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Snowbird
ski and summer resort is a world class resort for skiing and snowboarding.
But
it is not known for having summer activities. It has some of the
best hiking and mountain biking trails in the Wasatch range. A
great perk is that after a long hike you can sit on the patio and
grab a
bite. Oktoberfest in the fall offers families
the opportunity to enjoy the German celebrations, as well as the new
alpine slide next to the Tram loading station. As well as being able
to hike and bike while you are up there, the Tram is ran year round
and allows you access to the ridge top where you can climb the American Fork Twins, and ridge
traverse to Mt. Baldy. But I always say, why ride when you can use
your legs to get there.
I started from the Snowbird Visitors Center and proceeded to ascend
the hill off the main patio. As soon as you get to Dick Bass
Highway, you will go left up a short but steep hill. Once you get to
the top, you will see a picnic area, with a volleyball net, barbeque
pit, and the trail that goes to the right. It is a little deceiving where
it starts, so look around.
The trail starts up a steep set
of switch backs to the first ridge top. Once up to the top, the
trail goes to the left then curves to the right. This hill is really
steep, with a stream running off to the left. Once you
are at this point the trail splits into Chips Trail Run, and the Peruvian
Gulch Trail. Head up the Peruvian trail, to the next ridge top
where you will cross a meadow to the base of the Peruvian Ridge.
This leg of the trail starts with small switch backs, then one long switch back to the
ridge top. Once up here, you will see the Pfeifferhorn and the Twins
right there in a spectacular view. The ridge is really steep, and
narrow so watch your step, a fall off this ridge would
be a visit to the E.R. for sure. This ridge goes up to the left all
the way to Hidden Peak. Once you reach the peak you will see the
Tram, and the buildings on Hidden Peak.
Hidden Peak sits at a flat 11,000 feet. Snowbird
offers Tram tours, and weddings on the peak. During
Oktoberfest they bring the Alp Horns to the peak to be played.
They
resonate throughout Gad Valley and the Peruvian Gulch. This hike is
a great one if you have all day to walk in the mountains. Allow
yourself 2 hours to get down, as some of the decent is really
steep. An alternate route would be to go down the Chips Run Trail,
which is less steep, and great for walking. I love living this close
to this canyon, there are so many trails in this canyon you could
never get bored. Come explore these mountains, they will teach you a
lot about yourself and your limits. All in all, this hike goes on my
favorite's list.
Trail
Stats And Directions
Little
Cottonwood Canyon- Trail Head- Snowbird Visitor Center
Distance to Hidden Peak- 3.5 miles
Elevation Gain- 2900 vertical feet to 11,000 feet
Hiking Time- 2 hrs 30 min
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