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Hike or Trail Run Mount Van Cott

Salt Lake City, Utah

4.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

3 miles

Elevation Gain

1400 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Jackson Smith

Mount Van Cott is great for anyone living close to Salt Lake City or the University of Utah wanting a short and beautiful adventure to a fantastic view of the valley, day or night. Dogs are welcome!

There are many different trailheads that will take you to the top of Mount Van Cott, but the main trailhead is up Red Butte Canyon. Drive up the canyon until you reach the parking lot where the canyon gate is blocking the road. After parking your car here, head up the dirt road on foot until you come to a wide open field to your left, the trailhead starts here. The trail splits after a few minutes, I suggest staying to the right here. This trail will take you all the way to the summit of Mount Van Cott. Once on the peak, you can either turn back and go the way you came, or you can head east along the ridge line trail as far as back as you want to go.

The overall elevation gain to the summit is 1,273 feet with a maximum elevation of 6,339 feet. 

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Features

Fitness
Photography
Running
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Romantic
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Hike or Trail Run Mount Van Cott Reviews

It was quite steep so it exhausted me pretty fast and I went in the middle of the 95+ afternoon. Needless to say I went through a lot of water. Definitely start early and bring plenty of water. The view is alright. Just a section of the city. I didn't check out the more eastern peak, there may have been a nicer view on that side.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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