Page Type Page Type: Mountain/Rock
Location Lat/Lon: 40.58208°N / 111.57208°W
Activities Activities: Hiking
Seasons Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
Additional Information Elevation: 10315 ft / 3144 m
Sign the Climber's Log

Overview

Preston Peak is one of several peaks along the Brighton Ridge overlooking Brighton Ski Resort. This peak is actually within Brighton Ski Area boundaries, and during the ski season Preston Peak is a very short walk from the top of the Snake Creek chair lift.

This rather plain peak is flanked by Clayton Peak on it's north east (47°) aspect, and Pioneer ridge (and Pioneer Peak) on it's west (275°) aspect. Climbing Preston Peak and both it's neighbors in one trip is recommended, since Preston is less than a mile (as the crow flys) from either. Preston Peak is unnamed on the USGS topographic maps, but maps of Brighton have it clearly named and labeled at 10,315 feet.

The views, in every direction, make climbing this unpretentious peak worth the while. From its peak one can see east into the Heber Valley, south into American Fork Canyon (home of mighty Mt. Timpanogos), north down Big Cottonwood canyon toward Salt Lake City, and west at Pioneer Peak, Sunset Peak, Mt. Tuscarora, and Mt. Wolverine.

Preston Peak and Pioneer RidgePreston Peak (left), and Pioneer Ridge(right), with Mt. Timpanogos visible in the middle

Getting There

From downtown Salt Lake City, follow these directions to reach Brighton Ski Resort. Driving time from downtown Salt Lake City is approximately 50 minutes:
  • I-15 S toward LAS VEGAS/CHEYENNE. 8.3 miles
  • Take the I-215 exit- exit number 302- toward BELT ROUTE. 0.2 miles
  • Merge onto I-215 E via the exit- on the left- toward SKI AREAS. 5.1 miles
  • Take the 6200 SO. exit- exit number 6- toward SKI AREAS/SOLITUDE / BRIGHTON/SNOWBIRD / ALTA. 0.2 miles
  • Take the ramp toward SKI AREAS/SOLITUDE / BRIGHTON/SNOWBIRD / ALTA. 0.1 miles
  • Turn RIGHT onto UT-190 E/E 6200 S. Continue to follow UT-190 E. 1.6 miles
  • Turn LEFT onto E BIG COTTONWOOD CANYON RD/UT-190. 14.0 miles
  • End at Brighton UT

    Park in the ski resort parking lot and begin hiking from the main lodge.

    Routes

    This peak is best climbed as a snow climb or backcountry ski climb in late winter soon after Brighton Ski Resort closes for the season.

    From the main lodge at Brighton, simply follow the Crest Express chair lift to its top, and then head east up Preston Peak. Alternatively, for a less steep climb, follow the Snake Creek chair lift to its top and then head west to the peak.

    Brighton Ski Resort Trail Map, Showing Preston PeakPreston Peak is Located Slightly East of the Brightons Crest Express Chair Lift

    Red Tape

    When Brighton Ski Resort is closed, there shouldn't be any red tape. However during the ski season, you may have to purchase a lift ticket if you wish to summit this peak.

    Camping

    There are many walk-in campgrounds in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Alternatively, free camping is permitted in the nearby Mt Olympus, Broads Fork Twin Peaks, or Lone Peak Wilderness areas as long as it is done at least 100 ft away from trails.

    External Links

  • Brigton Ski Resort
  • Wasatch Mountain Club
  • Utah Avalanche Center
  • The Avalanche Center