Overview
Cascade Mountain just misses the 11,000 foot club, but is still one of the toughest, least visited peaks in the Wasatch. I only know of two feasable routes up this peak for hikers, and they are both long and difficult. More challenging routes can be found for serious scramblers and some fine spring snow routes have been added for technical mountaineers. Cascade is the next major mountain south of Timpanogos and overlooks much of Utah Valley.
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Getting There
The two routes commonly used on Cascade are the south ridge via Dry Creek, and the East Ridge via Bunnells Fork. I have only used the South Ridge route. The trailhead is just beyond Rock Creek Campground and can be accessed by either the Squaw Peak Road (recommended) or hiking up Rock Creek trail (making an already tough climb even tougher!).
From I-15, take exit 275 to highway 52, and then highway 189. Continue east at a split towards Bridal Veil Falls up Provo Canyon. Just past mile marker 9 is a sharp turn to the right which is the Squaw Peak Road. It is paved for several miles (and some great views), then grated dirt to Rock Creek C.G. About 3/4 of a mile past the campground is the trail that leads up Dry Creek (very scenic and under-rated). Parking is very limited.
Red Tape
No permits required, no fees. The Squaw Peak road is generally open Memorial Day until winter weather sets in (usually late September or October). Park carefully on the narrow road.
When To Climb
June through September most years. In winter, climbing this mountain involves significant avalanche risk.
Camping
Camping is allowed, no fees or reservations required.
External Links
- www.lanep.org - Cascade Mtn. Trip Report/Photos
Photos and write-up of ascent of Cascade Mountain via Bunnells.
- Cascade Mountain Trip Report
Additions and Corrections
[ Post an Addition or Correction ]
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| Brian Jenkins | some more info on the Dry Creek route | |
Hasn't voted | Hope this helps others as I found it confusing to find the trailhead. It's 9.6 miles from the turn onto Squaw Creek Road to the TH. (Ignore the sign that says the campground is 9.5 miles, it is really 9.0.) The TH is .5 miles after Rock Canyon Campground (incorrectly called Rock Creek Canyon on the route page). The last .5 miles are not suitable for passenger cars. Need a high clearance vehicle to make it. The trail is only identified by a brown plastic post saying it is Trail 060. Once you hit the ridge after 3 miles on the trail, the trail to follow is obvious to the left and is marked as Trail 059. | |
| Posted Jun 17, 2012 8:10 pm | ||
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