Discover exceptional hiking trails in Tooele County, Utah. Explore a diverse landscape of mountains, canyons, and deserts, with breathtaking panoramic views along the way.
The County’s blue-ribbon hike is climbing to the 11,031-foot-high summit of Deseret Peak in the Stansbury Mountains. The 360-degree view of Tooele County, and even parts of the Wasatch Front to the east, inspire hikers to forget about the blisters on their feet—until they begin their descent.
The trailhead for Deseret Peak is located at the Loop Campground at the top of South Willow Canyon. The trail moves through several groves of large aspens, crosses a stream, and then climbs through meadows of wildflowers, fir trees, and snowfields before following a rocky ridge to the summit.
To reach South Willow Canyon Road, take SR-138 to Grantsville, and at the west end of town, turn left onto West Street and follow the road south for approximately five miles. The road is on the right.
Several trails can also be accessed in South Willow Canyon. The first is the Medina Flats Trailhead, which provides access to the Stansbury Front Trail. The trail runs from West Canyon to the north to Hickman Canyon to the south. Mining Fork Canyon and South Willow Lake are available from the Medina Flats Trailhead.
South Medina Peak, which stands at 10,685 feet, is the second-highest peak in the range.
To climb South Medina Peak, follow the same trail to Deseret Peak. After crossing the stream located .8 miles from the trailhead, go onto the South Willow Lake Trail that branches off to the northwest. This trail crosses Dry Fork and affords a magnificent view of Deseret Peak Cirque. The trail continues through a wildflower-filled ridge to the north, turns a corner, and enters an ancient stand of fir trees. After another one-half mile, the trail intersects Pockets Fork Trail junction. After the junction, the trail climbs Pockets Fork to the left and continues to a high saddle, where a fantastic view of Big Creek Canyon and Skull Valley awaits. Hiking in the Stansbury Mountains represents only a fraction of Tooele County’s overall hiking opportunities.
