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Mount Olympus Trail

Wasatch National Forest, Utah · 3 min read

Distance
8.2 mi
Elevation Gain
4,000 ft
Difficulty
strenuous
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
May through October
Est. Time
6-8 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
10 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Flush Restroom
Parking
Free
Cell Service
Limited
Water
None
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

  • The most dramatic summit directly above Salt Lake City with Class 3 summit scrambling
  • 9,026-foot double-summited peak with vertical cliffs visible from throughout the valley
  • Dogs allowed on leash with exceptional views of the Salt Lake Valley below
  • Summit register on both the north and south peaks
  • Best viewed from I-15, the pyramid shape is unmistakable from the valley floor
summitviewsrock formations

Overview

Mount Olympus is the defining peak above the east side of the Salt Lake Valley. Its sharp double summit and vertical south face are visible from I-15 and nearly every point in the valley, making it the mountain Salt Lake residents identify with most. The hike to the top is the most committing day hike in the Wasatch National Forest near Salt Lake City, involving 4,000 feet of gain and Class 3 scrambling on an exposed ridge to reach 9,026 feet.

Unlike the watershed-protected canyons of Little and Big Cottonwood to the south, Mount Olympus allows dogs and starts from a free trailhead, two factors that contribute to its popularity.

The scramble on the upper route is genuine Class 3: hands required on steep, exposed rock. The summit views are proportional to the effort, taking in the full Salt Lake Valley, the Oquirrh Mountains, Utah Lake, the Uinta Mountains, and on clear days the Nevada desert to the west.

The Route

Miles 0 to 3: Forest climb. The trail climbs steadily through Gambel oak and maple, eventually entering conifer forest. The grade is unrelenting but the trail is well-maintained.

Miles 3 to 3.7: Upper ridge. The trail transitions to open ridge with rapidly expanding views. The north and south summits come into view.

Miles 3.7 to 4.1: Summit scramble. The maintained trail ends at a rocky saddle. The scramble to the north summit follows a ridge with Class 3 moves on steep, exposed rock. The south summit is slightly lower and easier to reach.

When to Visit

May through October for the scramble route. Microspikes or crampons may be needed in May if snow lingers on the upper ridge. July and August see heavy traffic; start before 7 AM for the best experience. Fall (September-October) offers stable weather and fall color on the lower slopes.

Practical Details

Free parking at the Wasatch Boulevard trailhead. Flush toilet. No water on trail above the trailhead; bring 2-3 liters. For a shorter alternative with views, see the Living Room Trail. The 10 essentials are appropriate given the technical summit terrain.

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.

Trailhead Parking

Mount Olympus Trailhead on Wasatch Boulevard at approximately 6200 South, Holladay. Free parking in a paved lot with room for 40-50 vehicles. Fills early on weekends.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Mount Olympus?
Mount Olympus is rated strenuous: 8.2 miles with 4,000 feet of gain and Class 3 scrambling on the upper 0.5 mile to the summit. The scramble involves hands on rock on a steep, exposed ridgeline. Not recommended for those uncomfortable with heights.
Are dogs allowed on Mount Olympus?
Yes, dogs are allowed on Mount Olympus on leash. The trail is outside the watershed protection boundaries. Note that the summit scramble is challenging for dogs on the steep rocky sections; some owners turn their dogs around before the scramble.
When is Mount Olympus accessible?
The trail is often accessible from May through October or early November. Spring snow on the upper ridge can be icy and dangerous without microspikes. Summer afternoon thunderstorms are a real hazard on the exposed summit.
What is the Class 3 scramble on Mount Olympus?
The final 0.5 mile to the north summit involves climbing on hands and feet on steep rock. The exposure is significant, falls in this section would be serious. There are two summits; the north is higher and more technically demanding. The route is well-traveled but not marked.