Deseret Peak Wilderness

Deseret Peak Wilderness is located in the Stansbury Mountains of Tooele County, near the towns of Tooele and Grantsville, not far from the Great Salt Lake. This semi-arid Wilderness is part of the Great Basin ecosystem. It contains rugged terrain and high peaks that include Deseret Peak itself at 11,030 feet, and many steep-walled canyons shadowed by rocky outcroppings. The summit of Deseret Peak offers a splendid 360-degree view. With barren Skull Valley to the west, you'll find some springs and intermittent creeks despite the general dryness of the area. Much of the higher country is alpine, with open basins and barren rocky ridges — and from December through May you can expect much of it to be covered in snow. Fir and aspen are commonly found growing in patches at higher elevations. Juniper, mountain brush, sagebrush, and grass cover much of the lower territory. Cattle are still allowed to graze on range allotments in portions of the area. Hunters come in search of mule deer, and backpackers and horse packers enjoy this area. Some very rough terrain is covered on the trails. Deseret Peak Wilderness has four system trails totaling approximately 14 miles, and other system trails access the edge of the Wilderness. Access is limited along the western side.