Mt Olympus Utah Hike Guide
Mt Olympus is a 9,000ft peak located just outside of Salt Lake City on the North side of Big Cottonwood Canyon. The trail to the summit is easy to follow but gains over 4,000ft of elevation in just under 4 miles and ends with some Class 3 scrambling near the summit. Views on top are excellent and look down into Salt Lake City and into Big Cottonwood Canyon. This hike is challenging but doable for most hikers in decent shape.
Mt Olympus Utah Quick Facts
Hike Rating: Mt Olympus Utah ★★★ (⅗ Stars)
Distance: 7.25 Miles RT
Elevation Start: 4,832ft
Highest Point: 9,026ft
Total Elevation Gain: 4,200ft
Estimated Time to Complete: 4-6 Hours RT
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult Difficulty System Explained
Class: Class 3 What does this mean?
Season: Year round – expect snow November – April
Weather: Check the Weather Forecast
Directions to Mt Olympus Utah
Trailhead: Mt Olympus
Getting Here: There are a million ways to get to the TH so its best to just enter in your starting point to the GPS below.
Parking: There is a lot at the TH that can fit 15-20 cars or so with additional parking along the road for another 15-20 cars. The main lot will fill up very easily and street parking is quick to follow, especially on weekends. An early start is recommended for this hike. There is a non plumbing restroom at the TH.
Fees: None as of 2024
Summary
Camping: Camping is not an option for Mt Olympus.
Dogs: For SOME dogs, Mt Olympus is okay for pups. However, you really need to account for a few things:
- This hike is very steep and can get VERY hot during the summer. Please check weather for heat warnings and regardless of the weather, avoid a late start and bring LOTS of water for your dog.
- Mt Olympus Utah does have some Class 3 scrambling towards the top that can be very tricky for dogs who are larger (not easy to pick up) or not experienced with scrambling. Aria did great but is a natural scrambler and a taller dog. I did have to help her in a few spots and her harness came in handy.
Make it a Loop: This is an out and back hike.
Trail X Factors: Heat & Elevation
Although the summit tops out over 9,000ft, this hike can get VERY hot, especially during the summer. What is nice though is that since almost the entire trail is West facing, meaning you are in the shade for most of the morning. This will help with the steep climbing and hot Summer temps. Speaking of climbing, Mt Olympus Utah is extremely steep from the time you start to the time you reach the Summit.
Hike Tip(s): If you are not sure what scrambling or Class 3 terrain is, be sure to check out my description above. The final 300 yards or so involves a lot of scrambling on loose dirt and rock. Hike carefully in this area so as not to shed shrapnel at other hikers.
Best Views: Mt Olympus Utah has a bunch of excellent viewpoints but like many stereotypical mountains the best views are clearly on the summit of this peak.
Mt Olympus Utah Hike Route
Gear Needed
- Men’s Trail Runners
- Women’s Trail Runners
- La Sportiva Trango Hiking Boots (Men’s)
- La Sportiva Trango Hiking Boots (Women’s)
- Backpack (Summer)
- Food & Water (Lots of water for you and any dogs)
- Optional: Water Filter
- Optional: Garmin inReach
- Optional: Hiking Poles – 120CM
- Optional: Headlamp
- Optional: Garmin Fenix Watch
- Optional: GoPro, Joby Tripod, Selfie Stick, GoPro 360, Drone, Insta360
- *Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you.
