South Mountain | Salt Lake Valley

Hiking South Mountain - Salt Lake Valley Hiking South Mountain

Salt Lake Valley

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

Overview

RATING: Easy Hike
MAPS: Tickville Spring, UT;

Tue

Rain likely after 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 48. South wind 13 to 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

48 | 33

Wed

Rain and snow before 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

35 | 32

Thu

Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. New snow accumulation of around one inch possible.

35 | 27

Fri

Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 36. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

36 | 28

Sat

A chance of snow before 11am, then a chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

39 | 29

View Full Weather Details
SEASON: Spring, Fall, Winter
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear
WATER: None

Tue

Rain likely after 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 48. South wind 13 to 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

48 | 33

Wed

Rain and snow before 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

35 | 32

Thu

Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. New snow accumulation of around one inch possible.

35 | 27

Fri

Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 36. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

36 | 28

Sat

A chance of snow before 11am, then a chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

39 | 29

View Full Weather Details
Getting started from the trailhead.

Getting started from the trailhead.

This is a hike most Wasatch Front hikers have not done. Tucked at the southwest corner of the valley, it seems often overlooked except by the neighborhood surrounding it that hikes, bikes, and walks dogs in the area. South Mountain, surprisingly to me, is the high point of the Traverse Mountains. I had always assumed the peak was part of the Oquirrh Mountains.

The hike makes a good early season hike to get the legs in shape for summer peak season, or a late fall or even winter hike if there isn't too much snow on the ground. I'd avoid this peak during summer months when heat and rattlesnakes are likely both in abundance.

The reward of the hike is great views of the Salt Lake Valley. For convenience, if you live in the southern part of the Salt Lake Valley, this is tough to beat. All-in-all, this isn't a must do when considering all of the other amazing peaks and hikes along the Wasatch Front, but it does make a nice outing when you are looking for something a little off the beaten path.

Note: The hike ends on the summit of South Mountain. Just to the south of the peak is owned by the Department of Defense (Camp Williams). Probably best not to wander south from the summit, but return the way you came.
Heading up the ridge into the blue sky.

Heading up the ridge into the blue sky.

Getting There

15193 Secret Canyon Circle Way is the trailhead. A smartphone can give directions.

Like to find it old school? Here are the details:

Start by taking Bangerter Highway to 134000 South. Take 134000 West, toward Kennecott Mine. After 1.2 miles, turn left (south) onto UT-85.

After a mile, turn right onto Jupiter Crest Road. Follow it 1.1 miles then turn right onto Ambermont Dr. After 0.4 miles, Ambermont Dr turns slightly right and becomes Briar Park Rd. Just after this, turn left onto Aurora Vista Dr. Then left onto Bugle Ridge Dr, then a final right to Secret Canyon Circle. Follow this to its end.

Diane and Abby on the summit.

Diane and Abby on the summit.

Route

From the parking area, follow the utility road south into the canyon within a few minutes, a fenced utility area is reached at the end of the road. A social trail continues from here, with the summit due south. The easiest approach is to follow the social trail that begins on the south side of the fence. This is a hiker/game trail that quickly climbs through the underbrush and works up the ridge. Follow it to the main ridge proper.

Once on the main ridge, an old jeep/ATV trail is easy to follow as it climbs up near the summit. Just before the summit, when the jeep trail begins descending, leave it and follow social/game trails 2 minutes to the true summit. There is wreckage here of a likely communications tower that has blown down.

Return the same way.


Maps

Route / 2.73 miles / Elevation Range 5,457 - 6,822 ft.
Printable Maps:

Trailhead

12T 413321mE 4480979mN

N40° 28' 30" W112° 01' 21"
Up Ridge

12T 412958mE 4480682mN

N40° 28' 20" W112° 01' 36"
Jeep Road

12T 412019mE 4480537mN

N40° 28' 15" W112° 02' 16"
Leave Road

12T 411835mE 4480230mN

N40° 28' 05" W112° 02' 24"
Summit

12T 411900mE 4480113mN

N40° 28' 01" W112° 02' 21"

Comments

Want to make a comment? Login and let yourself be heard.