located in Utah County, and considered one of the steepest hikes in the Wasatch. In just 3.5 miles to the summit the trail gains 4400 ft! Mahogany Mountain often gets overlooked for Mt.Timpanogos, which towers over it to the East. Because of this, not many people don't know this mountain even has a name. Except for peak baggers that is. This is one of those hikes every peak bagger must do, and even with a lot of peak experience, this one is daunting due to the steepness.
South Willow Lake is a high alpine lake in the Deseret Peak Wilderness, West of Salt Lake City, Utah. It is a fairly steep trail but only 3.5 miles to the lake. The best time to backpack here is mid-June - October, when the winter gate is open and the trail is mostly free of snow. There are two routes to get to South Willow Lake via the Deseret Peak TH or the Medina Flat TH (aka Stansbury Front Trail).
Memory Grove Park is located just north of downtown SLC, and offers an escape from cement, skyscrapers, and traffic into a secluded park with a year-round stream. The 9 acre park includes an off leash area, remnants of old buildings, fountains, restrooms, picnic tables, and the Memorial House. Memory Grove features several memorials to Utah's veterans as well as a replica of the Liberty Bell. If you decide to hike further than the park area, to the North you will enter City Creek Canyon.
Big Springs Trail is an easy hike for the whole family. It's not really a "spring" to check out, it's just a closed off and well-fed spring now. You can keep hiking all the way up the trail, and it eventually connects with the Cascade Ridge. Most people hike up about 2-3 miles then turn around, to get the best views. This hike is best in Spring when the fields are green and vibrant, and the stream is rushing from the snow melt.
Jack's Mailbox Peak (6,475 ft) is short but sweet - not only will you get great views of the SLC valley to the West, the Wasatch mountains to the East and South, but also get a great leg workout in, and is a safe peak to summit during Winter when avalanche danger is high. Though this trail is very short, the elevation gain and time spent hiking will make you think it's longer.
The Top 10 Peaks to bag in Salt Lake City, UT are right out our back door - no more than a 30-45 minute drive, these peaks are some of my favorites I've hiked over the years! Whether you are a newbie to peak bagging, or have years of experience, the Wasatch Front offers something for everyone. Start with the easy ones, then work your way up to some of the hardest and longest in the area. Of course there are several more peaks that some would argue should have made my list, but those are for you to decide which are your favorite. Set some goals, and start peak bagging this summer!