Little Mountain | Emigration Canyon

Hiking Little Mountain - Emigration Canyon Hiking Little Mountain

Emigration Canyon

Overview

RATING: Easy Hike
MAPS: MOUNTAIN DELL, UT

Thu

Mostly sunny. High near 50, with temperatures falling to around 44 in the afternoon. North wind around 5 mph.

50 | 28

Fri

Snow likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 46. South wind 5 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

46 | 29

Sat

Snow before 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 33. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

33 | 26

Sun

Sunny, with a high near 37.

37 | 18

Mon

Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

35 | 23

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SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear
WATER: None.

Thu

Mostly sunny. High near 50, with temperatures falling to around 44 in the afternoon. North wind around 5 mph.

50 | 28

Fri

Snow likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 46. South wind 5 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

46 | 29

Sat

Snow before 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 33. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

33 | 26

Sun

Sunny, with a high near 37.

37 | 18

Mon

Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

35 | 23

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Views from the overlook, with a hazy SLC in the distance.

Views from the overlook, with a hazy SLC in the distance.

Little Mountain was the last obstacle the early pioneers faced on their route to the Salt Lake Valley. The trail was first developed in 1846 by the ill-fated Donner Party, and later heavily travelled by Mormon pioneers. Today, a paved road makes an easy passage over the pass. From the pass, the summit of Little Mountain north along the ridgeline. The summit is not particularly scenic but easy access and sun exposure make it easily accessible in the shoulder seasons when the higher mountains are still snow packed. This is also a route many do on snowshoes or cross-country skis in the winter.

Note: The true summit, shown on the USGS maps, is on the north end of the mountain. Many visit the southern part of the peak since it has better views and a better trail. If visiting the true summit, be prepared for a bit of bushwhacking and route finding.
The early part of the trail, Little Mountain is near the center of the photo.

The early part of the trail, Little Mountain is near the center of the photo.

Getting There

From Salt Lake City, travel east about 6 miles on I-80 to exit 134 (East Canyon / Little Dell). From exit 134, travel north on UT-65 for 2.4 miles. Turn left here, toward Emigration Canyon, and follow it 1.5 miles to the pass.

There is a large parking area, toilet, and informational sign on the south side of the road. This is the trailhead. The trail begins across the road from the trailhead.

Grandview Peak (Small triangle peak in the center) and Lookout Peak to the right of it.

Grandview Peak (Small triangle peak in the center) and Lookout Peak to the right of it.

Route

From the parking area at the pass, follow the dirt road that heads north. This starts on the other side of the road from the parking area. The road climbs steeply, then settles into a more mellow grade. Along the ridge, the trail becomes a single track and splits. The left trail climbs to the small summit on the left, then descends to a saddle below Little Mountain. The trail to the right goes more directly to the saddle below Little Mountain.

From the saddle, a good social trail climbs to the ridge of Little Mountain and forks at the top. Most go right (south) along the ridge to a nice overlook and cairn. For the true peak bagger, however, the true summit is north (left) along the ridge.

To reach the true summit, follow the social trail north along the ridge. At a high point, follow whatever seems the most sensible social trail as it descends then climbs back up to the true summit. This last section, on my trip, had flagging marking a trail, but it was still hard to follow in spots and not well used. Once below the high point of Little Mountain, the social trail seemed to disappear, but open slopes make it easy to climb to the summit.

Return the same way.


Maps

Route / 5.09 miles / Elevation Range 6,235 - 7,013 ft.
Printable Maps:

Trailhead

12T 439381mE 4514009mN

N40° 46' 29" W111° 43' 06"

Jct - Right

12T 440811mE 4515421mN

N40° 47' 16" W111° 42' 06"

Saddle Jct - Right

12T 441177mE 4515701mN

N40° 47' 25" W111° 41' 50"

Overlook

12T 441422mE 4515419mN

N40° 47' 16" W111° 41' 39"

Summit

12T 441758mE 4516316mN

N40° 47' 45" W111° 41' 25"

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