Hiking Cedar BM

Cedar Mountains

Overview

( Rated 3.0 / 1 Ratings )

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RATING: Moderate Hike

LENGTH: 3-4 hours (3.8 miles)

MAPS: QUINCY SPRING, UT

Wed

40 | 26

Thu

38 | 25

Fri

38 | 24

Sat

39 | 24

Sun

39 | 26

View Full Weather Details

SEASON: Spring, Fall. (Winter if the roads are passable)

WATER: None.

NOTES: The road is quite good until the last short section. High clearance recommended, but low clearance 2wd should get pretty close to the trailhead if carefully driven.

Wed

40 | 26

Thu

38 | 25

Fri

38 | 24

Sat

39 | 24

Sun

39 | 26

View Full Weather Details

peak

hike

dog friendly

beginner

access: high clearance

Abby near the summit looking east.

The Cedar Mountain Wilderness was created in 2006 to protect the wild qualities of the Cedar Mountain Range west of Salt Lake City. The range is home to antelope and wild horses and infrequently visited by people. For peak baggers, the Cedar Mountain BM is the highest point in the range, with a prominence of 2,847 feet (ranked #45 in the state). The prominence means it sees some traffic by peak baggers, but on our October visit, it has been only a few visits that year.

The peak is an easy one to hike. Though off-trail, the slopes are open with intermittent animal trails to follow. We only saw a lone wild horse on our visit, but a herd often frequents the area near the trailhead.

History: The wilderness was created in 2006 both for its wilderness characteristics, but also to block the Goshute Indian Tribe from building a railroad through the area. The tribe was going to create a facility for storing nuclear waste. The wilderness designated ended that plan.

Crags near the summit on the east side of the range.

Getting There

The trailhead is south of I-80. Go west from Salt Lake City on I-80 for about 70 miles to exit 56. This is 56 miles east of Wendover. Once off the highway, head south and reset your odometer.

2.0 miles - Turn left onto the dirt road. This is just before the gated facility. ( 12T 332388mE 4511721mN / N40° 44' 22" W112° 59' 06" )
3.4 miles - Turn right (south). There is a BLM info sign here. ( 12T 334389mE 4511091mN / N40° 44' 03" W112° 57' 41" )
9.6 miles - Stay straight. ( 12T 331615mE 4502095mN / N40° 39' 09" W112° 59' 30" )
16.1 miles - Old log cabin on the left. Continue straight. ( 12T 330619mE 4492735mN / N40° 34' 05" W113° 00' 03" )
16.8 miles - Water hole on the left, and dirt road. Go left onto the two track dirt road. This section is rough and narrow in spots. High clearance required. It can be walked if needed. ( 12T 330435mE 4491584mN / N40° 33' 28" W113° 00' 10" )
18.2 miles - Trailhead at the base of a steep hill. ( 12T 332146mE 4491718mN / N40° 33' 33" W112° 58' 57" )

Sunrise along the drive out.

Route

From the trailhead, the first goal is to reach the ridge due south. Begin by hiking up the steep slope wherever it looks easiest! An animal trail in spots makes this easier. Once on the ridge, follow it east as it climbs to the top of the range.

Near the top of the range, a good trail becomes evident. Follow it to the top of the range, then south. The actual summit has a benchmark and a large cairn. To the east of the summit are Skull Valley and the Stansbury Mountains in the distance. The vast west desert and Deep Creek mountains are visible to the west. The area to the southwest and west is part of Dugway Proving Grounds.

Return the same way.