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The Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort is a world class resort for skiing and snowboarding. But it is not known for having summer activities. It has some of the best hiking and mountain biking trails in the Wasatch range. A great perk is that after a long hike you can sit on the patio and grab a bite. Oktoberfest in the fall offers families the opportunity to enjoy the German celebrations, as well as the new alpine slide next to the Tram loading station.
As well as being able to hike and bike while you are up there, the Tram is ran year round and allows you access to the ridge top where you can climb the American Fork Twins, and ridge traverse to Mt. Baldy. But I always say, why ride when you can use your legs to get there. I started from the Snowbird Visitors Center and proceeded to ascend the hill off the main patio. As soon as you get to Dick Bass Highway, you will go left up a short but steep hill. Once you get to the top, you will see a picnic area, with a volleyball net, barbeque pit, and the trail that goes to the right. It is a little deceiving where it starts, so look around.
The trail starts up a steep set of switch backs to the first ridge top. Once up to the top, the trail goes to the left then curves to the right. This hill is really steep, with a stream running off to the left. Once you are at this point the trail splits into Chips Trail Run, and the Peruvian Gulch Trail. Head up the Peruvian trail, to the next ridge top where you will cross a meadow to the base of the Peruvian Ridge. This leg of the trail starts with small switch backs, then one long switch back to the ridge top. Once up here, you will see the Pfeifferhorn and the Twins right there in a spectacular view. The ridge is really steep, and narrow so watch your step, a fall off this ridge would be a visit to the E.R. for sure. This ridge goes up to the left all the way to Hidden Peak. Once you reach the peak you will see the Tram, and the buildings on Hidden Peak.
Hidden Peak sits at a flat 11,000 feet. Snowbird offers Tram tours, and weddings on the peak. During Oktoberfest they bring the Alp Horns to the peak to be played. They resonate throughout Gad Valley and the Peruvian Gulch. This hike is a great one if you have all day to walk in the mountains. Allow yourself 2 hours to get down, as some of the decent is really steep. An alternate route would be to go down the Chips Run Trail, which is less steep, and great for walking. I love living this close to this canyon, there are so many trails in this canyon you could never get bored. Come explore these mountains, they will teach you a lot about yourself and your limits. All in all, this hike goes on my favorite's list.
Trail Information:
Little Cottonwood Canyon- Trail Head- Snowbird Visitor Center.
Distance to Hidden Peak- 3.5 miles
Elevation Gain- 2900 vertical feet to 11,000 feet
Hiking Time- 2 hrs 30 min
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