Hiking Cedar BM
Cedar Mountains
Overview
Sat 40 | 27 |
Sun 34 | 26 |
Mon 36 | 22 |
Tue 34 | 24 |
Wed 34 | 22 |
View Full Weather Details |
Sat 40 | 27 |
Sun 34 | 26 |
Mon 36 | 22 |
Tue 34 | 24 |
Wed 34 | 22 |
View Full Weather Details |
The Cedar Mountain Wilderness was created in 2006 to protect the wild qualities of the Cedar Mountain Range west of Salt Lake City. The range is home to antelope and wild horses and infrequently visited by people. For peak baggers, the Cedar Mountain BM is the highest point in the range, with a prominence of 2,847 feet (ranked #45 in the state). The prominence means it sees some traffic by peak baggers, but on our October visit, it has been only a few visits that year.
The peak is an easy one to hike. Though off-trail, the slopes are open with intermittent animal trails to follow. We only saw a lone wild horse on our visit, but a herd often frequents the area near the trailhead.
Getting There
The trailhead is south of I-80. Go west from Salt Lake City on I-80 for about 70 miles to exit 56. This is 56 miles east of Wendover. Once off the highway, head south and reset your odometer.
- 2.0 miles - Turn left onto the dirt road. This is just before the gated facility. ( 12T 332388mE 4511721mN / N40° 44' 22" W112° 59' 06" )
- 3.4 miles - Turn right (south). There is a BLM info sign here. ( 12T 334389mE 4511091mN / N40° 44' 03" W112° 57' 41" )
- 9.6 miles - Stay straight. ( 12T 331615mE 4502095mN / N40° 39' 09" W112° 59' 30" )
- 16.1 miles - Old log cabin on the left. Continue straight. ( 12T 330619mE 4492735mN / N40° 34' 05" W113° 00' 03" )
- 16.8 miles - Water hole on the left, and dirt road. Go left onto the two track dirt road. This section is rough and narrow in spots. High clearance required. It can be walked if needed. ( 12T 330435mE 4491584mN / N40° 33' 28" W113° 00' 10" )
- 18.2 miles - Trailhead at the base of a steep hill. ( 12T 332146mE 4491718mN / N40° 33' 33" W112° 58' 57" )
Route
From the trailhead, the first goal is to reach the ridge due south. Begin by hiking up the steep slope wherever it looks easiest! An animal trail in spots makes this easier. Once on the ridge, follow it east as it climbs to the top of the range.
Near the top of the range, a good trail becomes evident. Follow it to the top of the range, then south. The actual summit has a benchmark and a large cairn. To the east of the summit are Skull Valley and the Stansbury Mountains in the distance. The vast west desert and Deep Creek mountains are visible to the west. The area to the southwest and west is part of Dugway Proving Grounds.
Return the same way.
Trailhead |
12T 332145mE 4491718mN N40° 33' 33" W112° 58' 58" |
Summit |
12T 333292mE 4489837mN N40° 32' 33" W112° 58' 07" |