Flagstaff Mountain

Overview

Flagstaff Mountain (which has the same name as the other Flagstaff Mountain) is a relitively small peak located along the Park City Ridge in the Central Wasatch Mountains. Its name comes from a the nearby mine "Flagstaff Mine". Flagstaff Mountain is just south of the boundaries of Deer Valley Mountain Resort. Deer Valley has a lift the goes to Flagstaff Mountain, however, this is not the actually peak. Flagstaff Mountain is actually around half a mile SE away from the lift serve "Flagstaff Mountain" in Deer Valley Resort.

Along with this hiking this peak, there are nearby Bald Moutian, Park Mountain, Jupiter Hill, and Jupiter Peak along the Park City Ridge which you could consider hiking as well.

From the top of this peak, you have great views of Clayton Peak, Deer Valley Resort, and many of the surounding moutains and valleys.

Getting There

From Midway-There are many ways one can get to this mountain. First, you could head north on UT 224 out of Midway. Following the 224 you will reach a pass that seperates Park City Mountain Resort with Deer Valley Resort. There will be a pass with a turnoff, pulloff the road here and park.

From Park City-From Park City- Head southeast on Park Ave/UT-224 toward Lame Dog. Merge onto UT-248. Turn left at Deer Valley Dr/UT-224.At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto Marsac Ave/UT-224 Continue to follow UT-224. Turn left at Marsac Ave/UT-224. Turn left to stay on Marsac Ave/UT-224 Continue to follow UT-224. From here, you will reach a pass. Turnoff here.

Note: There is a road leading almost directly to the summit, however it is a dirt road and very steep and not in the best condition.

The road from Park City will not be plowed in the winter, making it hard to gain access to the area from there. However, I don't know about the Hwy 224 from Midway. I imagine some of it will be plowed since there are some residences in this area.

Route

There are turnouts on either side of this road which you can pullout onto. From the pass, Flagstaff Mountian will be the closest highpoint to the east. Follow the ridgeline and it will lead you to Flagstaff Mountain. From this direction, its a little over a mile roundtrip

There are many ways in which you can approach this peak, another way being from Bald Mountain. From Bald Mountain, Flagstaff Mountain is a little over mile away.

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.

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.

External Links

Wasatch/Cache National Forest

The Avalanche Center

Utah Avalanche Center

Deer Valley Resort Hiking Info

Misc

If you have any additional information/pictures for this peak please tell me and I will add them or you can just post them.

Images

View Flagstaff Mountain Image Gallery - 8 Images