Sunset Peak Trail Review

Trail Report for Sunset Peak.

August 18, 2012

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Location: Sunset Peak, Little Cottonwood, Catherine Pass

Wasatch Range, UT

Getting there:

From downtown Salt Lake City, follow these directions
I-15 S toward LAS VEGAS/CHEYENNE. 8.3 miles
Take the I-215 exit- exit number 302- toward BELT ROUTE. 0.2 miles
Merge onto I-215 E via the exit- on the left- toward SKI AREAS. 5.1 miles
Take the 6200 SO. exit- exit number 6- toward SKI AREAS/SOLITUDE / BRIGHTON/SNOWBIRD / ALTA. 0.2 miles
Take the ramp toward SKI AREAS/SOLITUDE / BRIGHTON/SNOWBIRD / ALTA. 0.1 miles
Turn RIGHT onto UT-190 E/E 6200 S. Continue to follow UT-190 E. 1.6 miles
Turn LEFT onto E BIG COTTONWOOD CANYON RD/UT-190. 14.0 miles
Arrive at Brighton Resort

Use the trailhead to Lake Mary, which starts behind the Brighton Center and follow the hill straight up alongside the ski lift.

Guide books and Maps

The Facts:

2000′ gain

Highest point: 10648′

Length: 5.2 total miles

Trail Type: Out-and-back

NO DOGS

Current Conditions:

The trail is very dry and dusty at this time but the tread is in great shape. Up near Catherine Pass the tread is quite sandy. Conditions are great for trail running.

View from Sunset Peak Summit

What to expect:

You can expect to see wild flowers, birds, mountain lakes, chipmunks,ground squirrels, marmots, moose and more. The trail is quite popular so it might be crowded on the weekends. Besides the ponds there is only one other water source during the hike, so bring your own supply or a filter. The views from the summit are picturesque and your rewarded with 360 degree views.

The hike is not overly strenuous and can be completed with some effort. It looks harder than it is. If the summit is too much there are a few serene lakes you can stop and enjoy along the way. The trail can be steep at times but never climbs for extended periods without some sort of break.

This hike is very much in the direct sun after the first 3/4’s of a mile so bring the sunscreen and be ready to be warm. Hiking is best done later in the day or not during the hot summer months.