Clayton Peak

Route Description for Clayton Peak

The hike begins on the same side of the road as the small parking lot. Climb the loosely defined trail beginning at the south end of the parking lot. Initially the trial goes nearly straight up the steep slope, but later it begins to switchback. You will crest the ridge after approximately half of the elevation gain. You will be directly below-and to the right of-one of Clayton’s subsidiary peaks.

The trail winds around this summit then descends to the shoulder between it and Clayton. From here your route is clearly visible. As you descend, you will see the top of one of Brighton’s chairlifts, sitting still for the summer months.

At the bottom of the saddle, a trail on your left will lead down to Lackawaxen Lake. Keep straight here to follow along the ridge. The trail will die out as you enter a talus field. Do some mild rock hopping here to find the trail again closer to the summit.

Finally, you will crest the summit ridge to gain the best views of the hike! Looking west you will see the core mountains of the Wasatch, including Sunset Peak along the main massif above Brighton, and Raymond Peak across at the base of the canyon. Those two peaks are other fantastic hikes you’ll find on 10Hikes!

To the east, you will see the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, and the Uintas in the far distance. To the south, Mount Timpanogos will poke its head out and Box Elder will be visible to its right. There are far too many mountains visible from this perch to name! You will also most likely have this summit to yourself as few people make it this far.

Return the way you came, taking care on the steep and-at times-rocky path.