The Utah Mountain Range Guide: Hikes and Peaks

Utah is an outdoor enthusiasts’ dreamland, with stunning mountain peaks, red rock formations, and incredible hiking trails. Each of the Utah mountain ranges provides unique experiences for the amateur and expert outdoorsman alike–from camping and hiking to boating and off-roading.  

In this guide to Utah mountains, we’ll highlight some of the top hikes and peaks in the state to camp, play, and explore! If you need any kind of outdoor gear or more specifically, hiking gear for your Utah adventures, we’ll give you a great price!

Northern Utah

When you think about the Utah mountains, you likely picture some of the majestic mountains in northern Utah. With snow-capped peaks that loom on the horizon, these mountains are impossible to ignore! 

Wasatch Mountains

Of the Utah mountain ranges, the Wasatch Range is perhaps the most iconic. The Wasatch mountains run about 160 miles from the Utah-Idaho border down to central Utah. This range is home to several famous ski resorts like Park City, Alta, Snowbird, and Sundance. The towering peaks of the Wasatch Mountains are a playground for outdoor enthusiasts all year long, offering activities like hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and backcountry skiing. 

Peaks: 

• Mt. Olympus: Mt. Olympus is a prominent peak in the Utah mountains that overlooks Salt Lake City and the Great Salt Lake. 
• Mt. Nebo: As the tallest peak in the Wasatch Mountains, towering at over 11,900 feet, Mt. Nebo offers stunning views of Utah Lake, the Uintas, and the Tushar Mountains to the south. 
• Mt. Timpanogos: The second tallest peak in the Wasatch Mountains, Mt. Timpanogos is a favorite, with stunning trails and a fascinating cave system. 
• Mt. Baldy: Mt. Baldy is a popular peak with a variety of hiking trails and camping spots. Mt. Baldy overlooks Salt Lake City and the surrounding canyons. 

Hikes:

There are tons of hikes to choose from in this Utah mountain range, but here are some top hikes with beautiful views. 

• Mirror Lake
• Bloods Lake Trail
• Mt. Olympus Trail
• Lake Blanche
• Bells Canyon
• Willow Heights
• Timpooneke Trail
• Donut Falls

Camping:

The Utah Rocky Mountains offer many beautiful places to camp. Many areas allow for backcountry camping. These campgrounds typically offer basic amenities like potable water and outhouses. 

• Wasatch Mountain Campground
• Mt. Timpanogos Campground
• Albion Basin Campground
• Soldier Hollow

Things to Do: 

• Camping
• Hiking
• Skiing
• Boating
• Biking
• Rock climbing
• Fishing

Uinta Mountains

Just east of the Wasatch Range lies the Uinta mountains. The Uintas are unique for their east-west range, which is uncommon in North America. Of the Utah mountain ranges, the Uintas are the highest, with more than a dozen peaks rising about 13,000 feet. This area offers extensive alpine landscapes and numerous lakes to explore.

Peaks:

• King’s Peak: This peak claims the title as the tallest of Utah mountains, rising up to 13,528 feet. 
• Bald Mountain: The most popular peak in the Uintas, Bald Mountain offers tons of recreational activities and an accessible climb to the top. 

Hikes:

• Silver Lake Trail
• King’s Peak
• Lower Red Castle 
• Amethyst Lake Trail

Camping:

• Red Canyon Campground
• Rainbow Park Campground
• Soapstone Campground
• Mill Hollow Campground

Things to Do:

• Camping
• Hiking
• Fishing
• Backpacking

Wellsville Mountains

Located just west of Cache Valley near the town of Logan, the Wellsville Mountains are one of the smaller Utah mountain ranges. Known for their rugged beauty, these mountains are characterized by narrow canyons and steep peaks. Hiking and wildlife viewing are popular activities here, with the Wellsville Mountains Wilderness Area offering a serene escape from nearby urban areas. 

Peaks:

• Wellsville Cone (Mt. Wellsville): The highest peak in the Wellsville mountains, the Wellsville Cone stands at around 9,372 feet. 
• Box Elder Peak: Another notable peak, Box Elder Peak offers challenging hiking opportunities and stunning vistas. 

Hikes:

• Wellsville Cone
• Mendon Peak Trail
• Box Elder Peak Trail

Camping:

• Box Elder Campground
• Maple Rise Campground

Things to Do: 

• Hiking
• Off-roading
• Camping
• Backpacking

Wah Wah Mountains

In the western part of Utah, you’ll find the Wah Wah Mountains, a remote range known for its volcano features and desert landscapes. This area is more secluded and less visited than some of the other Utah mountain ranges. If you’re looking for solitude and unique geological formations, the Wah Wahs are a must-visit. The Wah Wah Mountains are also the only place in the world where red beryl gems can be found. 

Peaks:

• Crystal Peak: Named for the abundance of quartz crystals found here, Crystal Peak is the most famous in the Wah Wah Mountains. The huge gray mound of rock rising out of the desert stands in unique contrast to the surrounding mountains. 
• Wah Wah Mountains High Point: This remote peak rises to 9,393 feet and offers views of the remote desert area. 

Hikes:

The Wah Wah Mountains don’t have any established trails, but these Utah mountains still provide some interesting hiking through bushes and scrambling over rocks.  

• Crystal Peak
• Wah Wah Mountains High Point

Camping:

Most of the land in the Wah Wah Mountains is BLM land. While there aren’t any established campgrounds, there are a few popular locations to camp. This area is remote, so make sure you prepare with enough water.  

• Crystal Peak
• Sand Hollow State Park

Things to Do:

• Hiking
• Climbing
• Off-roading (only outside of the Wah Wah Mountains Wilderness Study Area)
• Mountain biking
• Fishing

Southern Utah

If you thought that northern Utah was the only place with majestic mountains, think again. The Utah mountain ranges in the southern part of the state provide stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. 

La Sal Mountains

Located near Moab, the La Sal Mountains are especially striking compared to the surrounding red rock desert landscape. This range, part of the Utah Rocky Mountains, boasts several peaks exceeding 12,000 feet and is a haven for mountain biking, hiking, and off-roading. The La Sals offer unparalleled views of the red rock canyons of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. 

Peaks:

• Mt. Peale: Standing at 12,726 feet tall, Mt. Peale offers challenging climbing routes and views of Canyonlands and the Colorado River. 
• Mt. Tukuhnikivatz: Also known as “Tuk,” this peak is the second-highest in the La Sal Mountains and is a popular hiking destination with panoramic views of Castle Valley.

Hiking:

The La Sals offer many unique hiking trails, some of which are found within Arches National Park.

• Mt. Tukuhnikivatz Trail
• Turret Arch, the Windows, and Double Arch (inside Arches National Park)
• Fisher Towers
• Clark Lake Loop Trail

Camping:

The La Sal Mountains are filled with a number of campgrounds. RV parks near Moab provide RV and tent spots, but for a real camping experience, you’ll want to go outside of Moab. The following recreational areas have a number of campgrounds to choose from. 

• Abajo-Harts Draw Recreation Area
• La Sal Loop-Moab Front Recreation Area
• Miller Flat-Joes Valley-Huntington Canyon Recreation Area
• Sanpete South Recreation Area

Things to Do:

• Mountain biking
• Rock climbing
• Hiking
• Fishing

Mineral Mountains

Found near Beaver, Utah, the Mineral Mountains are known for their colorful rock formations and old mining history. The range is popular for rockhounding and exploring abandoned mines. The high peaks of the Mineral Mountains provide sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and desert landscapes. 

Peaks:

• Granite Peak: This rugged mountain, filled with granite cliffs and backcountry trails, is a hidden gem found in Milford, Utah. 

Hiking:

There aren’t many established trails in the Mineral Mountains. Some people walk along old wagon trails, which are still visible today. For those adventurous enough to scramble through off-trail areas, bringing a map and a GPS is always a good idea. 

• Rock Corral Recreation Area
• Granite Peak

Things to Do: 

• Rockhounding
• Exploring mines

Markagunt Plateau

In the southwestern part of the state, the Markagunt Plateau is a high volcanic plateau dotted with lush forests and pristine lakes. This area is most famous for its unique geological formations, including spectacular lava fields and ancient volcanic cones. The plateau is a gateway to popular recreational areas like Cedar Breaks National Monument, Bryce Canyon, and Brian Head Resort. Most of the plateau is part of the Dixie National Forest. 

Peaks:

• Brian Head Peak: Located just above Cedar Breaks National Monument, Brian Head is the highest peak in the Markagunt Plateau. 

Hiking:

• Spectra Point and Rampart Overlook Trails
• Shurtz Canyon
• Crystal Springs Loop
• Bryce Canyon

Camping:

• Cedar Canyon Campground
• Deer Haven Campground
• Duck Creek Campground
• Panguitch Lake North Campground

Things to Do: 

• Skiing 
• Hiking
• Snowmobiling
• Mountain biking 
• Bird watching

Tushar Mountains 

Located in the Fishlake National Forest, south of Beaver and northeast of Circleville, the Tushar Mountains are one of the most unique mountain ranges in Utah. With peaks exceeding 12,000 feet, the Tushar Mountains are the third highest in the state. The Tushars offer a unique blend of volcanic formations and alpine views. 

Peaks:

• Delano Peak: With an elevation of 12,169 feet, Delano Peak offers panoramic views of nearby valleys and mountain ranges. 
• Mt. Belknap: Another notable peak in the Tushars, Mt. Belknap is nearly as tall as Delano Peak at 12,137 feet and can be viewed from the summit of Delano. 

Hiking: 

• Birch Lake Trail
• Delano Peak Trail
• Skyline National Recreation Trail
• The Pocket Trail

Camping:

• Minersville Reservoir
• Little Reservoir
• Puffer Lake
• Mahogany Cove

Things to Do: 

• Skiing
• Snowshoeing
• Scenic driving
• Hunting
• Fishing
• Horseback riding

Exploring the Utah Mountain Ranges

Whether you’re visiting the state or are a Utah native, there are simply too many beautiful locations within the Utah mountain ranges to explore in a single weekend. From mountain biking and hiking to rockhounding and snowshoeing, the Utah mountains are filled with outdoor activities to last you a lifetime.  

Whichever of the Utah Rocky Mountains you decide to visit, you’ll need to be fully prepared for your trip. Bring plenty of water, wear the right gear, and leave no trace behind. At General Army Navy Outdoors, we can help you with your preparations. With our stock of army surplus and outdoor equipment, we provide a range of affordable and high-quality items to handle all your outdoor needs.