Mount Peale and Tukuhnikivatz Loop

Route Description for Mount Peale and Tukuhnikivatz Loop

The Mount Peale and Mount Tukuhnikivatz Loop is an ambitious adventure for experienced hikers. This trail requires that hikers be adept at both route-finding and light scrambling. Good hiking shoes are an absolute must on this trail, and we highly recommend bringing along a map or a GPS device to help with navigation. Bringing hiking poles to aid with the steep ascents and descents is highly recommended. This trail is a fantastic challenge for experienced hikers. Your efforts on this route will be richly rewarded with epic views from both of the summits.

From the top of La Sal Pass, look for the Mount Peale/Burlfriends trailhead on the north side of the road. Follow the path northeast for 0.8 km to the divide. To head up to Mount Peale, take the right path here; the path to your left leads up to Mount Tukuhnikivatz. Follow the path for 0.3 km to where it meets up with La Sal Creek. Turn left and follow the creek bed northward past the tree line; after about 1.0 km the trail will cut eastward to the saddle. The summit is just another 0.6 km east from the saddle. Take a rest at the summit before heading back along the trail for 1.1 km and then cut right to continue along the ridge, heading directly west over to the summit of Mount Tukuhnikivatz.

Enjoy the views from the second summit and take a well deserved rest before following the trail southeast for 3.9 km to meet up with the path to the trailhead. Follow the path for the last 0.8 km back to the parking lot.