Signal Peak

Overview

In southwestern Utah, approximately 15 miles northeast of St. George. Signal Peak is located in the Pine Valley Mountains in the Dixie National Forest. Signal is supposedly named because of its use in World War II when beacons were placed on the mountain to guide airplanes at night. Newly created legend has it that Signal Peak still acts as a beacon to Utah county peak baggers. Signal Peak is the highest point of the Pine Valley Range, which dominates the skyline north of the city of St. George in southwestern Utah.

The trail from Oak Grove (southeast approach) to the peak, transition you from a desert environment to a lush pine forest with running water at “Further Water”. Signal peak is also the highest point within Washington County. The view east towards Zion and the western edge of the Colorado Plateau are spectacular.

Getting There

OAK GROVE TRAILHEAD

Leave I-15 at exit 23 (Leeds) in Utah and head west (not east towards Leeds) on Silver Reef Road. You will drive west for 8.6 miles to the Oak Grove trailhead within the Oak Grove Campgrounds. At about 3.1 miles a “Y” is encountered, stay right, left will take you to St. George, continue west for the remaining distance to the trailhead.

BROWNS POINT AND FORSYTH CREEK TRAILHEAD

From SR 18 and the town of Central, Utah head east for 6.9 miles to a sharp bend in the road, stay straight for another 3.5 miles while passing the Pine Valley Reservoir to the Browns Point Trailhead on the right. The Forsyth Creek Trailhead is just short of the Browns Point Trailhead and is at the Equestrian Campground.

Routes Overview

The Oak Grove Route is the shortest route, but it is steep in places. The route approaches the mountain from the east, climbs the steep escarpment to the plateau rim where the angle of the slope eases. From there, the route follows the Summit Trail south and over a minor divide to a nice meadow containing Further Water Spring. After following the Summit Trail a short distance, the route heads cross-country to the summit.

There are other routes from the west to Further Water and Signal Peak. These routes are a bit longer, but less steep and there is much more shade available if it is summer. One of these trails is the Browns Point Trail which joins the Oak Grove Trail at the Summit Trail not far from Further Water. The other trail is the Forsyth Creek Trail which follows Forsyth Creek to past Burger Peak before heading east towards Signal Peak.

Red Tape

No permits are required.

When To Climb

The lower elevations of the mountain can be warm in July and August. Snow last into June on the higher slopes. June, September, and October are probably the best months to climb. In winter, the western approach through Pine Valley would be easier since the Oak Grove trail crosses some very steep terrain before reaching the plateau rim.

Camping

CAMPING AT THE OAK GROVE CAMPGROUND

CAMPING AT PINE VALLEY CAMPGROUND

Another good area to camp would be at the spring known as Further Water, along the forested edge of the large half mile long meadow.

Mountain Conditions

WEATHER FORECAST FOR SIGNAL PEAK

Below is the climate summary for nearby Brian Head at 9770 feet elevation. These are all averages, so expect more variation, but this will give you a good idea about the climate at higher elevations around Signal Peak. *National Weather Service Data 1991-2004.

Images

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