Overview
Snowbird Overlook This page highlights the Peruvian Gulch
summer hiking route to the top of Mt. Baldy. The Peruvian Gulch is also a popular skiing location hosted by the Snowbird mountain resort. If you are interesting in the skiing, see the
Mt. Baldy Skiing page for more details. The Peruvian Gulch route can be used to access a few different mountains in the area. Information on this page could also be used in regards to Hidden Peak, Sugarloaf Peak or American Fork Twin Peaks. But, Mt. Baldy will be the focus of this page. The Peruvian Gulch is a route that starts from the Snowbird mountain resort and ascends up the northwest slope of the mountain. This is a very scenic hike, as far as the natural landscape goes. Yet, there are plenty of man-made structures and roads that can never be completely avoided. Needless to say, this is a popular route for hikers, bikers and tourists. Be prepared to share the trail, but also be prepared to still enjoy the natural qualities and the remarkable scenery of this mountain.
Peruvian Gulch Scenery
Getting There
In the Little Cottonwood Canyon, you will need to exit the main highway at the
Snowbird mountain resort. It is best to use Snowbird
Entry #4. You will need to find a place to park in the area of the Snowbird lodge. There is plenty of parking around the parking garage for the lodge. Creek Road (or
Alta Bypass) also loops around the south side of the parking garage. Along this road, right above the garage there is a large, paved
pullout along the road where cars can park. This might be the closest place to park to the trailhead.
Route Description
Canyon Sunrise
There are a few different ways to get gain access into the Peruvian Gulch. The road that loops around and above the parking garage is what provides access to the hiking trails that you will be looking for. You have the option of hiking along either side of the gulch to begin with. Use the
Peruvian Gulch Hiking Trail to hike along the west side of the gulch, or use the
Blackjack Trail to hike along the east side of the gulch.
Use this link for a
Snowbird trail map. Feel free to print one off to take on the trail.
Mt. Superior
Note: Be prepared to use either access, as either trail could closed to hiking for construction or other purposes.
Using the Blackjack Trail will take you to more of a service road that you can use for a route. The hiking trail on the other side of the gulch may be a better hiking trail. This portion of the hike provides excellent views across the canyon to Superior Peak. Eventually, the two
trails will merge.
From the trail merge the route is very easy to follow. Just follow the canyon all the way to the top of the
saddle between Hidden Peak and Mt. Baldy. You can simply follow the service road. There are occasional footpaths that can be found if you prefer to not take the road. Just use the path of the road or the ski lift as your general guide as you ascend.
Hidden Peak
From the top of the ski lift, there are a series of
switchbacks that climb the saddle and to the top of Hidden Peak. Use these switchbacks to gain access to the saddle just below Hidden Peak.
Mt. Baldy
Once you reach the saddle, you simply need to follow the ridge to the east where you will make your final ascent to the summit of Mt. Baldy. There is a distinct footpath that leads along the
north side of the ridge to the top of the peak. The views on the top are amazing.
Want a Lift?
Thanks to the Snowbird mountain resort facilities, you can also get a boost on your attempt to hike Mt. Baldy. You can take a
ski lift all the way to the top of the Peruvian Gulch. You will be dropped off just below the saddle between Hidden Peak and Mount Baldy. Then you will only have to climb the switchback road up to the saddle and then follow the ridgeline to the top of Mount Baldy.
You could also opt to ride the
Snowbird tram that will take you to the top of Hidden Peak. From there you can descend to the saddle between Hidden Peak and Mount Baldy, and then ascend the ridgeline to the summit of Mount Baldy.
Fees apply.
The Snowbird Tram on Hidden Peak Essential Gear
Flagstaff Mountain Salt Lake Valley
Good hiking boots
A Snowbird trail map
A recent weather forecast
Water (The Peruvian Gulch does have water in summer)
Route Data and Maps
Route
Trailhead Elevation: About 8,240 ft.
Summit Elevation: 11,068 ft.
Distance: Roughly 3.75 miles
Mt. Baldy
Maps
1:24,000 -
Dromedary Peak, UT
Pfeifferhorn
Snowbird Trail Map Link
Mt. Timpanogos
These are the
approximate routes that can be taken:
View Peruvian Gulch to Mt. Baldy in a larger mapThe Residents
For as much human influence is found in the area, there are many chances to see some wildlife. Animals as large as a moose to as small as a mouse can be found in the Peruvian Gulch. A colorful variety of birds can be seen, as well as a wide assortment of flowers.
Here's a few samples of what you may find:
Geranium
Paintbrush
Marmot
Blue Grouse