You will be in for a surprise if you visit the desert state of Utah expecting to see a flat and desolate landscape; Utah is undeniably mountain territory, and each of the state’s 29 counties has several mountains. In fact, there are 84 Prominence Utah Mountains alone, each rising at least 2,000 feet above the surrounding landscape. The stunning and unique Rocky Mountains in Utah are a haven for hiking enthusiasts as well as those interested in wildlife viewing, rock climbing, mountain biking, and backcountry camping. Wintertime snowfall on several of these mountains makes for great backcountry skiing and snowboarding.
Prior to your visit, we advise calling the shortlisted attractions among the best Utah mountains to confirm the most recent opening hours.
1. Benchmark Cedar
The highest peak in the Cedar Mountain Range, known as Cedar Benchmark (also known as Cedar Mountain Highpoint), is situated west of Salt Lake City in the recently designated Cedar Mountain Wilderness. When you visit Cedar Benchmark, you can expect to see a variety of unusual wildlife, a 250-strong herd of wild horses, and expansive areas of pristine white salt flats, which you can see from the summit. There are a few ways to get to the peak, and it has an access rating of 2 to 3. However, the road leading to the trailhead is in pretty bad shape, and only four-wheel drive vehicles should attempt it. The wilderness area does not have any campgrounds, but backcountry camping is permitted.
2. Wilson Summit
Wilson Peak, one of the best Utah Mountains and the tallest peak at a lofty 13,060 feet, is located in what is undoubtedly one of the state’s most magnificent landscapes. Wilson Peak provides outdoor enthusiasts with a stunning backdrop for walking, hiking, scrambling, and backcountry camping. Wilson Peak rises rather majestically above the Red Castle Lakes region in the High Uintas Wilderness Area. One of the benefits of ascending Wilson Peak is its seclusion and isolation; the round-trip hike is close to 30 miles, and at the summit, there is no one else in sight besides you and the breathtaking views. Visitors who aren’t up for the arduous climb to the summit can take advantage of shorter hikes, walks, and lake trout fishing.
3. Mount Doubletop
The two summits of Doubletop Mountain, which are sharply separated by a fissure like a rifle sight, gave the mountain its name. The peak is less crowded than Naomi Peak, which is close by and is situated in the Bear River Range in northern Utah. This is good news for individuals who value their privacy. The most direct path is along Steep Hollow, however, the distance varies slightly depending on which trail you take. The hike to the top is around 6 miles long. After taking in the expansive views at the summit, you have the choice of going back the way you came or taking the beautiful Crescent Lake Canyon Descent.
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4. Lovenia East
Although being the lowest of the 13 best Utah mountains, East Lovenia has the distinction of being the most technically challenging to climb. East Lovenia presents a strenuous day trip for hikers and scramblers. The 25-mile roundtrip distance from the nearest road and the rough scree that must be traversed at higher altitudes are two of the main difficulties in climbing East Lovenia. It is advised that you only try to reach the top between July and August because the approach roads are typically impassable in the winter. The peaks of East Lovenia and Mount Lovenia can be reached in a single climb, though most people prefer to traverse the distance over two days, including one night of rough camping.
5. Mountain Mahogany
Mahogany Mountain, which is near to Pleasant Grove in Utah County and rises to a very respectable 9,000 feet in elevation, is sometimes ignored in photographs because Mount Timpanogos, which is directly behind it, casts a shadow over it. You will be rewarded with some of the state’s best vistas once you climb to the top of Mahogany Mountain. The mountain offers enjoyable hiking along a number of trails all year long. The North Peak Trail, a gentle and picturesque route that is just under three miles round-trip and is appropriate for children, is another way to reach the summit. It begins close to suburban Pleasant Grove. Mountain bikers also use both tracks in combination with other side trails.
6. Mountain Jardine
Mount Jardine, one of the tallest peaks in this portion of the Bear River Range (9,566 feet), is located in the southern part of the range and draws a variety of outdoor enthusiasts all year long. You have a choice of three easy paths, each of which is about 6 kilometers one way, to get to the summit. The most well-liked path is through Green Canyon, which may be utilized by mountain bikers, skiers, snowshoers, and hikers. The most beautiful path involves some scrambling toward the summit and goes through Birch Canyon. The 10-mile Jardine Juniper Trail is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running, and may be utilised by dogs and horses. Don’t miss the legendary Jardine Juniper Tree, the oldest tree in Utah.
The 10-mile Jardine Juniper Trail is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, trail running, and may be utilised by dogs and horses. Don’t miss the legendary Jardine Juniper Tree, the oldest tree in Utah.
7. Robert’s Horn
On Mount Timpanogos, Robert’s Horn is a well-known summit that rises to a stunning elevation of 10,993 feet, falling just shy of the mountain’s highest point by 1,000 feet. Robert’s Horn is one of the most satisfying hikes in Utah if stunning views are what you’re after. The mountain is accessible through the relatively simple Aspen Grove Trail or Timpooneke Trail, rising spectacularly above the lovely Emerald Lake region. There are more difficult routes that are appropriate for ice climbing and scrambling if you’re searching for a greater challenge. The Timpooneke Campground, Mt. Timpanogos Campground, or a night of rustic camping close to Emerald Lake are good options for basecamps for campers.
8. Peak Howell
180 miles from Salt Lake City, Howell Peak is situated in an extremely lonely region of the House Range in the western Utah Desert. Few people visit Howell Peak, which is a blessing for those who want serenity and seclusion as well as the eerie calm that comes with this lovely desert site. There are various locations along the trail to the peak where hikers can stop for a night of basic camping beneath the vast desert stars. Hikers can arrive quite close to the trailhead by automobile. Because of the excessive summer heat, it is preferable to visit Howell Peak between fall and the end of spring. The U-DIG Fossil Quarry and Council Cave are two nearby sights that you might enjoy visiting.
9. Peak Delano
The tallest mountain in the Tushar Mountains, Delano Peak, is located in south-central Utah and crosses the border between Beaver and Piute counties. The 4.8-mile out-and-back trek is considered moderate, and the views from the summit are outstanding even though the peak reaches a very respectable altitude of 12,000 feet. You can anticipate seeing lots of mountain goats and wildflowers along the road (when in season). Delano Peak can be visited all throughout the year, and in the winter you may try the path with snowshoes and try some fantastic backcountry skiing and snowboarding. Both Mahogany Cove and the way along Big John Flat have designated camping areas.
10. The Wickiup
The term “Wickiup” comes from the Native American word for home or “wigwam,” which has a shape quite similar to this unusual mountain and is situated in the San Rafael Swell region of Utah. The Wickiup is not among Utah’s tallest mountains at just 6,000 feet, but it is undoubtedly one of the most interesting and has some of the state’s earliest geological rock formations. The trail is roughly six miles long one way, and you can use a four-wheel drive to get to the trailhead (assuming the road is not icy or covered in snow). Due to a large amount of loose and fragile rock, The Wickiup is not the simplest peak to climb and is not suggested for beginners.
11. Stookey Mountain
Stookey Peak, located in Onaqui Utah Mountains far from the state’s more well-known hiking destinations, is a mountain that many people have never heard of. As there is no clear track and you must make your own way to the summit, Stookey Peak is a great choice for hikers and scramblers who want a challenge. A set of binoculars may be useful if you want to glimpse some of the wild horses that live on the mountain. Given that you will climb more than 2,000 feet in elevation in just one mile, you should pack plenty of water for your cross-country journey.
