Little Black Mountain sits just north of Salt Lake City, features incredible views, a steep climb, and a little bit of scrambling to reach the summit.
Difficulty – Difficult
Distance – 8.8 miles round trip (14.2 km)
Height – 11,328 feet (3453 m)
Elevation gain – 3,636 feet (1108 m)
Duration – 4-6 hours (book time)
Trailhead Location – Terrace Hills Trailhead
Dogs – Not allowed
Need To Know Information
- The trail gets pretty steep and not well maintained on the way up little black.
- The ridge to the summit features some simple scrambling
My Experience
I’ve been able to summit Little Black on several occasions, some just simple out and back adventures, and others continuing into City Creek canyon with a loop. I always find it extremely underrated and not well traveled with how beautiful of a peak it is.
Me on Little Black Mountain
Trail Map
Here is a map and GPX track of the trail:
Routes
From Terrace Hills Trailhead
This route begins at a common local trailhead in a neighborhood of the upper avenues. There aren’t trail signs to mark your path to Little Black, so be sure to know your way around, or bring a map.
The trail begins up immediately on a wide dirt and gravel road in great condition for hiking. This is the same route to head toward Twin Peaks. Do note that this trail often has mountain bikers, trail runners, and dogs.
Everything is straightforward, and the trail remains great until reaching the base of Little Black. Here, the trail gets loose and steep for a bit of climbing. Eventually, the trail hits gets less steep as travelers walk along the ridge towards little black. About a quarter mile before the summit, the trail follows along the ridge, and features a few scrambling sections that require the use of hands and feet to climb and downclimb. The views are stunning.
Scrambling on Little Black
Hiking in Winter
This is not commonly hiked in winter months, and will have a fair bit of snow. I personally have not hiked this in the winter (yet!).
Weather
Here is a detailed weather forecast for the area:
Emigration Canyon, UT
Today
Sunny. High near 40, with temperatures falling to around 36 in the afternoon. West wind around 3 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 22. North northeast wind around 2 mph.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny. High near 42, with temperatures falling to around 37 in the afternoon. Southwest wind around 2 mph.
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 21. South wind around 2 mph.
Thursday
Partly sunny, with a high near 42. West southwest wind around 2 mph.
Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23.
Friday
Partly sunny, with a high near 39.
Directions
Additional Pictures
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
