Mt. Aire
- Physical DifficultyThis is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
- Technical DifficultyThis is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Just outside of the heart of the Wasatch, the desert-like Mt. Aire is a great hike and has some stunning views. Obviously, the people who made this trail had never heard of switchbacks!
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Route Description for Mt. Aire
The trail begins by following the Elbow Fork River, climbing at an incredibly steep grade nearly straight up. You will pass a junction where you will continue straight toward Mt. Aire. After just over half the climbing, and plenty of sweating, you will finally exit the dense forest and find yourself on a wildflower-spotted pass. Here you will get your first views and, if you are lucky, a little breeze.
At the pass, the trail veers sharply to the right and - believe it or not - starts to switchback! It’s almost like two completely different people built this trail. From here, you will climb the steep slopes of Mt. Aire along a reasonably well-graded path.
Along this part of the trail, there is little shade and often little breeze. If you are hiking in the afternoon, be prepared to sweat. Finally, after a few more switchbacks, you will clear the summit and be done with the arduous ascent.
Looking north, you will be able to see the backside of Mt. Raymond - another hike on this website - and to its left, Gobbler’s Knob. To the north, the rolling, arid foothills of the Wasatch will be visible. Take a moment to sit on the smooth summit rocks before returning the way you came.
Insider Hints for Mt. Aire
- Another great hike for a summit beer/beverage.
- It is difficult to find water along this hike, and much of it is exposed to the sun. Bring plenty!
Getting to the Mt. Aire Trailhead
From Salt Lake City, enter Mill Creek Canyon via I-215. You will have to pay a $3 day fee on your way out. Follow the narrow Mill Creek Canyon Road for just over 9.7 km. The road will make a large switchback to the right, after which you will find the trailhead on your left.
Route Information
Mt. Aire Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
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Nearby Trails
- Mount Raymond via Bowman Fork Trail
- Millvue Peak Trail
- Little Water Peak Loop
- Porter Fork Trail
- Thayne Canyon Loop
- Thayne Canyon Trail
- Salt Lake Overlook via the Desolation Trail
- Mount Raymond via Alexander Basin Trail
- Burch Hollow Trail
- Desolation Lake and Dog Lake Loop
- Dog Lake via The Big Water Trail
- Gobblers Knob via Alexander Basin