Hiking Point Supreme
Little Cottonwood Canyon
Overview
Sat 57 | 44 |
Sun 55 | 42 |
Mon 55 | 42 |
Tue 53 | 39 |
Wed 53 | 39 |
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Sat 57 | 44 |
Sun 55 | 42 |
Mon 55 | 42 |
Tue 53 | 39 |
Wed 53 | 39 |
View Full Weather Details |
Point Supreme (10,595’) is part of Alta ski resort and see thousands of skiers nears its summit every winter. In the summer, the lift service road makes this an easy summit to reach. The 1.75-mile hike (one way) from the Albion Basin Campground is easy navigation, with a bit over 700’ of elevation gain. It makes for quick access to the ridge where motivated hikes can negotiate the ridge north to Catherine Pass on an easy and well used social trail. Heading south along the ridge is much rougher terrain, that crosses East Devils Castle before crossing Devils Castle proper.
The service road is often flanked by wildflowers from mid-to-late summer, and wildlife abounds especially in the early mornings or late evenings.
Getting There
Little Cottonwood Canyon is on the east side of the Salt Lake City Valley. Get there by following I-215 to the east, taking exit 6 off the interstate and heading east toward the mountains.
Follow 6200 South which becomes Wasatch Blvd for 1.8 miles to the stop light and signs for Big Cottonwood Canyon. Continue south (straight) through the light an additional 2.3 miles to a junction and light. Stay left here, reaching the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon in an additional 1.6 miles.
From the mouth of Little Cottonwood, travel up the canyon 11.2 miles to the signed Secret Lake Trailhead parking, just before the Albion Basin Campground.
Route
From the parking area, head into the campground, going right (counterclockwise) at the campground loop. The second gated road on the right is the Point Supreme road.
Follow the Point Supreme road as it climbs, passing several cabins. It soon leaves the cabins and begins a sweeping curve north then back south as it climbs. The rugged and stunning Devils Castle to the south dominates the view, as do wildflowers in the meadow areas in mid-to-late summer.
The road makes a couple of long switchbacks before a final climb north to the ridge proper and top of the ski lift. Views from this point are outstanding in all directions!
The lift is not the true summit. To reach the Point Supreme summit, go north along the ridge on a well-used single track to the top of the next highpoint. It is just a few minutes from the lift and a leisurely walk.
Cecret Lake Trailhead |
12T 448112mE 4492097mN N40° 34' 41" W111° 36' 47" |
Campground Jct |
12T 448179mE 4491765mN N40° 34' 30" W111° 36' 44" |
Devils Castle Loop / Road Jct |
12T 448243mE 4491438mN N40° 34' 20" W111° 36' 41" |
Point Supreme |
12T 449023mE 4491802mN N40° 34' 32" W111° 36' 08" |