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Snake Creek Pass/Clayton Peak Trail


Highlights:

Beautiful mountain woodlands, breathtaking panoramic views
Near:Salt Lake City, UT
Scenery:
Distance:5.27 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:2024 ft
Hike Time:3.5 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Out and Back



Summary: This hike begins at the Brighton Ski Resort in Big Cottonwood Canyon. The trail has been recently re-routed, so make sure to take note of the signs marking the new trail.

This trail winds through some beautiful woodland areas with an occasional view of the surrounding canyon. The trail climbs out of the woodland onto a ridge overlooking Snake Creek Pass. From here, the beautiful Heber Valley can be seen to the east, Mt. Timpanogos to the southwest, and Big Cottonwood Canyon behind to the northeast. From here, hikers can return to the trailhead or continue on the service road to the left to tackle Clayton Peak and enjoy its spectacular view.

About 1/4 mile up the service road, the trail will pick up at the base of Clayton Peak. For the next 1/4 mile, the hike is fairly strenuous. The trail becomes a series of switchbacks that ascend the face of the peak. It's a lot of work, but definitely worth it when you behold the view at 10721 feet.

Trailhead: 
Getting to Big Cottonwood Canyon:

Take I-215 South (freeway will become I-215 East) until you reach the 6200 South exit. Turn right onto Wasatch Boulevard, then turn left at Big Cottonwood Canyon. The intersection is clearly signed. You will see a 7-11 store to your right.

From the north or south ends of the valley, take I-15 to I-215 East and follow the directions above.

Getting to the Trailhead:

Follow the canyon road clear to the top. The road will lead you right into the Brighton Resort and into a huge parking lot. To the left, you will notice a large kiosk with a pitched roof. Park close to the kiosk as this is where the trailhead is. Read posted signs carefully for re-routes or other information about the trail.

(Lat:40.59784 Lon:-111.58314)

Trail Guides for Snake Creek Pass/Clayton Peak Trail:
Hiking the Wasatch
by John Veranth (University of Utah Press)

Best Seasons: Fall, Summer,
User Groups: Hikers,
Ranger Contact: Wasatch-Cache National Forest (801) 466-6411 Tu-Sa 10:30a-7:00p MT
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Troy Slater, who has posted  9 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Submit your own review
Reviewed by JSD on 9/5/2009
This well engineered, clutter-free trail takes you through some very nice muture forest and a few meadows. There are great views of the Heber valley to the east and rocky peaks around Brighton. We did this hike in early September but could tell that earlier in the year there were abundant wildflowers in several places The trail goes through the heart of the Ski resort across several slopes and serivce road but the development didn't really detract from the forest impact. We ran into a carvan of rescue vehicles coming off the mountain. Something pretty serious happended up there involiving a helo rescue. The sheriff asked us to stay off the peak due to loose rocks. We complied so I can't comment on the condition of the last 1/4 mile.


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: Utah Hiking, Utah Trails, Utah Hikes, Salt Lake County Hiking, Salt Lake County Trails, Salt Lake County Hikes

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