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Grandeur Peak Trail

Wasatch National Forest, Utah · 3 min read

Distance
6.2 mi
Elevation Gain
2,600 ft
Difficulty
moderate-hard
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
March through November
Est. Time
4-5 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
8 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Flush Restroom
Parking
Fee Required
Cell Service
Limited
Water
Nearby
Camping
None
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • One of the most prominent summits visible from downtown Salt Lake City
  • Extended season, often hikeable as early as March in low-snow years
  • Dogs allowed on even-numbered days, a Salt Lake City area rarity
  • Panoramic views from Summit County to Utah Lake on clear days
  • Multiple routes available from different Mill Creek Canyon trailheads
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Overview

Grandeur Peak is the most prominent local summit accessible from Mill Creek Canyon in the Wasatch National Forest, and its 8,299-foot summit sits directly above Salt Lake City with arguably the best valley view of any hike in the area. The Church Fork route is the standard approach: 6.2 miles round trip with 2,600 feet of gain through forest and open ridge to the top.

Mill Creek Canyon is one of the few Salt Lake area canyons that allows dogs (on even-numbered days), making Grandeur Peak extremely popular with the dog-hiking community on alternating days.

The trail has an extended season compared to higher-elevation Wasatch hikes, often accessible from March through November. Early spring and late fall conditions can include ice and snow on the upper ridge; microspikes are useful outside of summer.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2: Forest climb via Church Fork. The trail starts at the Church Fork Picnic Area and climbs through mixed forest. The grade is moderate and shaded, making this section comfortable even in summer.

Miles 2 to 3: Ridge approach. The trail transitions from forest to open slope. Views of the Salt Lake Valley begin to open. The grade steepens noticeably.

Miles 3 to 3.1: Summit ridge. The final push to the summit traverses a short ridge. The summit is marked with a small cairn and register.

When to Visit

March through November for the standard route. Summer mornings are busy; an early start avoids crowds and afternoon heat. Fall (October) offers the clearest views and fall color in the lower canyon.

Practical Details

Parking fee at Church Fork Picnic Area (as of 2026). Flush toilets at the trailhead. Dogs on even days only. For related hikes in the Wasatch, see the Red Pine Lake Trail in Little Cottonwood Canyon and the forest guide.

Leave No Trace

This trail receives enough use that following Leave No Trace principles is important for preserving the experience for future visitors. Stay on the marked trail to prevent erosion. Pack out all waste. Avoid camping within 200 feet of water sources or the trail. Use existing fire rings only where campfires are permitted, and check current fire restrictions at checking conditions before you go before any visit. The trail and surrounding terrain remain in good condition because previous visitors have respected these norms.

Safety Considerations

The moderate-hard rating reflects the trail's general character under typical conditions. Weather, seasonal snow, and trail conditions can change the experience significantly. Carry the 10 Essentials on any full-day outing. Inform someone of your plans and expected return time before heading out, particularly on longer or more remote trails. Cell service varies throughout Wasatch National Forest and may be unreliable in canyon bottoms or remote terrain.

Trailhead Parking

Church Fork Picnic Area Trailhead, Mill Creek Canyon Road, approximately 2.5 miles up the canyon. Fee day-use area with flush toilets and ample parking. Dogs allowed on even-numbered calendar days.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Grandeur Peak?
Grandeur Peak via Church Fork is rated moderate-hard: 6.2 miles with 2,600 feet of gain. The first half is gradual through forest; the upper half steepens considerably. Most hikers take 4 to 5 hours round trip.
Are dogs allowed on Grandeur Peak?
Dogs are allowed in Mill Creek Canyon on even-numbered calendar days only. On odd-numbered days, dogs are not permitted anywhere in the canyon. This is a strict rule enforced by Salt Lake County.
When is Grandeur Peak open?
The trail is often accessible from March through early December in average snow years. The summit ridge can be icy in early spring; microspikes are useful in March-April. The Church Fork area parking lot is open year-round.
What are the views from Grandeur Peak?
From the 8,299-foot summit, the view takes in the entire Salt Lake Valley, the Oquirrh Mountains to the west, the Wasatch Range north and south, Utah Lake to the south, and on clear days the Uinta Mountains to the east.