Grandeur Peak from the East Trail via Church Fork

A beautiful out-and-back hike through varied mountain terrain to the top of one of the many peaks looking down on the Salt Lake valley.

This trail has many fantastic attributes: for the first part of the hike, it follows a small stream up the mountain with plenty of shade, it has great views looking down into Millcreek Canyon, and finally, the peak looks out over the Salt Lake Valley. The hike will get your heart racing for sure, with a consistently steep, well-packed trail. Although it is moderately difficult due to distance and steepness, it is perhaps one of the easiest peak ascents overlooking Salt Lake. There are two main trails to get to Grandeur Peak; the West Trail is shorter but considerably steeper and has less shade cover.

Local's recommendation: An excellent spring, summer, or fall hike. Dogs are allowed; they must be kept on-leash on even days, and can be off-leash on odd days.

Details

Difficulty: Moderate - based on elevation gain

Highest point: Grandeur Peak, 8294 ft

Lowest point: 5686 ft

Best time of year: Spring, Summer, or Fall

Safety information: As with any trail in the foothills, watch for rattlesnakes, especially in summer months. Wear closed-toed shoes when hiking, be aware of your surroundings, and always look carefully before placing hands or feet. Be sure to stay hydrated - even with the shade cover on the lower half of the trail, it can get very warm.

Roadbook

From the Church Fork Picnic Area, follow the road up the mountain to the Grandeur Peak trailhead. Follow this trail to where the Pipeline Trail crosses the Grandeur Peak trail. Follow the sign to turn on the correct trail for Grandeur Peak. As you get closer to the top, stay on the trail that takes you west towards the peak.

• Start point - Church Fork Picnic Area, 5802 Mill Creek Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84109 - 0 mi
• Lowest point, 1,733 m - 0.1 mi
• Grandeur Peak, 2,529 m - highest point - 3.3 mi
• Grandeur Peak - Destination - 6.6 mi

How to Get There

Public transport: Bus routes do not travel up to this trailhead - best access is by car.

Parking: There is some limited, but free parking at the trailhead. Parking at the Church Fork Picnic Area is reserved for those using the picnic area. There is also free parking on the canyon road, but will require about 1/2 mile extra hiking to get to the trailhead through the picnic area. Be aware that there is a $5.00 fee when exiting Millcreek Canyon