Hidden Peak

While the Aerial Tram offers the quickest ascent, many hikers enjoy the trails leading up from Snowbird Mountain Resort. Popular routes include the Peruvian Gulch Trail or the Mineral Basin Trail, which offer varying levels of challenge and stunning views. For a full loop, some combine a hike up with a tram ride down, or vice-versa.

Hidden Peak itself is at 3,350 meters (10,991 feet). If you opt to hike from the base of Snowbird Mountain Resort, you'll be gaining approximately 2,900 vertical feet. The trails can be steep and rocky in sections, especially closer to the summit, making them generally rated as moderate to strenuous depending on your starting point and chosen path.

No specific hiking permits are generally required to access the trails leading to Hidden Peak or within the Snowbird Mountain Resort area. However, if you plan to use the Aerial Tram for part of your journey, you will need to purchase a ticket for the tram ride.

Hidden Peak can be family-friendly, especially if you utilize the Aerial Tram to reach the summit. From 'The Summit' facility, there are short, paved paths that offer incredible views without strenuous hiking. For families looking for easier trails, the lower elevations around Snowbird offer gentler options, and the resort often has family-oriented activities during summer months.

Dog policies can vary by season and specific areas within the Wasatch-Cache National Forest and Snowbird Mountain Resort. Generally, dogs are permitted on many trails in the surrounding National Forest, but it's crucial to check the most current regulations for Snowbird and the specific trails you plan to use, as some areas or the tram may have restrictions. Always keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them.

Ample parking is available at Snowbird Mountain Resort, which serves as the primary access point for Hidden Peak. There are several large parking lots at the base of the resort. During peak seasons, especially winter or busy summer weekends, lots can fill up quickly, so arriving early is advisable. Some lots may have a fee, particularly during ski season.

Public transport to Snowbird Mountain Resort is available via the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) ski bus service during the winter season, which connects from various locations in the Salt Lake Valley. In summer, options may be more limited, but check the UTA schedule for seasonal routes that serve the canyon. From the resort base, you can hike or take the Aerial Tram to Hidden Peak.

In winter, Hidden Peak transforms into a premier ski destination. The peak and surrounding trails are covered in deep snow, making traditional hiking challenging and often requiring specialized gear like snowshoes or skis. While accessible via the tram for skiers and snowboarders, winter hiking to the summit is generally not recommended due to avalanche risk and extreme conditions, unless you are an experienced mountaineer with proper equipment and training.

Yes, at the very summit of Hidden Peak, you'll find 'The Summit' facility, which houses Utah's highest restaurant, offering food and drinks with panoramic views. At the base of Snowbird Mountain Resort, there are numerous cafes, restaurants, and pubs, along with a range of accommodation options from hotels to condominiums, catering to visitors year-round.

Even in summer, mountain weather can change rapidly. Essential items include layers of clothing (including a windbreaker or rain jacket), plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and sturdy hiking boots. A map and compass or GPS device are also recommended. If you plan to use the tram, remember your ticket. For winter, specialized cold-weather gear is essential.