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Ensign Peak
Salt Lake City, Utah
May 7, 2024
Distance: 1.5 km (.9 mi)
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 117 m (384 ft)
Faced with a long drive back to Calgary, Dinah and I stopped to take a break in Salt Lake City. We were interested in Ensign Peak, a small hill that's a short drive off the I-15. With information plaques added to its broad trails, it's really a nature walk.
There are two paths. A short trail leads to a low viewpoint called Vista Mound, while a longer trail climbs Ensign Peak. Either destination provides views of Great Salt Lake Valley and the Wastach Range.
While Ensign Peak was a good choice for a short trip, we picked a bad time. The area was recovering from a recent snowfall. Melting snow left plants doubled over, and the trails were in poor condition. Dinah chose Vista Mound as the trail was merely wet. I tackled Ensign Peak with its muddy trail. And boy, was it muddy! I wished I had brought my trekking poles. I struggled to gain traction in the deep mud, often slipping on the steeper trail sections. It was miserable going, but I persevered and reached the top.
It was unlike any summit I had reached before. It was furnished with a tiny plaza. Guardrails surrounded a cement floor with a monumental pillar in the centre. A couple had also made it up, and we took photos of each other. I immediately came back down.
Despite the conditions, I enjoyed the views that Ensign Peak offered. If someday we drive by it again, I would go up it again, but only if it were bone dry.
There's no mistaking the trailhead for Ensign Peak
A courtyard provides a history of the area
A sidewalk leads to the two trails
Vista Mound is left and Ensign Peak is right
A recent snowfall left plants bent over
The trail winds around to the backside of the peak
A plaque describes a viewpoint (mouse over to read the plaque)
The higher I climber, the muddier it became. The summit monument can be seen.
Apparently, the mud hadn't stopped people from plodding up the trail
The monument on the top
The monument is dedicated to Mormon pioneers
It was bitterly cold and I didn't stay long
Salt Lake City North (.9 mi, 5404 ft, 384 ft)