Hiking Haystack Mountain in the Uintas (10,985 ft)
Haystack Mountain (10,985 ft) is a prominent, 3-mile-long ridge located in the High Uintas Wilderness of Utah. Easily accessed from the Crystal Lake Trailhead, this hike offers a scenic and relatively easy summit adventure—perfect for those looking to bag a peak without an intense climb.
🏔 Note: Don’t confuse this Haystack Mountain with the one in the La Sal Mountains near Moab. This Uintas version is shorter, easier, and far more beginner-friendly!
Hiking Haystack Mountain (11,641 ft) in the La Sal Mountains, Utah
Haystack Mountain (11,641 ft) is a striking summit located in the La Sal Mountains, just outside Moab, Utah. As the second-highest mountain range in Utah—after the Uinta Mountains—the La Sals offer a scenic, high-alpine escape from the desert heat below.
Thaynes Canyon Peak (8,656 ft) is a high point in Millcreek Canyon - not many people summit this peak, as it is not well known and fairly steep.
Frisco Peak (9,660 ft) is the peak above Frisco, UT and can be seen from Milford, UT. It's on the list of Utah Peaks with 25 miles of Isolation, so not many people seek out this area for hiking. m.
The South Ridge to Mt.Wire can be hiked year round, and overlooks the University of Utah, Emigration Canyon, and Red Butte Canyon. Unfortunately, Mt.Wire isn't much to look at. But what this little hill lacks in prestige, it more than makes up for with steep trails, nice views of the valley, and a spacious top to stretch out and enjoy the scenery. Plus, if you are brave enough, you can climb up the old radio tower! There are two main routes to get to the summit - this way up past The Living Room, or up the South Ridge, the route I will be describing.
Hiking Frary Peak – The Highest Point on Antelope Island
Frary Peak (6,596 ft) is the highest point on Antelope Island State Park, located in the Great Salt Lake of northern Utah. This stunning hike offers panoramic 360° views of the lake, the Wasatch Mountains, and surrounding valley cities. It’s one of the most rewarding summit hikes close to Salt Lake City and a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts visiting the island.
Flat Top Mountain (10,620 ft) is the highest peak in the Oquirrh Mountains (pronounced like "oaker") in Utah, which lies to the southwest of Salt Lake City. Most of the Oquirrhs are private property and mining land for the Rio Tinto Kennecott Mine, however the two areas you are allowed to hike are in Butterfield Canyon, and the Flat Top Mountain trail (update: 2019 land access below). Flat Top Mountain has a prominence of 5,370 ft, making it Utah's 6th highest prominent peak.
Hiking to Mt. Elliott (7,142 ft) – Book Cliffs, Utah
Mt. Elliott (elevation 7,142 ft) is a remote and rugged peak located in the Book Cliffs between Price, Utah and I-70. If you’ve ever driven from Salt Lake City to Moab, you've likely passed this distinctive peak without even realizing it. Near the small town of Woodside, UT, look southwest from the abandoned gas station (sometimes home to roadside jerky vendors), and you’ll spot Mt. Elliott’s jagged, isolated summit. It’s hard to miss—its sharp profile stands out against the surrounding ridgelines.
This obscure summit ranks #24 out of 29 on the Utah County Prominence Peak list, and due to its isolation and tough conditions, only a handful of hikers reach the summit each year.