Hiking Mt Ellen

Garfield County Highpoint

Overview

( Rated 4.5 / 2 Ratings )

16 Todo Lists / 1 Ticks

RATING: Easy/Moderate Hike

LENGTH: 2-3 hours (3.8 miles)

MAPS: Mount Ellen, UT

Mon

27 | 16

Tue

16 | 13

Wed

17 | 9

Thu

24 | 12

Fri

28 | 17

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SEASON: Late Spring, Summer, Fall

WATER: None.

NOTES: Reaching the trailhead requires at least a high clearance vehicle, though a 4x4 is recommended. The road is steep in spots, and can be rocky.

Mon

27 | 16

Tue

16 | 13

Wed

17 | 9

Thu

24 | 12

Fri

28 | 17

View Full Weather Details

county highpoint

peak

hike

dog friendly

family friendly

access: high clearance

Looking toward Capitol Reef near the start of the trail to Mt. Ellen

The Henry Mountains were the last mapped mountains in the lower 48 and currently home to the largest unmanaged bison heard in the United States. The mountain range was volcanically formed, and still resembles a volcano from a distance. The Henry Mountains are truly unique area; the area is wild, dry, and a stark contrast to the lower elevation desert country surrounding it.

Mt. Ellen is the highest peak in the Henry mountains, as well as being the highest point in Garfield County. At 11,500 ft., it offers a cool and refreshing respite from the often scorching summer temperatures in Hanksville. Despite being such an oasis, it is seldom visited. On my trips, I have never run into another group on the trail, and rarely seen people on the road up. The hike to the summit starts at Bull Pass (10,500), making the summit of Ellen fairly easy compared to other high points. Mt. Ellen is a must do for peak baggers or desert lovers.

Summit of Mt Ellen along the ridge

Getting There

There are many ways to get to trailhead at the top of the pass on Mt. Ellen between the north and the south summits. This is what is usually the easiest:

From the junction of Highway 24 and Highway 95 on the east side of Hanksville, drive south on 95 for 9.9 miles (mile post 9.9) to a road on the right hand side.
Stay on the main road, taking the right at 2.7 miles from the highway.
At 6.2 miles, reach a ranch on the right, and T-Junction.
Go left at the ranch, reseting your odometer.
Lonesome Beaver Campground is passed at 9.5 miles. Good camping and water are available here.
11.2 miles from the ranch, go right, toward Bullcreek Pass
14.0 miles from the ranch, reach the pass. The trailhead is on the right at the pullout on top of the pass.

Summit of Mt Ellen along the ridge

Route

Summit: 3512 m ( 11523 ft. )
Trailhead: 3196 m ( 10486 ft. )

From the trailhead, follow the trail north. It is well defined and easy to follow. After a short section at treeline, it gains elevation and follows the ridge above tree line. Though it looks a short distance away, the peak that is visible is a false summit. Cross 3 minor peaks before reaching the true summit. The pyramid peak to the north (Ellen Peak, as opposed to Mt. Ellen) is only 16 feet lower in elevation, but looks higher from most vantage points.

From the summit, you can see Capitol Reef to the West, Factory Butte and the San Rafael Swell to the North, Robbers Roost to the East, and the Henry Mountains to the south.

Return the same way you came.