Hiking to Mt. Superior & Monte Cristo Peak Girl on a Hike

Hiking to Mt. Superior & Monte Cristo Peak

Mount Superior (11,040ft) & Monte Cristo Peak (11,132 ft) are two classic and iconic Wasatch Peaks that every peak bagger should summit. Both peaks dominate the Little Cottonwood Canyon Ridge, and are focal points to the north when skiing at Alta or Snowbird. Both Mt. Superior and Monte Cristo are summited year round – in the winter by backcountry skiers, and in the summer by hikers looking for a fun little scramble.

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About

The trail has several switchbacks, steadily gaining elevation. Many people hike to Cardiff Pass, and turn around, but the real fun and adventure begins when you start to hike along the ridge. The first 1/2 mile of the ridge is easy, and follows a well defined trail. The last 1/2 mile to the summit is a scramble, with a little route finding. As long as you stay on the ridge, you’ll reach the peak. If you are afraid of heights or have never hiked across a knife-edge, this isn’t the hike for you. The narrowest section of the ridge is only 1 ft wide! I recommend starting out with an easier scramble, such as Clayton Peak. Clayton Peak is more suitable for beginners, since the trail and scramble is much shorter.On this trail you’ll summit Mt. Superior first, and Monte Cristo Peak is a mere 15 minutes further West along the ridge. The ridge in between the two peaks is easier than the climb up to Mt. Superior, in my opinion. Be sure to bag both peaks – it’s well worth the effort and time. Start hiking early in the morning in the summer to beat the heat and crowds. My friend and I started hiking at 6am, and summited in exactly 2 hours at 8am. By the time we got back to Cardiff Pass around 9:30-10am, there were literally about 20 people hanging out at the pass, and we passed even more on the way back down to the car.
For an even more challenging route, check out Climbing the South Ridge of Mt.Superior!

Directions

Drive up Little Cottonwood Cayon for 8 miles (past the Park in Ride, at the intersection), and park at the “Our Lady of the Snows Center” on your left (see photo below). Here’s a driving map.

Trail Info

Distance: 2.7 miles (one way to Monte Cristo Peak)

Elevation gain: 2,500 ft

Time: 3-5 hours

Dog friendly? No, dogs aren’t allowed in LCC

Kid friendly? No

Fees/Permits? None

The trail starts by walking up the paved road right by the Our Lady of the Snows Center, and take the first right. You’ll then walk by the Sheriff’s Station on your left, as the road rounds the corner.

Walking by the Sheriff’s Station.

The dirt road turn East again. You’ll follow the power lines most of the hike, until you reach Cardiff Pass.

Just after the road turns East, look for the trail splitting off to the left. This is your trail.

You’ll come to a distinct trail split. To get to Cardiff Pass go left. If you have time and want to get a closer look at the Cardiff Mine, go right/stright..

You now have a clear view of Cardiff Pass! Don’t be fooled by the peak to the left – that isn’t Mt. Superior – it’s Christmas Tree Peak, and is called so because in winter there are Christmas lights turned on, and are formed to look like a tree. Hike through the small meadow, and follow the trail until you reach the pass.

Once at Cardiff Pass, turn left (West) and follow this covered electrical line up this rocky area. Don’t take the trail that curves around the South side of Christmas Tree Peak!

Your first great view of Mt. Superior and Cardiac Ridge (to the right)! Tt’s so close yet so far away!

The trail is well defined along this section of the ridge up to Mt. Superior. No scrambling yet!

Now you can see the trail gets really steep and there’s more rocks. Starting here, be very careful where you step and keep an eye out for cairns hikers have placed. The higher you stay on the trail, the closer to the ridgeline you’ll be. If you drop down, it’s much harder to climb back up and you’ll get yourself into loose, gravel. Not fun!

A few sections require some easy climbing up to the ridge. Give your friends below some room, in case you accidentally kick rocks down to them. Another tip – keep everything in your pack, not your pockets. Phones, cameras, etc can easily fall out.

Almost there!

On the summit of Mt. Superior! Monte Cristo Peak is behind me. Headed there next!

While you are on the ridge, you might as well hike another 15 minutes to bag Monte Cristo Peak! It looks much further and more intimidating than it really is. I thought this ridge was easier than the climb up to Mt. Superior.