Little Black Mountain, UT

Little Black Mountain is one of the best kept secrets in the Wasatch Mountains. It's elevation is low compared with other peaks in Salt Lake County, but the scenery is outstanding (especially in spring when the wildflowers are in bloom) and the short scramble along the summit ridge offers "character" other lesser Wasatch peaks lack. It's proximity to downtown is amazing. You can literally be at the trailhead from downtown in five minutes.


The mountain is generally snow-free from early May to November, but summer heat along the barren west ridge makes it less than desirable hike when temperatures are high.Little Black Mountain sits on the prominent ridge seperating City Creek Canyon and Red Butte Canyon. It is popular with runners, and the site of the Wasatch Steeplechase run every summer. The ridge continues east from Little Black's summit all the way to Lookout Peak (8,954').

Big Black Mountain (8,958') sits on the ridge to the north, really nothing more than a sub-peak along the ridge to Grandview Peak (9,410'), the highest peak in the area.

Route: At the trailhead take the trail stairs up for Perry's Hollow. At 1/4 mile look for a smaller trail going up a steep hill and take it. This side trail will take you out of Perry's Hollow and onto a ridgeline overlooking the Great Salt Lake. You will see power poles on the ridge, and the trail turns north. When you arrive at the Bonneville Shoreline Trail go right. Scrub oaks offer shade as you make your way to the City Creek Canyon junction at 1.10 miles. At the junction take the trail going up to the ridgeline heading northeast. On the ridgeline the trail splits at 1.94 miles for Avenues Twin Peaks; stay left. After the split, the trail smooths out to the base of Little Black Mountain. This relaxing section ends at 3.3 miles into the hike. At the base, the trail becomes steep to the peak.

2012-01-29 SparkyJackie