Overview
Overview of Routes on Grandeur Peak
Grandeur Peak is the western-most peak on the ridge separating Parleys Canyon on the north and Mill Creek Canyon on the south. Its proximity to the Salt Lake valley makes it a popular hike, which can be completed in several hours or less. For more advanced hikers, Grandeur Peak is the starting point of the challenging Mill Creek Ridge route.
Distance of ±6.0 miles round trip from the trailhead at the end of Church Fork Road, with an elevation gain of 2,340 feet. The Church Fork trailhead elevation is 5,960 feet.
USGS Quads:
Sugar House, Utah (1:24k)
Mount Aire, Utah (1:24k)
Salt Lake City, Utah (1:100k)
Getting There
The most common routes which are used to ascend Grandeur Peak include:
Church Fork:
From I-215 on the east side of Salt Lake valley, take either the 3300 or 3900 South exit, and proceed east to Wasatch Boulevard. Follow Wasatch Boulevard to 3800 South, and look for signs to Mill Creek Canyon. Proceed approximately 3.75 miles up Mill Creek Canyon to the Church Fork picnic area on the left. Park either along the road or in the small parking area at the trailhead, approximately ½ mile from the main road.
Pharaohs Glen:
This route begins near exit 131 of I-80, approximately 2 miles east from the mouth of Parleys Canyon. There is no offramp at this exit for eastbound traffic; proceed another mile east along I-80 to exit 132, then backtrack one mile west to exit 131. Westbound traffic may exit directly at exit 131.
West Slopes:
From I-215 on the east side of Salt Lake valley, take the 3300 South exit, and proceed east to Wasatch Boulevard. For northbound traffic there is no offramp at 3300 South, so take the 3900 South exit and follow Wasatch Boulvard north approximately 1 mile to 3300 South. From the intersection with 3300 South, follow Wasatch Boulevard north to approximately 2900 South, where a gated parking area marks the end of the road and the trailhead.
Dragon's Tail Ridge:
Begins from same trailhead as the West Slopes route.
See the 'Routes' section of this page for details on ascending the peak from each of these routes.
Red Tape
Church Fork
This route begins in Mill Creek Canyon, which is a fee area. A toll booth is located approximately 1.5 miles up the canyon, and collects a fee of $2.25 per vehicle as you exit the canyon. Annual passes may also be purchased for $20.00 There is only room for 8 cars at the trailhead in Chuch Fork picnic area, and the picnic area gate closes at 10:00 pm. Parking in the picnic area parking stalls for trailhead access is not permitted.
Pharaohs Glen
This route begins on private property. Be very respectful of the property owners when using this route, and be aware that the owners reserve the right to deny access at any time.
West Slopes
Although it begins from a public access area, this route passes very near a residential area; be considerate of the property owners when passing near these areas. The trailhead parking area gate is closed at 10:00pm each night, so plan your return to the trailhead accordingly.
Dragon's Tail Ridge
Same as West Slopes route.
Additional Information
Additional web sites of interest:
Wasatch-Cache National Forest Website
Climb-Utah Grandeur Peak Page
Utah Avalanche Center website
Mountain Conditions
The 7-day forecast below is for the Wasatch Front valleys - expect considerably colder and more severe weather in the mountains.
Images
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