Hiking Mount Olympus
Salt Lake City, Utah
Mount Olympus is a tough hike. When a hike is this popular, I always think 'it can't be that bad'. And then I am always surprised by how tough Utahns are. While this hike isn't terribly long (about 7 miles round trip). It is insanely steep. And its that short distance matched with the elevation gain that makes this hike a doozie.
Thatcher's family was in town for a few days, just in time for him to fracture his ankle and land himself in a walking boot. So I was glad to play hiking guide. I spent some time researching a good hike to take them to. They wanted something challenging, and wanted to climb a peak. In Utah in mid November, that doesn't leave you a ton of options due to the thick blanket of snow covering most of Utah's peaks. After some research, I came across Mount Olympus. Mount Olympus was a good choice because it is close to the city (20 minutes from downtown), and the distance is on the shorter side. It is a peak with a gorgeous view, and because it is lower elevation than most of Utah's peaks, it wasn't completely covered in snow yet. This was also a gorgeous hike so close to the city. Within 20 minutes we were at the TH and ready to hike. You quickly leave the busy highway and follow the trail into Mount Olympus Wilderness.
For comparison:
Timpanogos: 7.5 miles 1 way 4,600' elevation gain, TH at ~7,100' peaks at around 11,700'
Mount Olympus: 3.5 each way, 4,100' elevation gain, TH ~5,000' peaks at around 9,000'
The lower elevation of Olympus' peak meant that we could summit without all the snow of other Utah peaks. But this hike also meant we were climbing almost the same elevation as Timp in half the distance. What that means is S T E E P.
Trailhead: Mount Olympus Trailhead is located on the east side of Wasatch Boulevard. 4500 south, drive south on Wasatch Boulevard for ~ 1.6 miles to the parking area. A sign on the left will say Mount Olympus. There will be a raised parking area on the left by a large rock known as Petes Rock. You can also park on the right side of Wasatch Boulevard.
Details: 3.6 each way, ~7.2 RT, 4,100' elevation gain.
The trailhead is at ~5,000' and the summit peaks at around 9,000' .
Dog friendly YES Kid friendly NO
Don't Forget: The number one thing I hear about this hike is how tough it can be in the summer. There is no shade, and no water along the way. Make sure you bring plenty of water for you and your dog. This hike is much more enjoyable in the spring or the fall. If hiking later in the year as I was, make sure you pack your microspikes and treking poles. We came across some snow at the top and were glad we had our spikes for the steep icey sections. This is a popular trail and the trail is easy to follow. Make sure you stay on the Olympus trail and don't wander off on the adjacent Bonneville Shoreline Trail (will be marked).
The trail is very steep, and only gets steeper and rockier as you approach the saddle. Once you approaching the saddle, its just a quick rock scramble up to the peak.
While the trail is dog friendly, I had a hard time with my dog on the rocky last bit to the summit. While she is used to rock scrambling, there were some seriously large gaps that seemed to scare her. After trying to coax her up a few times, she sat down and started crying. Thats when I knew she had enough. It might be best to carry your dog up over the steep rocky sections just before the summit.
Don't forget to bring a ton of layers, water and food. I went from a t-shirt to a coat hat and gloves on this hike. It is windy and cold at the summit but you will work up a sweat on the climb.
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| Mount Olympus Trailhead on Wasatch Blvd |
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| Giant steps at the beginning of the Mount Olympus Trail |
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| Petes Rock |
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| Mount Olympus Trail |
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| Mount Olympus Trail |
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| Mount Olympus Trail |
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| Views of the valley from the Mount Olympus Trail |
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| Views of the valley from the Mount Olympus Trail |
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| Entering Mount Olympus Wilderness |
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| Mount Olympus Trail |
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| Packed snow and ice on the Mount Olympus Trail |
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| Views from the Saddle Mount Olympus Trail |
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| Views from the Saddle Mount Olympus Trail |
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| Views from the Saddle Mount Olympus Trail |
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| Steep rocky section right before the summit. I could not get Olive past that large gap to the big boulder. |
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| Views from Mount Olympus |
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| Coming back from the peak |
Did you do this today? I've done it twice and can't walk for like 3 days after hiking this one.
ReplyDeleteI did this Sunday. Super windy but gorgeous out. I was amazingly not that sore! We walked to dinner in the city that night and I taught a Tabata Boot Camp class the next day. I am amazed! It was a TOUGH hike!
DeleteOh man this looks like an intense hike! I have a terrible habit of reading reports of hikes and thinking "It probably won't be a big deal for me!" Then again, these are Pennsylvania and New Jersey hikes. I'm POSITIVE you could school me once I head out West. Ha! Adding this onto the list of someday hikes!
ReplyDeleteHa! I was laughing mid hike saying "Yep, 4,000' of elevation gain doesnt sound so bad while sitting on the couch" but really... its brutal! I don't think I would school you, I was suffering just as much as my East Coast gang from sea level!
DeleteWhen I went, I knew I wasn't going to the summit but I wanted to hike a few miles to see if I would want to bring my dog next time. I was confused where to go right after Pete's Rock. A guy in front of me went straight up, but I didn't see an obvious trail but maybe it's not obvious right away because it's big boulders...? I went left/North for about 0.5 miles so I was wrapping around the mountain and hearing cars the whole time. Then I went back to Pete's Rock and went South for awhile. Basically I went right and left right after the log stair section (which was also just East of Pete's Rock). In order to do the actual Mount Olympus hike, do you need to go straight up/head East after you pass Pete's Rock?
ReplyDeleteHi Kylie! I can't remember exactly but I recall a trail heading up the mountain right from Petes Rock. I don't remember having a hard time finding it. I know there is a section where you are wrapping around the mountain for a little bit (my 2nd 3rd and 4th pictures after the petes rock picture) and I do recall hearing cars so maybe you are on the right path but just turned around early. It is a popular hike so the trail should be pretty well defined.
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