Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
1,047.00 ft (319.13 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
4.00 mi (6.44 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

What a find! Big mountain is a great hiking trail in the Central Wasatch that is even part of the historical Great Western Trail, the Mormon Trail, and the Donner Party Trail. The trailhead begins right across the parking lot for the Big Mountain Pass junction along the scenic UT-65.

The first mile of the trail consists of winding switchbacks that provide great views of the surrounding Wasatch Mountains. Most of the elevation of this trail is climbed during these switchbacks. The switchbacks end when you meet a small forested area of aspens that show brilliant fall colors. The next mile is moderately flat, and the trail follows the ridge of the mountains until the final switchbacks up to the ascent of the summit. Those final turns are extremely grueling, but then its just a quick scramble up to the summit of Big Mountain. 

From the top you have an entire field of vision devoted to amazing views stretching from mountains, meadows, and the curving road below. The Great Western Trail continues onward from this point, but Big Mountain's summit is a great day hike with a round-trip distance of 4 miles.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Great views. Short. Relatively easy.

Cons

No shade.

Trailhead Elevation

8,226.00 ft (2,507.28 m)

Features

Historically significant
Big vistas

Suitable for

Biking

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

06/25/2021
This hike is far from dog friendly. This hike is located in a protected water shed area. This isn’t the first time I’ve come across very wrong information on this website. Make sure to do your research before dealing with a giant headache because of misinformation.
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