Grandeur Peak

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.

The steeper West Ridge route gains approximately 3,200 feet in just 2.5 miles. This gives an elevation gain of 1,280 ft/mile, undoubtably one of the steepest hikes on the Wasatch Front.

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.

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.

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.

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 $3.00 per vehicle as you exit the canyon. Annual passes may also be purchased for $40.00 There is only room for 8 cars at the trailhead in Church 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.

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. The beginning of this route has been closed due to trail restoration since early summer 2011 - a short (±0.1 mile) trail to the north bypasses this area.

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.

Dragon's Tail Ridge
Same as West Slopes route.

Additional Information

Additional web sites of interest:

• Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Website
• Climb-Utah Grandeur Peak Page
• Utah Avalanche Center website

Web Cam

Webcam looking up the west ridge of Grandeur Peak.

Mountain Conditions

Grandeur Peak Daily Climbing Forecast

Additions and CorrectionsPost an Addition or Correction

Viewing: 1-3 of 3

Sarah Simon - Apr 5, 2010 6:58 pm - Hasn't voted

Minor typo

Hey there, Very minor spelling error in the "Getting There" section that I wish to bring to your attention as a courtesy: 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 $3.00 per vehicle as you exit the canyon. Annual passes may also be purchased for $40.00 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. I think you meant Church instead of Chuch. Safe climbing, Sarah

Joseph Bullough - Apr 6, 2010 8:51 am - Hasn't voted

Oops...

I've owned this page for quite a few years. Amazing that a typo survived that long. It's fixed now. Thanks...

kris247 - Nov 30, 2022 12:28 pm - Hasn't voted

Access Fees

As of January 2020 access fees are $5 daily, $3 for seniors. Annual passes are $50, $30 for seniors.

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