Hike Santaquin Peak

Santaquin Peak is actually along the Loafer Mountain Trail. Loafer Mountain is just a tad taller than Santaquin, but Santaquin is more visited due to its more prominent peak and the fact that it is located in front of Loafer, meaning it has a way better view. Santaquin Peak is included as one of the 7 major peaks of the Wasatch Range! (Lone Peak, Timpanogas, Cascade, Provo, Spanish Fork, and Nebo being the others)

Starting at about 7,600 ft., the Loafer Mountain trail is rated as a 'class 1' hike. The trail is very easy to follow, mildly trafficked, and not super hard. However, it does get pretty steep at some points, and it's very long - definitely gets your legs burning a lil'. It's about 5.4 miles to Santaquin Peak (one-way. 10.8 roundtrip), and if you'd like you can keep going an extra .7 miles or so to Loafer Mountain. 

Your adventure starts on the Nebo Loop road, at a marked trailhead just below the Payson Lakes. After about a mile, you hit a fork. Stay left on the Loafer Mountain Trail (#98). Then you will shortly hit another junction, turn right. Then you'll begin your steady climb to the peaks. A super fun trail with views all along the way.

Finally you have reached the peak at 10,685 ft! Congrats. Make sure to take in all the views, take lots of pictures, and to sign the book inside the mailbox by the flag. There are plenty of trees around the summit, take time to take a break in your hammock if you want! On our trip, we actually backpacked into the night and spent the night in our hammocks. So much fun! Make sure to dress warm though. We went in September, (the best time for this hike, in my opinion, due to the colorful leaves) and it was rather cold at night.. There is also a great campsite for tents about 3 miles in. (Once you reach your first saddle, start of the long ridge climb- when you have your first view of the city.) 

This is such a great hike, one of my favorites I have been on. Highly recommend it!