Lone Peak is an epic summit seen from nearly every part of the Salt Lake Valley 6,500+ feet below. It features large cliff walls near the summit, incredible views, and is a difficult day hike due to the length and elevation gain. Here’s everything you need to know for summiting this peak via one of the many trail options.
Distance – 15.2 miles round trip (24.5 km)
Height –11,260 feet (3,430 m)
Elevation gain – 6,029 feet (1837.6 meters)
Duration – 10-11 hours
Difficulty – Difficult
Hike Class: Class 4 hiking
Trailhead Locations – Peak View Trailhead | Orson Park and Trailhead (Directions Below)
Quick Navigation:
Routes | Trail Map | Lodging Info | Weather | Directions | Pictures
Need To Know Information
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- Lone Peak from any trailhead has lots of elevation gain, lots of miles, and exposed scrambling to summit. It therefore should not be taken lightly. Hikers and groups without class 3 scrambling experience will find the last portion of this hike to be scary and difficult.
- Lone Peak sits in the Lone Peak Wilderness, which has some regulations to consider. Know how to poop in the woods via carry in and carry out methods.
- This is often turned into an overnight hike as dispersed camping is common in the basin below the summit.
- There are various trailheads to start from for this peak, and we will cover the recommended options below.
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Hiking Route Options
There are various route options, all of which are strenuous. Here is the information for each.
Lone Peak Via Peak View Trailhead | 15.2 Miles Round Trip (24.5 km) – 6,029 Feet Elevation Gain (1837.6 meters)
This is our recommended trailhead for most people due to the large parking area, the accessibility for any vehicle, and a well maintained trail to follow just about the entire way. It involves making the correct turns, particularly near the trailhead around many biking and hiking trails.
This option is one of the longer mileage options, but is the second shortest option in terms of elevation gain. Hikers should follow signs to the Jacob’s Ladder trail at the junctions.
We have created a full GPX file and map of this route for you: Peak View Trailhead Map & GPX File
Lone Peak Via Bear Canyon / Orson Smith Park and Trailhead | 14.6 Miles Round Trip (23.5 km) – 7,116 Feet Elevation Gain (2169.0 meters)
This is not the recommended trailhead for the first time given its extremely significant elevation gain of above 7,000 feet.
This is a stunning and gorgeous option for many however, and if you are up for the extra vertical gain, go for it!
We have created a full GPX file and map of this route for you: Bear Canyon / Orson Smith Park and Trail Trailhead Map & GPX File
What to Expect on the Trail
Early Sections: A Steady Ascent Through the Forest
Starting at the Peak View Trailhead, the trail immediately begins climbing through dense forest. The initial section features steep switchbacks and rocky terrain, offering brief glimpses of the valley below. This section will often have mountain bikers to be careful of.
Dirt Roads
Hikers will quickly exit the dense forest, and encounter various junctions along old dirt roads and biking trails. Follow signs to Jacob’s Ladder.
The Alpine Meadow
As you gain elevation, the forest gives way to alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers in the summer months. This is a great spot to take a short break, enjoy the views, and prepare for the more technical sections ahead.
The Approach to Lone Peak Cirque
After leaving the meadows, and entering a forest zone, the trail takes hikers onto exposed granite with gorgeous views of Utah Lake down below.
The trail becomes increasingly rugged as you approach the Lone Peak Cirque, a dramatic amphitheater of granite walls and boulder fields. This section requires careful footing, especially if there is residual snow or wet conditions. The cirque is a popular destination for climbers and offers breathtaking views even before reaching the summit.
The Final Push to the Summit
The last mile to the summit is steep and involves scrambling over exposed granite. Take your time to navigate this section safely. Once at the summit, you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of Utah Valley, Salt Lake Valley, and the surrounding peaks.
Other Lone Peak Options
The above options are just the most common starting points. There are various trailheads that hikers can start from. Most of those meet up with the trails discussed in the above options at various points. You are welcome to hike from those other spots, just do a little bit of research before you do so, and consult a map to make sure you know your way.
Hiking Lone Peak In Winter
This hike is not hiked frequently in winter due to avalanche danger, and lots of steep cliffs and drop offs that can be deadly with a fall. Do not attempt to summit without the proper equipment, experience, and knowledge.
Trail Map
We have created an online map and GPX file for each of the trail options listed above. You can use those links to view an online map of Lone Peak as well.
Camping Info
This hike is located in close proximity to the towns of Draper and Alpine where there is plenty of lodging. In addition, hikers enter a Wilderness area with tons of dispersed camping options within the Wilderness. You can read about rules and regulations of the Lone Peak Wilderness Here. The most common area for camping is the Lone Peak Cirque that sits just short of the summit in a beautiful basin.
Current Weather Conditions:
Here is the detailed weather forecast for the next few days. We highly recommend you check out local weather the morning of your hike.
Granite, UT
Overnight
Mostly clear, with a low around 17. Wind chill values as low as 6. Northwest wind around 9 mph.
Tuesday
Sunny. High near 26, with temperatures falling to around 24 in the afternoon. Wind chill values as low as 6. Northwest wind 5 to 9 mph.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 19. Northwest wind around 7 mph.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 27. Wind chill values as low as 9. West southwest wind 5 to 8 mph.
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 19. West southwest wind around 7 mph.
Thursday
Partly sunny, with a high near 29.
Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20.
Directions & Parking
Directions to Peak View Trailhead:
Directions to Bear Canyon / Orson Smith Park and Trailhead:
Additional Pictures
Views of the summit form the ridge
Views looking back at Peak View : Jacob’s Ladder Trailhead
Views from atop the first steep climbing section
Looking at the class 4 section of the hike
Max DesMarais is the founder of myoutdoorbasecamp.com. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor adventure, travel, and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, backcountry skier, trail runner, and spends his free time in the outdoors. These adventures allow him to test gear, learn new skills, and experience new places so that he can educate others. Max grew up hiking all around New Hampshire and New England. He became obsessed with the New Hampshire mountains, and the NH 48, where he guided hikes and trail runs in the White Mountains. Since moving out west, Max has continued climbed all of the Colorado 14ers, completed multiple ultra marathons, including the 100 mile Run Rabbit Run, is always testing gear, learning skills, gaining experience, and building his endurance for outdoor sports. You can read more about his experience here: hikingandfishing/about
Heaven's Halfpipe Ski
Skied almost the entire road! Great conditions all around. Pretty variable at lower end of halfpipe, but everything above and below skied like a dream. Saw a few other crews out there.
Parking is still crazy confusing. We parked at a pulloff by the lower trailhead on a pulloff on Aspen Drive in Alpine.
The other groups we spoke to parked higher in the neighborhood above.
Great Conditions For October
A fair amount of people on the trail. We had perfect views, calm summit, and a great day! Parked at Alpine View Trailhead.