Hiking Rishel Peak

Silver Island Mountains

Overview

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RATING: Easy/Moderate Hike

LENGTH: 2-3 hours (2.6 miles)

MAPS: TETZLAFF PEAK, UT

Fri

45 | 29

Sat

49 | 33

Sun

38 | 31

Mon

35 | 24

Tue

36 | 24

View Full Weather Details

SEASON: Fall, Spring

GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear

WATER: None.

NOTES: The road is generally accessible by all vehicles, though the last mile may need to be walked depending on how low clearance your low clearance vehicle is.

Fri

45 | 29

Sat

49 | 33

Sun

38 | 31

Mon

35 | 24

Tue

36 | 24

View Full Weather Details

peak

hike

dog friendly

access: high clearance

Wildflowers in the spring on Rishel Peak

The east face of Rishel Peak is one of the more picturesque peaks in the Silver Island Mountains. The face is an uplift of the layers below behind thrust up in a tectonic shift. The different layers are different colors and textures, making for a dramatic face.

Though the east face is dramatic, steep, and loose, the west and north sides of the mountain allow for an easy route to the summit. On my visit, I had planned on parking on the west side and hiking the most direct route to the summit. Once there, however, I found the north ridge to aesthetic to pass up! The ridge, straddling the Great Salt Lake Desert to the east and Pilot Peak to the west makes for fantastic and changing views the whole way up.

Infrequently travelled, there are portions of a social trail in places but expect to do a bit of route finding, though it is straightforward. Also expect a little screen and loose rock in sections, but again, minimal and straightforward.

Historical Note: In 1907 Bill Rishel led a group of two other business men to the salt flats to determine if it was suitable for driving cars on. The peak is named after him.

Looking back at the north ridge.

Getting There

Reaching the trailhead starts by going north off I-80 at exit 4. This is a few miles east of Wendover, UT, and about 115 miles west of Salt Lake City.

Once off the freeway, reset your odometer on the north side of the freeway and head north toward Bonneville Salt Flats.

Reset Odometer at west bound stop sign off the Interstate. ( 12T 249228mE 4514613mN / N40° 44' 39" W113° 58' 12" )
1.2 miles - left onto a paved road. ( 12T 249287mE 4516575mN / N40° 45' 43" W113° 58' 13" )
1.95 miles - Stay left on paved road. Right is the east side of the Silver Island Byway. ( 12T 248455mE 4517420mN / N40° 46' 09" W113° 58' 49" )
4.35 miles - Go right at a junction just before a large building. The road turns to graded dirt road from here. ( 11T 752979mE 4520669mN / N40° 47' 53" W114° 00' 05" )
5.4 miles - Volcano Peak side road. Stay left. ( 12T 247437mE 4522225mN / N40° 48' 44" W113° 59' 40" )
7.75 miles - Rishel Peak side road on the right. ( 12T 249742mE 4525096mN / N40° 50' 19" W113° 58' 06" )
Rishel Side Road - 0.65 miles - Turn left. ( 12T 250356mE 4524272mN / N40° 49' 53" W113° 57' 38" )
Rishel Side Road - 1.1 miles - Park here, where the road makes a hard left. This is the trailhead. ( 12T 250934mE 4524198mN / N40° 49' 52" W113° 57' 14" )

Evening Light

Route

From the parking area, the north ridge is visible. Hike cross country south and a little east up the nearest ridge to reach the north ridge proper. Staying on or near the ridge seems easiest.

Once on the north ridge, follow it south. It has some loose rock but is easy going. Near the top, a grey cliff band appears. Stay below the base of the cliff band and traverse across to the base of the final summit ridge.

On the final summit ridge, most any route will work, but there is a bit of a social trail on the left side of the grey rock rib. The top offers excellent views in all directions!