Wasatch Range (Central)
Overview
Flagstaff Mountain is one of several 10,000+ foot summits which form the northern rim around the Alta ski resort, in Little Cottonwood Canyon. The peak is located at the southern end of the Reed and Benson Ridge, which divides Mill D South Fork on the west and Days Fork on the east. Flagstaff Mountain is located in the Wasatch National Forest.A short and easy approach hike combined with relatively little elevation gain make this summit an ideal destination for novice hikers who do not wish to take on the more difficult Mount Superior a short distance to the west. More advanced hikers may choose to create a multi-summit ridge traverse by combining this peak along with the Honeycomb Cliffs further to the east.
This summit is identified as Flagstaff Mountain on the USGS topographic map, but some local guide books also refer to the summit as "Flagstaff Peak". Also interesting is the fact that a higher point (el. 10,561) is located just ±0.25 miles along the ridge to the north. This higher point can be reached via an easy ridge walk from the summit of Flagstaff.
USGS Quad:
 |  |  |  |
Getting There
The shortest and easiest approach for a hike up Flagstaff Mountain begins from the Cardiff Pass trailhead at the Alta Ski resort.Take the 6200 South exit (exit #6) off I-215 and follow highway 190 south-east approximately 2 miles to the intersection with Big Cottonwood Canyon road. Continue straight through the stoplight and follow the road another 4 miles to the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon, where an electronic billboard on the right provides current road and/or weather conditions.
Continue east up Little Cottonwood Canyon approximately 8.3 miles to the Forest Service garage, an old stone structure located on the left (north) side of the road. Park along the road to the east of the garage, or in the large parking area across the road.
Refer to the Routes section for details on ascending the peak.
Red Tape
There are no fees or permits required for hiking in this area.The initial portions of the trail passes near several private cabins; be respectful of the local property owners.
