Mount Van Cott |

Salt Lake City

Hiking Mount Van Cott - Salt Lake City Hiking Mount Van Cott

Salt Lake City

Overview

RATING: Moderate Hike
MAPS: FORT DOUGLAS, UT

Wed

Sunny, with a high near 63. West wind around 7 mph.

63 | 41

Thu

A slight chance of rain showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 62. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

62 | 42

Fri

A slight chance of rain showers after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 61.

61 | 41

Sat

Rain showers likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 59.

59 | 45

Sun

Snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 46.

46 | 37

View Full Weather Details
SEASON: Any, hot in the summer.
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear
WATER: None.

Wed

Sunny, with a high near 63. West wind around 7 mph.

63 | 41

Thu

A slight chance of rain showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 62. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

62 | 42

Fri

A slight chance of rain showers after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 61.

61 | 41

Sat

Rain showers likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 59.

59 | 45

Sun

Snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 46.

46 | 37

View Full Weather Details
The valley from along the trail.

The valley from along the trail.

Named for Lucy May Van Cott, who was the first dean of women at the University of Utah (1907–1931), The dean of women position was responsible for handling student affairs for female students. This position was common in universities from the late 1800’s to the 1960’s when the position changed to be dean of students to more broadly serve all students.

Mount Van Cott is a popular hike. The summit is not particularly dramatic, more of a bump along a ridgeline, but the summit views, accessibility, and convenience make this popular for good reason.

Though only about 3 miles round trip, the hike is steep. Avoid this in the heat of the summer. It makes a great morning/evening hike in the summer, and anytime hike during spring/fall.

Fun facts: Lucy May Van Cott was one of 28 children to John Van Cott who had five wives. The U on the hillside has been in place since 1907.
Note: Foothills hikes are prone to rattlesnakes in warmer seasons. Keep an eye out for them if hiking in warmer seasons, especially if hiking with dogs or kids.
Nearing the summit of Mount Van Cott

Nearing the summit of Mount Van Cott

Getting There

The traihead is near the Red Butte Amphitheater, on the southeast corner of the university. To get there, follow Foothill Drive north to Wakara Way. Go east on Wakara Way about 0.5 miles to Chepeta Way. Turn left on Chepeta Way (just before Myriad Genetics), and follow this road as it passes through a stop sign, then curves east. Continue straight past the Red Butte Amphitheater. The road turns to dirt and ends in a parking lot that is the trailhead.

The foothills north of the peak.

The foothills north of the peak.

Route

From the trailhead, walk up the paved road past the gate. After 0.5 miles (5-10 minutes), a second gate is reached with an area closed sign. Go left here, on a well-used social trail. The trail branches a couple of times; stay right at the junctions as the trails consolidate and begin climbing on what appears to be an old road.

The trail climbs steeply for 1.2 miles from the road to the summit, gaining about 1200' in that 1.2 miles. Phew! Just before the summit, several trails merge coming up from the west side of the peak. The summit is a nondescript bump along the ridgeline. There are big views of the Salt Lake Valley, Antelope Island, and the Oquirrh mountains to the east.

Optional Return: To make a loop out of the hike, take any one of the social trails down from the summit. The most used one on the south-west ridge descends directly back to the trailhead and is the one I recommend.


Maps

Route / 3.06 miles / Elevation Range 5,042 - 6,347 ft.
Printable Maps:
Trailhead

12T 430386mE 4513333mN

N40° 46' 05" W111° 49' 29"

Junction 1 - Left

12T 430944mE 4514020mN

N40° 46' 27" W111° 49' 06"

Summit

12T 430566mE 4514917mN

N40° 46' 56" W111° 49' 22"

Alt Down Jct

12T 430449mE 4514706mN

N40° 46' 49" W111° 49' 27"

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