Ensign Peak | Salt Lake City

Hiking Ensign Peak - Salt Lake City Hiking Ensign Peak

Salt Lake City

Overview | Getting There | Route | Photos | Maps | Comments

Overview

RATING: Easy Hike
MAPS: SALT LAKE CITY NORTH, UT

Sun

Snow before 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41. West wind around 2 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

41 | 35

Mon

A chance of snow before 11am, then a chance of rain and snow. Mostly sunny, with a high near 44. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

44 | 29

Tue

Rain and snow likely before 8am, then rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 42.

42 | 34

Wed

A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 38. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

38 | 32

Thu

Mostly sunny, with a high near 36.

36 | 26

View Full Weather Details
SEASON: Any, hot in the summer.
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear
WATER: None.

Sun

Snow before 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41. West wind around 2 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

41 | 35

Mon

A chance of snow before 11am, then a chance of rain and snow. Mostly sunny, with a high near 44. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

44 | 29

Tue

Rain and snow likely before 8am, then rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 42.

42 | 34

Wed

A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 38. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

38 | 32

Thu

Mostly sunny, with a high near 36.

36 | 26

View Full Weather Details
Diane and Abby enjoying the morning hike.

Diane and Abby enjoying the morning hike.

On July 24th, 1847, Brigham Young and a group of Mormons entered the Salt Lake Valley. Brigham Young said he had a vision before beginning the trek of where to place the flag when they reached their destination. Upon entering the valley, and first seeing Engsin Peak, Brigham Young declared the valley the place of his vision and where they would settle. Two days later Ensign peak was climbed and the valley surveyed from its top.

Steeped in history, today Ensign Peak is a short hike to some of the most amazing views of the city. Ensign Peak is a very approachable hike by most and a great way to take in the sites of the valley. Highly recommended! En route to the summit, there are excellent views both of the Salt Lake Valley and Wasatch Mountains, but also of the Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island to the west.

View of Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountains from near the saddle.

View of Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountains from near the saddle.

Getting There

The trailhead starts in the neighborhood above the State Capitol. From downtown Salt Lake City, go north on State Street. When State Street ends at the State Capitol, go right on Capitol Blvd and follow it as it goes past the capitol. When it curves right, go left on Edgecombe Drive. Follow Edgecombe Drive, which becomes Ensign Vista Dr in a block. The Ensign Peak trailhead is on the left, well signed across from the park.

Diane taking in the views to the west and of Antelope Island.

Diane taking in the views to the west and of Antelope Island.

Route

From the trailhead, follow the well-signed concrete path. It soon turns to dirt and splits. Left goes to a great view of the city. Stay right.

The trail steepens and reaches a small pass overlooking the Great Salt Lake to the west. (Ensign The View)

Note: Interested in a longer hike? After visiting Ensign Peak proper, the Bonneville Shoreline trail continues north from this pass. It starts as the wide path heading north that narrows to a single track when it quickly starts climbing the ridge. Many other social trails crisscross the area as well. In warmer temps, beware of rattlesnakes that frequent the foothills.

From the pass, Ensign Peak is a short distance up the trail to the south. The large monument on top offers a great spot to take in the views and read the many informational signs around its base.


Maps

Route / 1.02 miles / Elevation Range 5,014 - 5,418 ft.
Printable Maps:

Trailhead

12T 425064mE 4516022mN

N40° 47' 30" W111° 53' 18"
Ensign The View

12T 424992mE 4516061mN

N40° 47' 32" W111° 53' 21"
Saddle

12T 424855mE 4516446mN

N40° 47' 44" W111° 53' 27"
Ensign Peak

12T 424859mE 4516315mN

N40° 47' 40" W111° 53' 26"

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