Hiking Monte Cristo Peak
Monte Cristo Range
Overview
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Wed 35 | 26 |
Thu 33 | 22 |
Fri 31 | 21 |
Sat 31 | 20 |
Sun 25 | 23 |
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Wed 35 | 26 |
Thu 33 | 22 |
Fri 31 | 21 |
Sat 31 | 20 |
Sun 25 | 23 |
| View Full Weather Details | ||||
Just getting started on a June day
Separating the Wasatch Range from to the west from Woodruff, Randolf, and Wyoming to the east, the Monte Cristo Range runs north-south for about 30 miles. State Highway 39 crosses the range and offers exquisite views and a winding road often frequented by motorcyclists.
Monte Cristo Peak, the tallest point in the range at 9,148, sits a very short distance off the highway and makes a great family friendly leg stretch when passing through the area.
A note on timing. UT-39 is closed in the winter, roughly from November to Memorial Day, though can stay closed later into the summer during very heavy snow years. Check UDOT’s website for road condition information ( https://www.udot.utah.gov/ ). Visiting the peak in early summer, right after the road has been opened, is likely to bring snow covered slopes and potential sledding fun. Visiting in mid-summer is more likely to be wildflower season. Finally, visiting in the fall brings dramatic foliage, a leaf peepers dream. Bottom line, anytime in the summer and fall is a good time to visit!
The open slope before the top. Would be a great sledding day.
Getting There
The traihead is at mile post 44.6 on UT-39. To reach the trailhead from Ogden, go east on UT-39 through Ogden Canyon. The state road passes along the south side of Pineview Reservoir, then bends north and reaches Hunstville. In Hunstville, be sure to take a right to continue on UT-39 at mile post 19.3. This is well signed. Follow UT-39 as it climbs up the Monte Cristo Mountains.
About 24 miles from Hunstville the trailhead is a spur road on the right that is closed. The destination, Monte Cristo Peak, is the peak you just passed, clearly visible from the trailhead a short distance to the south.
Benchmark at the top.
Route
From the parking area, follow a closed road. It passes a small communications station, then spirals up to the summit. A survey marker stake and benchmarker mark the top. The views to the west are of the Bear River Range and Wasatch Back. To the southeast, the prominent Uinta Mountains are visible and often snow-capped until at least mid-summer.
Photos
Maps
| Trailhead |
12T 457279mE 4586148mN N41° 25' 33" W111° 30' 41" |
| Marker |
12T 456751mE 4585718mN N41° 25' 19" W111° 31' 03" |