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Alpine hike along meadows, ridgelines, and pine trees.


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Map Key

4.2

Miles

6.7

KM

Point to Point

11,070' 3,374 m

High

10,458' 3,188 m

Low

176' 54 m

Up

695' 212 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

11%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Geological Significance · Views

Family Friendly The full hike is rather long, but any distance out and back makes a great family hike.

Overview

This trail traverses a beautiful ridgeline near 11,000 feet, overlooking Cedar Breaks and Parowan Canyon. It meanders along relatively flat terrain through meadows and a partially burnt forest from a large wildfire in 2018. Expect especially vibrant wildflower displays in the burnt areas during the summer! The full trail out-and-back makes a hike of more than 8 miles, but you can start from either end (Brian Head Resort or the trailhead along NF-048/Sidney Valley Rd) and go any distance you like before turning around.

Need to Know

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

Description

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 Lowder Ponds Trail and Dark Hollow.

Continue straight on the Sidney Peak trail, 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 Sidney Peak. This is a good place to turn around if you don't feel like finishing the full-distance 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 meadows until reaching a large parking lot. This is locally 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. Take time to enjoy the huge views from here before returning as this makes a reasonable spot to turn around.

Flora & Fauna

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 guard dogs that may be protecting sheep or cows; be cautious because they can act aggresive if approached, especially by other dogs.

Contacts

Shared By:

Wild Mesa Guiding with improvements by Jesse Weber

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 1 vote

#2297

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Recommended Route Rankings

#148

in Utah

#2,297

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Photos

Mushroom growing off the side of the trial in a  little grove of pine trees.
Apr 19, 2024 near Parowan, UT

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