Signal Peak (10,365 ft) is the high point for both the Pine Valley Mountains and Washington County. It you are a peak bagger looking to summit all of Utah's County High Points, you'll be hiking this one. The main route starts from the Oak Grove Campground, and follows the trail up the South ridge very steeply, before dropping into forested areas, and then hiking off trail to reach the summit.
Hiking Handies Peak – Colorado’s Easiest 14er
Handies Peak (14,048 ft) is a stunning summit located near Silverton, Colorado, and it's one of the most accessible 14ers (mountains over 14,000 feet in elevation) in the state. This peak just so happened to be my very first 14er, and what an incredible introduction to Colorado's high country it was! If you're new to the term, a “14er” refers to any peak that rises above 14,000 feet—there are 96 total in the U.S., with Colorado boasting the most at 57.
Hiking Ice Lakes Basin – Colorado’s Turquoise Gem Near Silverton
Ice Lakes Basin, located near Silverton, Colorado, is one of the most stunning alpine hikes in the San Juan Mountains—and for good reason. Known for its vivid turquoise lakes, sweeping mountain views, and wildflower-filled meadows, it’s become a bucket-list hike for outdoor lovers visiting southwestern Colorado.
Hayden Peak (12,479 ft) stands out for anyone who's driven along the Mirror Lake Highway in the Uintas. This rugged peak is quite intimidating from the road, but for Peak Baggers that's nothing to prevent us from climbing it. Hiking to the summit of Hayden Peak is NOT for the beginner hiker nor the beginner peak bagger. You should be comfortable hiking across narrow ridges, class 3 scrambles, and route finding. There is either a very faint, or non-existent trail. Though this route is only 2 miles one way, you'll gain a total of just over 2,000 ft.
Mill Canyon Peak (10,349 ft) sits on the backside of the Wasatch Mountains and offers amazing 360 degree views. For a 10,000 ft peak this is a relatively easy summit - there's a trail most of the way and no scrambling.
The West Summit of Notch Mountain (11,206 ft) is near "The Notch", an opening in between the West and East summits. The Notch is the high, open area on the Notch Mountain Trail by Lovenia Lake and Twin Lakes. Hiking to the West summit is fairly easy for seasoned peak baggers, and offers a good intro to peak bagging for newbies. There is a trail all the way to The Notch, after that you need to find your own route. It's not hard though, just steep hiking over medium sized boulders. Be careful where you step as some boulders are uneven - always test it out before putting all of your weight on the boulder.
Provo Peak (11,068 ft) is one of the higher peaks in the Wasatch and also one of the shortest but steepest in the area. The trail to the summit is only 1.5 miles but gains 2,700 ft! The views from the summit are amazing, as you get 360 degree views of Utah County, and on a clear day into SLC County and major peaks north.
Fool Creek Peak (9,712 ft) is the highest summit in the Canyon Mountain Range in central Utah, and ranks #20 on the Utah Prominence List with 3,712 ft. I bet everyone has seen this peak, but nobody knows the name as you drive by it heading south on I-15 in Scipio, UT. This is one of the reasons I just had to hike this peak - every time I would drive on I-15 I said to myself "One day I'll hike to that peak!" So I did.