Hike North Peak

Notch Peak is the second highest vertical cliff face in the lower 48 states. It is relatively unknown but is considered by those who complete it to be one of the coolest hikes in Utah. Massive grey stone cliffs make up the canyon that the trail follows, some (other than the Notch) reaching a couple hundreds of feet high. Pronghorn and some great desert bird watching opportunities are always possible if you're into wildlife.

The trailhead is at 6,877 feet and the peak is at 9,684 feet. Disagreement exists among other websites and hiking books for the length of the trail, but I would say it is about 8 or 9 miles roundtrip. The hike is very mellow and presents an easy walk on gravel for most of the way. You will find massive rock walls, amazing juniper trees, fossils, and overall a beautiful and easy hike.

After hiking for about three and a half miles, you will come to the saddle between Sawtooth (to the north) and Notch Peak (to the west). From this point you can summit both peaks, but Notch Peak is visited more than Sawtooth. From the saddle, climb steep terrain for about one thousand more feet of elevation, and you will find yourself at the top. Amazing views of western Utah can be seen from this peak, and you can even see all the way to Mount Nebo to the east, and Ibapah peak in the west. The cliff is on the north-west side of the mountain and is the second highest vertical drop in the lower 48 states. From the peak to the bottom of the cliff is more than 4,000 feet!

For any thrill seekers who aren't into extremely long or difficult hikes, this peak is a must-do. For the average hiker I would say this peak takes 5-7 hours round trip. If you are interested in staying overnight, there are many places along the trail that you could pitch a tent but not very many fire rings. Near the trail head there are a couple great camp spots if you take any of the two-tracks leading off the main road. Please remember to pick up your trash and don't build any new campfire rings if there are already some present, Thank You.

Getting there: From Delta, Utah, head west on Highway 6 for about 40 miles or until you reach mile marker 45. Drive slowly and keep your eyes open - right before mile marker 46 a right turn takes you onto Notch Peak loop road. At this point the road becomes dirt but should be accessible with passenger vehicles. Drive on this road until you see a sign pointing to the left (west) saying Miller Canyon Road. Drive on this road for around 5 miles until you reach a fork. The right fork leads to Sawtooth Canyon and the left leads to the Notch Peak trailhead. Take a left, and after a short drive you'll see an old log cabin on your right. This is your indication that you are on the right road. Continue driving for around a mile and you'll arrive at the trailhead.