Sunset Peak Route Guide
Table of contents
Route Description for Sunset Peak
The trail begins by heading uphill following the path of the Majestic ski lift. This short ascent is the price you will have to pay for the insanely gorgeous hiking throughout the rest of the hike!
After a little climbing, you will reach a junction with signs for Dog Lake. If you want to take a break, Dog Lake is a good place to do it, however, the lake itself isn’t that impressive. Continue climbing along the main trail to Lake Mary. Most people stop here and for good reason!
Grand cliffs surround Lake Mary with Mount Millicent and Mount Tuscarora helping to create a beautiful scene. A short way above Lake Mary is Lake Martha, which holds similar views but draws fewer people.
Continuing along the trail, the crowds will thin slightly. The trail becomes slightly hard to follow as many people have made their own trails. You will veer left to gain a ridge, and then turn right to climb up to Lake Catherine. This lake is situated in a stunning alpine bowl, lined by Mount Tuscarora, Pioneer Peak and in the middle, your final objective, Sunset Peak.
Follow the trail straight up to Catherine Pass. From here, turn left towards Sunset Pass. Follow this ridgeline around to the other pass, and then follow the loose trail up the ridge to Sunset Peak.
From this summit, you will be granted unbelievable views into both Little and Big Cottonwood Canyons. There are way too many mountains to name, but highlights include Twin Peaks, Box Elder, Mount Timpanogos and Box Elder Peak.
Return the route you ascended.
Insider Hints for Sunset Peak
- Start early will give you a good chance of having the summit all to yourself, a real treat.
- For a long hike, you can continue along the ridgeline all the way to Clayton Peak. This would be a long day, but a truly gorgeous hike.
Getting to the Sunset Peak Trailhead
From Salt Lake City take Big Cottonwood Road (UT-190) until you reach the Brighton Ski Hill. Continue along the one-way road to the south side where you will find a large parking area and the Majestic ski lift.Route Information for Sunset Peak
When to do:
Late spring and summer
Backcountry Campsites:
at Lakes
Toilets:
At trailhead
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Out and back
Sunset Peak Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews for Sunset Peak
We loved every moment hiking here.
- Trip Length
- 04:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Exquisite scenery of nature!
- Trip Length
- 04:30
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Sunset Peak is just absolutely stunning!
- Trip Length
- 04:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
The most amazing views at sunset especially with 360° spectacular views.
- Trip Length
- 04:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
The weather was awful when I visited but the views were still nice.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
It was windy when we visited, and the sky was gray and dull, but the views were still fantastic.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
It's a nice hike that does not require tremendous effort. Really had a fantastic time exploring the area.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
It was an amusing hike. Trail was pretty decent. There were some easy climbs towards Dog and mary Lake.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
This hike is packed with great views of numerous lakes. There were some mild ascends, enough just to stretch your legs.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Beautiful views at the top. Not many people on the trail at all.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
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