Utah's 100 Most Prominent Peaks
Overview
Located in Fishlake National Forest and located relatively close to I-70,this wedge shaped mountain is a well known landmark in this part of Utah.
Interest in this mountain has grown as the field of prominence preaks has
increased. Ranking fairly low on the list at #75, Hilgard Mtn. has the required 2000 feet (2093')of prominence necessary.
More on prominence is discussed HERE.
Hilgard Mountain is also called Mount Hilgard by some and Hilgard Peak by others. No matter, it is comfortable with any of the names thrown at it.
It was named after J.E. Hilgard, a prominent official of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey organization.
Getting There
Access is best from I-70 via highway 72 as it heads south towards the small communities of Fremont and Loa. After leaving I-70, it is about 11 miles to a turnoff with FS 015, which takes off on the right (west) side of the road.
The first 8 miles is 2WD friendly and doesn't require high clearance (at this time) but the last 1.8 miles to the northern trailhead (not marked) is rough and 4WD with high clearance is needed. Cattle often graze the local hills and so you need to watch out for them as they are often next to the road you go in on.
I-70 is the key highway as it provides high speed travel from Colorado,
Salt Lake City (take highway 50 from Scipio to Salina) and Las Vegas via
I-15. I have attached a couple maps to show the local area and roads as well as the route from where I parked.
Red Tape
None that I am aware of.
Fishlake National Forest
115 E 900 N
Richfield , UT 84701
(435) 896-9233
A website for Fishlake National forest can be found HHERE
Camping
It is possible to camp at the area where people normally park as the location is flat and reasonable for car camping. No developed campground is to be found in the vacinity.
Parking spot and camp spot as well if needed
Here is the Fishlake National Forest page for camping.
Route
The northern route is relatively easy and straightforward although the trail isn't obvious from the road in. Follow the map and you will hit an old overgrown logging road which will take you most of the way to the shoulder of the mountain. Since you are parking at 10100' and the summit is at 11,533', you have a bit more than 1400' of elevation gain in less than two miles.
Study the attached map for a feel of how to get to the summit. The last bit after you leave the trees has some talus but that isn't really an obstacle.
We were able to hike up and back in less than three hours. One interesting
occurance was the chance meeting of five other hikers who had just come down from the summit and were concerned about the gathering storm clouds that we were heading up into. We didn't start to hear thunder until just after we arrived at the summit so we beat a hasty retreat and got rained on before we made it back to my truck.
Kadee nears the top
Weather for nearby Richfield Utah
Nearby
Not far from Hilgard Mountain is Thousand Lakes Mountain and it is a nicepossibilty to do both Hilgard and Thousand Lakes Mountains on the same day.
More will be added to this section to highlight the other features of this area.
Not far from here, I had ancestors who helped to develop the area to the north and in the San Rafael Swell, one of the features, the Molen Reef is named after one of them. I kind of feel a pioneering spirit when I am in this area and I marvel at the hardships those hardy people had to endure in order to settle in this area.
The towns of Richfield and Salina both have stores and accomodations.
Eastward, you have to reach Green River before you find the same.
Fish Lake is one of the premier lakes in Utah
Disclaimer
Hiking, climbing or traveling in this type of country can be inherently dangerous, the above information is provided only as a courtesy. You accept all risk and responsibility for your activities in this area and I recommend that you let others know of your plans and where you will be hiking/climbing prior to heading to this area. Be self sufficient and carry plenty of food, water and shelter in the event of a breakdown. Good quality tires are a necessity on the rough and rocky roads you will encounter as is a vehicle in good condition. Roads may become impassable when wet. Avoid the area during electrical storms and avoid high ridges &exposed areas. Having said all that, have a good trip and please let the author of this page know of changes that you encounter.Please let me know if road conditions or access changes.
