Towering high on the skyline of the Wasatch Mountain Range, Mount Olympus is one of Utah's most recognizable peaks, and one of its most beautiful. The hike to the top is challenging, but many Utahns and visitors take it on every year. It can be pretty crowded on the trail on a summer weekend, but if you're willing to attempt winter hiking in Utah, you'll probably have it all to yourself. In fact, the Mount Olympus Trail is one of the best winter hikes in Utah.
The trailhead to Mount Olympus is located just off Wasatch Boulevard in Sandy. Depending on the winter day, you might not see any snow at the bottom, but you'd better be prepared for snow as you start to ascend.
Make sure to prepare for the conditions and weather! It's a good idea to have traction cleats on your hiking boots, and perhaps even bring a pair of snowshoes along. Trekking poles are helpful as well, and you'll want plenty of cold-weather gear.
You'll be climbing more than 4,000 feet along the way, so what you see at the bottom of the mountain can be vastly different than the conditions near the top.
The trail is just eight miles, out and back. On a winter weekday morning, you'll likely have it all to yourself. You can enjoy peace and quiet while cold weather hiking in Utah.
During summer months, hikers have to contend with lots of loose shale, but the snow covers that up nicely ...
... and its blanket makes the scenery even more pretty!
The views of the surrounding mountains are even more stunning in the winter.
When you reach the summit, you might have a spectacular view of the Salt Lake Valley below ...
... or you might find that you've climbed all the way up above a thick sea of clouds.
Even if your valley view is obscured, this winter hike in Utah is definitely worth your effort. Bundle up, grab your winter gear, and get out there!
Have you hiked Mount Olympus in the winter? Do you think this is one of the best winter hikes in Utah? What are your favorite winter hiking destinations in Utah? Let us know your thoughts in the comments and we'd love to see your photos!
If you're looking for more fun things to do in the winter in Utah, consider a trip down south to the small town of Kanab.
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