American Fork Twin Peaks |

Salt Lake County Highpoint

Hiking American Fork Twin Peaks - Salt Lake County Highpoint Hiking American Fork Twin Peaks

Salt Lake County Highpoint

Overview

RATING: Class 4 (Or class 3)
MAPS: Dromedary Peak, UT

Wed

Sunny, with a high near 42. West northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

42 | 25

Thu

A chance of snow after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 42. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

42 | 26

Fri

A chance of snow after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 42. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

42 | 27

Sat

Snow likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 40. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

40 | 28

Sun

Snow. Cloudy, with a high near 28. New snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches possible.

28 | 22

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SEASON: Late Spring, Summer, Fall
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear

Wed

Sunny, with a high near 42. West northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

42 | 25

Thu

A chance of snow after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 42. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

42 | 26

Fri

A chance of snow after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 42. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

42 | 27

Sat

Snow likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 40. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

40 | 28

Sun

Snow. Cloudy, with a high near 28. New snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches possible.

28 | 22

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Hikers on the ridge traverse, as seen from below.

Hikers on the ridge traverse, as seen from below.

American Fork Twin Peaks is the highest peak in Salt Lake County. There are two common ways to reach the summit, hiking from the parking area of Snowbird, or hiking from the top of Hidden Peak Tram at Snowbird. In my opinion, the tram ride is worth the money, though some high pointers have told me this approach borders on cheating. If it is cheating, logic will dictate you start every high point hike from the lowest point in the state. :)

The route from the parking lot is easy, but start early, afternoon thunderstorms are common and thwarted must first attempt not 400 vertical feet from the summit. The Hidden Peak route looks very exposed and difficult from a distance, but once on the route, it has a few class 4 sections, but is overall very straightforward. My partner on the Hidden Peak route didn't have much exposed scrambling experience and found it very easy. I found the Hidden Peak route much more scenic and fun. Difficult and exposed enough to keep your attention, but not scary. Experienced scramblers will have no problems.

The ridge line continuing west.

The ridge line continuing west.

Getting There

Either option starts and the Snowbird Ski Resort up Little Cottonwood Canyon, just east of Salt Lake City.

  • Take exit 295 for UT-209/9000 so, and head east.
  • 0.3 mi - Keep left at the fork, follow signs for Sandy
  • Slight left onto W 9000 S
  • After 2.4 mi, Slight left onto E 9400 S
  • After another 2.0 mi, Continue onto UT-209 E/E 9600 S St/Little Cottonwood Rd
  • Follow UT209, then UT210 up little cottonwood canyon. About 10 miles up the canyon, take the 2nd Entry into Snowbird on the right.
The ski resort and upper Little Cottonwood Canyon

The ski resort and upper Little Cottonwood Canyon

Route

Summit: 3502 m ( 11490 ft. )
Tram Route Trailhead: 3344 m ( 10972 ft. )
Hiking Route Trailhead: 2449 m ( 8035 ft. )

Tram Route (Class 4, 3-4 hours)
It taking the aerial tram, you want the Hidden Peak Tram, generally the only one running in the summer. It varies with season, but generally starts running about 9 AM.

From the top of the tram, follow the obvious ridge line west. A bit of easy scrambling leads across a pass, then a bit more scrambling up the other side becomes a steep loose trail. Follow the trail up, and then continue west to the West Twin, and high point marked by a cairn. Timpanogos is visible far in the distance to the south, with Box Elder Peak, and the Lone Peak areas visible to the west. To the northwest is the Broad Fork area, across the canyon. Stunning.

Hiking Route (Class 3 - 5-6 hours)
From the parking area head up to Gad Valley. Trails change a bit, so check the ski resort map at the base. The goal is to work up to Gad Valley, and the top of the Gad 2 Lift. The top of the lift is almost due north of the peak.

From the top of the Gad 2 Lift, go west, working up to the ridge line, then follow the ridgeline to the summit. There is a little loose rock getting to the ridge line, but then easy going. Return the way you came, or traverse the ridgeline east (via the Hidden Peak Route described above) and head down from there.


Maps

Hidden Peak Route / 2.27 miles / Elevation Range 10,796 - 11,481 ft.
From Base / 7.38 miles / Elevation Range 8,045 - 11,453 ft.
Printable Maps:
Trailhead

12T 444227mE 4492303mN

N40° 34' 47" W111° 39' 32"

Hidden Peak Trailhead

12T 445373mE 4490202mN

N40° 33' 39" W111° 38' 43"

Summit

12T 444447mE 4489200mN

N40° 33' 06" W111° 39' 22"

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