Swallow Rocks : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost

Overview

The map just says Swallow Rocks, at a location northeast of Grandview Peak. Yes, there are some rocks but nothing too impressive. Nearby are 2 highpoints that have over 300 feet of prominence. These are the Swallow Rocks Peaks. Both are great viewpoints and a long ridge traverses to reach these peaks keep things interesting as well.

Peak 8580 "Swallow Rocks North Peak"

Peak 8901 or Swallow Rocks Peak

Getting There

The easiest route would be if you had permission to use the roads coming out of private land of the East Canyon Resort. I heard several ATVs using these roads.

Big Mountain Pass, Great Western Trail AccessFrom I-80 in Parleys Canyon, take the East Canyon Exit 134 (Highway 65) north 8 miles to Big Mountain Pass. Park in the large dirt lot at this historic pass.

Lookout Mountain Access
One could also get to these peaks by any of the Lookout Peak access points. A trail near the summit of Lookout Peak cuts north to merge into the south ridges of Swallow Rocks Peak.

Sessions Mountains Access
A bit longer route but if you were already climbing Grandview Peak via the GWT on the north via Skyline Drive out of Bountiful, you could add these peaks for a long day trip.

Swallow Rocks Sign below the peaks

Swallow Rocks Map

Red Tape

Swallow Rocks North Peak is probably on private property as you can see in this Resort PDF Map, but I didn't see any signs along this portion of the hike. I know they are really concerned mostly with hunters since their cliental is mostly recreational hikers and ATVers and they issue there own private hunting permits.

No Dogs Allowed

Camping

Putting up a base camp on the north side of Grandview Peak would put 6 or so peaks available for grabs. There aren't many backpacking options in this part of the Wasatch but this area would be one.

If you have an RV, try camping at East Canyon Resort

Big Mountain Route

Cross the road and start up the trail gaining elevation quickly. The first half mile is a big gain in elevation. Soon you top out on ridges, working across much easier terrain traversing just below Big Mountain. After the next knob you drop down to a grave; road. I'm almost positive access for this road is reserved for the "East Canyon Resort". As you walk the road, which is also the Great Western Trail, you'll see private property signs for the resort on the north side of the road. Follow the road west until you reach a nice sign with a left trail going toward Swallow Rocks or the road right to Panorama Point (see picture). To climb "Swallow Rock North", follow the road right until it hits the south saddle of the peak. It is an easy scramble up from that point. To climb "Swallow Rocks Peak", take the north or east ridge up to the rocks and then up to the highpoint. There is a trail in places.