Page Type Page Type: Mountain/Rock
Location Lat/Lon: 40.60929°N / 111.55307°W
Additional Information County: Summit , Salt Lake and Wasatch County
Activities Activities: Hiking
Additional Information Elevation: 10027 ft / 3056 m
Sign the Climber's Log

Overview

Tri-County Peak is a small peak located along Park City Ridge at the eastern end of Big Cottonwood Canyon in the Central Wasatch Mountains, Utah. It sits on the southern most corner of Park City Mountain Resort(PCMR). Tri-County Peak stands at around 10, 027 and the actual summit lies on the corner of three counties: Summit, Wasatch, and Salt Lake Counties. That is obviously how this peak got its name.

All though this is a relatively high mountain, Tri-County Peak is humbled by its nearby neighbor Clayton Peak. None-the-less, this peak is still a fun hike. As they say, its the view that matters. Although there are no lifts directly going to the top of this peak, there is a ski lift a couple hundred yards below the summit. From the top, you have excellent views of Big Cottonwood Canyon, Park City, PCMR, Clayton Peak, Mount Wolverine and many other Wasatch Peaks.

Also, if your climbing this peak, you could consider climbing Clayton Peak, 10, 420, Jupiter Hill, and Scott Hill. All these peak are relatively close to Tri-County Peak.

Name Discrepancy: This is not an officially named USGS Peak. The names I have heard this peak are Tri-County Peak, Jupiter Bowl Hill, and Jupiter Peak. I believe Tri-County Peak seems to be a more fitting name for this peak then the other two. Tri-County Peak reaches the 300ft+ rule for prominence by having 306ft of prominence.

If anybody has anymore information regarding the actual name of this peak please let me know.
Amazing ViewView towards Mount Wolverine. Devil's Castle can be seen in the distance

Camping

Camping is a little tricky in this area. Your almost better off doing this peak as a day hike. The reason why its a little tricky is that there is alot of private property that dots this whole area. If you are going to camp, be sure to not camp on any private land. Rumor has it that the land owners are not very forgiving, even to hikers. Anything that is not on private land is open to camping.
Clayton BowlClayton Peak view from the summit

Red Tape

The road through Guardsman Pass Road will not be plowed in the winter past Pine Canyon Road and right after Brighton Ski Resort, so that would make for a longer approach.

Also, since it is within bounds of PCMR, a lift pass would probably be necessary during the winter months.

There is LOTS of private property around and be sure to stay off or if you have to pass thru someone lands, try to spend as little time on it as possible.

All in all, this is a better summer hike versus a winter one unless of course you are staying at PCMR.

Click here for additional information.

No dogs are allowed in this area either. The reason being is that much of this area serves as a watershed to the Weber River.

Routes

Jupiter Peak via Guardmans Pass- In the summer months, I would recomend starting right at Guardsman Pass (Shortest route to Jupiter Peak). If your coming from Park City, there will be a turnout on the left side of the pass. If your coming from Big Cottonwood Canyon the turnout will be on the right. From here, by following many of the little trails, its a straight shot to the peak. Its less then half a mile round trip if you head straight up along the ridge to the peak.

Jupiter Peak via Park City Ridge- Follow the basic directions for getting to the peak, but instead of going on to Guardsman Pass, stop along Guardsmen Pass Road (UT 225) at a smaller pass between PCMR and Deer Valley Resort. There will be a pullout on the right side which can serve as the trail head. Head right along the ridge line towards Jupiter Hill. Tri-County Peak appears to be the smaller peak (which it isn't) on the left side on Jupiter Hill. Head along the ridge line and traverse Jupiter Hill and then follow the ridge to Jupiter Peak. This route is about 5 miles round trip.

Note: There are many different ways you could hike Tri-County Peak besides the given routes above.
Scott HillScott Hill from below the summit

Park City RidgeTri-County from Park Mountain

History and FAQ's

This part of the Waasatch was famous for its silver minning. Most of the minning activities began in the early 1850's when Mormon settlers discovered it just in the hills behind Park City. As of today, there are still plenty of old and abandoned mineshafts that dot the area. Park City was founded in 1872 as a minning town. Over the years, this town has changed from a small silver minning town into a world reknown ski resort city. Aside from silver, lead and zinc were also minned from these mountains.

Interestingly, during this minning era, many of the evergreen trees were logged and much of the area was left barren by this. However, in the early 1900's, a restoration project was funded and many of the trees were restored.

Also, this area was considered prime hunting and trapping land by the native Ute Indians, trappers, and Mormon settlers.
Abandoned MinshaftOld mineshaft

Mountain Biking

Also this area recieves lots of mountain bike actvitity. Lots of trails provide oportunity for premier cross country, downhill and just plan mountain biking. During the summer, you will most likely see them out and about on the surrounding trails, so be aware of that. For more information about the local mountain biking, click HERE.

Getting There

Driving Directions

From Park City-
Head southeast on Park Ave/UT-224 toward Lame Dog and go 0.3 mi
Merge onto UT-248 and go 2.6 mi
Turn left at Deer Valley Dr/UT-224 and go 1.1 mi
At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto Marsac Ave/UT-224 Continue to follow UT-224 and go 3.6 mi
Turn left at Marsac Ave/UT-224 and go 75 ft
Turn left to stay on Marsac Ave/UT-224 Continue to follow UT-224 and go 2.1 mi. Make a slight right turn at Pine Canyon Rd/UT-152/UT-190 Continue to follow UT-152/UT-190 and go 0.8 mi

Big Cottonwood Canyon-
Head east on Big Cottonwood Canyon Road(UT 152). Take a right on East Guardsmen Pass Road (UT 190). Keep following this road until you reach Guardmen pass. There is a turnout on the left side that can serve as parking for hiking this peak.
Guardsman PassGuardsmen Pass Road (closed)

External Links

Park City Mountain Resort

Utah Avalanche Center

Avalanche Center

Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Tri-County Peak

History of Park City Area

Misc

If you have any addition iformation or pictures not already on this page feel free to post them.
The SummitSummit of Tri-County