Sydney Peak Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Geological Significance · Views

This 8-mile out-and-back traverses a beautiful ridgeline near 11,000 feet overlooking Cedar Breaks and Parowan Canyon. Meander along relatively flat terrain through meadows and a partially burnt forest from a tragic fire in 2018 (you can expect a colorful display of wildflowers here in the summer)!

The high elevation can be extremely draining and weather can roll in extremely fast here. Make sure to keep an eye out for thunderstorms, as you are extremely exposed to the elements up here.

Park near Brian Head Peak at the pit toilets. Cross the road and hike up a short, steep section leading to a beautiful viewpoint of the surrounding valley. Follow the well marked trail for 1.0 mile where you'll intersect Loader Ponds trail and Dark Hollow.

Continue straight on the Sydney Peaks Trails where vegetation thrives as you begin dropping down in elevation. During summer months, this section of trail is filled with wildflowers. At 2.0 miles, you'll reach a notch located just below Sydney Peak. This is a good place to turn around if you don't feel like finishing the hike. Be observant as weather can move in quickly in high altitude environments such as this.

Continue another 2.0 miles through burnt forest and beautiful fields until reaching a large parking lot. This is called The Overlook, where rock climbers play on the cliffs below. The rock is a type of volcanic tuff and has stunning orange and black streaks cutting through it.

Turn around here as it's a great place to make your way back to your starting point.

Up here, you'll find thriving aspen groves, vibrant flowers, and majestic pine bristlecone trees. Various bird species, such as woodpeckers, inhabit the area, alongside sheep, marmots, and other mammals. Keep a lookout for livestock guardian dogs, which protect the livestock; however, be cautious as they may pose a threat to anything perceived as a danger to their pack, including your own dogs