Bogley

tatwood · Joined: 29 Jan 2006 Posts: 99 Location: Midvale, UT

I'm planning on hiking Grandeur peak sometime in the next few weeks and I was wondering if anybody has any tips and/or comments about this hike. From what I've read, it doesn't sound like there will be any major surprises, but I thought I’d throw this out there just in case anyone has any input. If you’re interested in coming, let me know.

Iceaxe · Joined: 07 Mar 2005 Posts: 7682 Location: Local Bordello

I've climbed Grandeur many times. It's a great winter hike. What route are you planning to use, West Ridge or Church Fork? Here is a route description of both if you need it.

Mount Grandeur
http://climb-utah.com/WM/grandeur.htm

About 6 years ago I climbed Grandeur and was standing on the summit, during a snow storm, to celebrate News Years. That was a very memorable climb. Had a bottle of wine on the summit at midnight as we watched fireworks go off in the valley.
:rockon:

shaggy125 · Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2006 10:44 pm Post subject:

Never done it in winter, but I'm sure it will be pretty straightforward. I usually do it in the early spring when I'm itching to get out in the warm weather. I don't think I've ever done it without at least some snow up top. Basically you hike through pine trees along a stream at first, then it turns to switchbacks on a shrub covered slope where the views of Mt Olympus and and the peaks and cliffs behind it get better and better the higher you climb. Once you hit the ridge you can see the peak. I think the official trail curves around or something making it a more gradual climb, but like I said there is always snow up there when I go so we usually just head straight up the snow to the peak. The view from the top of course is very good for the small amount of effort (compared to other taller wasatch peaks) involved.

Eric.

Iceaxe · Joined: 07 Mar 2005 Posts: 7682 Location: Local Bordello

Hey, I was just checking out my Grandeur pictures and it was

NEW YEARS 2000!!!!

That was a biggy as New Years go..... remember all the predictions of death and destruction because of Y2K.... gosh.... that was sure a yawner after all the hype :haha:

Maybe I climbed so we could watch all the airplanes fall out of the sky and buildings tumble to the ground :roflol:

I remember that sure was good wine, my friend Greg nicked his wifes best stuff :thumb: .... also remeber I stumbled a little on the way down the mountain :friday:

tatwood · Joined: 29 Jan 2006 Posts: 99 Location: Midvale, UT

Thanks for the info you guys. I'll probably use the Church Fork trailhead. Sounds like it might be a better winter option. Do you have to pay to get up Millcreek in the winter time?

Nice pics Iceaxe. I'm sure it would have been a crazy view had things really gone to pot after the clock hit midnight.

marc olivares · Joined: 19 Jun 2005 Posts: 614 Location: sugarhouse

$2.25 on the way out of the canyon...or buy a $20 yearly pass, this way you have a reason to go up there more often :2thumbs:

TreeHugger · Joined: 02 Aug 2005 Posts: 898

You might consider bringing some trekking poles, if you have them, it is steep in spots in the beginning, and the rocks can get slippery as you approach the top - poles might be nice for keeping your balance and such.

It's a very straightforward hike, and really gorgeous.

tatwood · Joined: 29 Jan 2006 Posts: 99 Location: Midvale, UT

I got a pair of trekking poles a few months ago and I really like them. I climbed Frary Peak on Antelope island last week and they really helped out in the snow. Thanks for the tip. That $20 pass sounds like a good idea too. There are a ton of good bike trails up there.

Iceaxe · Joined: 07 Mar 2005 Posts: 7682 Location: Local Bordello

Yeah.... trekking poles are really useful for winter hiking. :thumb:

I think the West Ridge is easiest in winter. Biggest reason is its often snow free for the first half of the hike. Using Church Fork you will be hiking in snow from the git-go.

tatwood · Joined: 29 Jan 2006 Posts: 99 Location: Midvale, UT

That’s a good point. Maybe I’ll use West Ridge instead.

Mtnbiker · Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 319

A friend and I hiked to the top last weekend from the church forks trailhead.
I'd never hiked it with 100% snow cover before, but it was fun! It had been a few days since fresh snow so you really didn't need snowshoes till the final 1/4-1/2 mile where it gets steep. The trekking poles will help a lot though, especially if you don't have snowshoes.

It turned very blustery by the time we reached the top so there wasn't a view, but it's still a great feeling to hit the top. Kinda like reaching Everest in our own little way :2thumbs:

Bring a thermos of hot chocolate and you'll be grateful when you summit. (especially with a little of Treehugger's 'moonshined' Kahlua) :haha:

Have fun, it's a great hike!

TreeHugger · Joined: 02 Aug 2005 Posts: 898

Mtnbiker wrote:

Bring a thermos of hot chocolate and you'll be grateful when you summit. (especially with a little of Treehugger's 'moonshined' Kahlua) :haha:

!

Now, THAT'S what I'm talkin' about! Great idea!! :2thumbs: (glad you're enjoying it!!)

tatwood · Joined: 29 Jan 2006 Posts: 99 Location: Midvale, UT

Thanks everybody for your input on this thread. My brother and I climbed Grandeur this past Saturday and had a great time. The weather was awesome and the views were great. Here are some pics...

Sombeech · Joined: 09 Dec 2004 Posts: 11408 Location: The Rubbish Bin

Very nice! Any more pics? Put 'em up here if you do. Those are great!

tatwood · Joined: 29 Jan 2006 Posts: 99 Location: Midvale, UT

Here are a few more... by the way, I love the new avatar Sombeech.