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Mount Millicent - Wasatch Range
Nevada Drive Up Peaks
Although it doesn't have 300 feet of prominence, Mount Millicent is a well known mountain in the Wasatch, one deserving of a visit. Because of it's location next to two ski areas, it receives many ascents all year long. The area around the summit drops dramatically on all sides except the ridge connecting it to the higher Wolverine Mountain. I ran up while my family enjoyed the scenic Lake Mary.
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Kelsey Peaks & Butterfield Peaks, Oquirrh Mountains
Forget everything you know about the Oquirrh Mountains. Kelsey and Butterfield Peaks break all the rules. There is a nice legal trail which takes you up to the summits. Second, they are accessed from the Salt Lake County side of the Oquirrhs. The scenery is spectacular and unlike other Oquirrh peaks, you don't have to work very hard to reach it.
This trail should be in every Salt Lake hiking book but since it isn't, I was able to hike this area on a Saturday in July without seeing another person.
Tulum, Mexico
Utah Unique Places
I'm putting together web pages for all the unique places in Utah I've visited that don't involve a mountain. Of course, I visited these places on my way to or from a hiking trip. These are places like National Parks, National Monuments, geologic areas, museums, scenic drives, state parks and hiking trails.
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Deseret Peak Loop - Stansbury Range
Deseret Peak is one of the best trail hikes in Utah. The hiking route has scenic variety with an airy alpine summit at the top of the Stansbury Range. At over 11,000 feet, it's amazing to look down at the views 7,000 feet to the desert salt flats in the distance. Deseret Peak is an Ultra promince peak with over 5,000 feet of prominence, it is also the highest point in Toole County. Two trails access the summit, so a perfect loop can be made for this summit. Also, there are two other 10,000 foot peaks to the north that make nice scrambles.
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Mount Forgotton & Stillaguamish Peak
Mount Forgotten isn't really forgotten anymore as many hikers take a climbers trail to it's summit each year. But, because of it's location, it is hidden from the Mountain Loop Highway. The upper portion of the mountain is class 3. Many hikers stop at the end of the maintained trail before the scrambling begins, where there are big meadows and great views. Forgotten would be a good "next step" for aspiring mountaineers.
Mineral Butte, Cascade Mountains, Washington
If your looking for one of those out of the way winter trips where the weather might not be too promising or just looking for something new, Mineral Butte might be what you want. Most of the long route up is lacking excitement but a few views and the forest is nice once you reach the loggers highpoint. The summit does have excellent views though and you'll have summated a mountain in a area where few winter hikers explore.
Mount Townsend, Olympic Mountains, Washington
Mount Townsend is a very noticeable mountain while looking at the Olympic skyline from Seattle. It's about the last major peak on the far right or Northeast corner of the Olympic Mountains. With several easy hiking trails to the top, it is also one of the more popular hiking destinations. I rarely return to climb the same mountain but I did this one 3 times, summer, winter and once to camp on the summit to enjoy the city lights from Tacoma to Everett to Victoria, BC.
Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria is the capitol of British Columbia. Unlike many capital cities, Victoria still seems small and friendly. What makes Victoria a unique experience is that it is located on an island...the largest on the west coast of North America. The whole island would make a nice vacation but if you only have a day or two, Victoria is a good choice. Getting there is part of the adventure. Chances you'll arrive by ferry boat. There are different departure points from the mainland but if you are a walk on, look for a ferry that drops you off at the harbor....not to the north in Sidney.
Carbon Ridge, Mt. Rainier Area, Washington
Located just outside the northern boundary of Mount Rainier National Park, Carbon Ridge is a highpoint between Old Baldy and Pitcher Mountain. These 3 peaks are quite visible from the south Puget Sound area, that's if you can stop looking at the massive bulk of Mt. Rainier towering behind these peaks. Often overlooked, Carbon Ridge is a perfect climb anytime and the views of the Puget lowlands as well as Rainier make it a top spot for peakbagging.
Gannett Peak - Highest in Wyoming
Gannett Peak is the most remote state highpoint in the lower 48 states. Gannett is deep in the Wind River Range and well hidden from most of the main highways in Wyoming. There are two main routes to the mountain, the easiest is longer but avoids having to climb up and over a large steep mountain pass. The route I took was the faster "standard" route but the pass turned out to be a real pain. For most, it is a 2 day hike to the base of the pass, then a day to climb the peak, followed by another day or two out. I only had 3 days so it was 18.5 miles in the first day in order to ascend the mountain the following morning.
Nevada has many mountains you can drive up. Some of them have good roads while others will challenge your driving skills.
Drove July 16-17th 2010
