Mount Olympus (Utah)

Mount Olympus in the U.S. state of Utah is one of the most prominent and recognizable mountains viewable from practically every location in the Salt Lake Valley. Mount Olympus is not the tallest peak along the Wasatch Front, but its unusual form and location make it a popular hiking destination for locals. The mountain is situated immediately east of the center of the Salt Lake Valley (due east from Murray and Taylorsville). Distinctive features of the mountain are its twin peaks and other outcroppings, the highest of which is called "Summit Peak" and which towers above the valley to an elevation of 9,026 feet (2,751 m). Thus, the peak looms about 4,800 feet (1,463 m) above the valley floor.

Hiking

Because of its proximity, visibility, and accessibility to a large metropolitan area, Mount Olympus has been a popular hiking destination for the residents of the Salt Lake Valley for many years. Most climbers reach the summit via the Mount Olympus Trail, which is a steep climb from the mountain base and stretches approximately 3.1 miles (5.0 km) to the summit. This peak is also a popular winter mountaineering route because the terrain is not as avalanche prone as many of the surrounding peaks. Due to the trail's elevation and tree density, it remains snow-covered until May, and early spring climbing is best aided by poles and gaiters. The last 1,000 feet of climbing requires some scrambling. Hiding near the base of Mount Olympus lies Utah's second deepest, and the United States' 13th deepest cave, known as Neffs Cave.

See also

• Wasatch-Cache National Forest

References

External links

• "Mount Olympus". SummitPost.org. Retrieved 2008-11-29. 
• "USA Deepest Caves". CaverBob.com. Retrieved 2008-11-29. 
• R., William (1959). "The Story of the Great Caves of the West and the Men Who Explored Them". America's Deepest Cave. Harper & Brother, Publishers. 
• "Mt Olympus hiking". climb-utah.com. Retrieved 2014-08-15.