Mount Olympus Wilderness

Mount Olympus is one of three wilderness areas that form a spectacular backdrop for the Salt Lake Valley. Located southeast of Salt Lake City, it consists of narrow canyons and rugged terrain varying from moderate to severe, with elevations ranging from approximately 5,000 to 10,000 feet. High peaks include Mount Raymond, Gobbler's Knob, and Mount Olympus itself, topping off at 9,793 feet. The higher country is characterized by large alpine cirque basins and bare rocky ridges, and can hold snow until midsummer. Patches of various firs and aspen grow in stands, mainly on north-facing slopes, while lower elevations are covered in dense mountain brush mixed with sagebrush and grass. State Route 190 follows the scenic canyon of Big Cottonwood Creek along the southern boundary, separating this Wilderness from Twin Peaks Wilderness to the south; Mill Creek Canyon and its county road form the northern boundary. From both roads you can enter at several trailheads. The trails are often easy to follow, but several are rigorous and difficult. There are about 20 system trails totalling approximately 42 miles. Crowds from the Salt Lake City area flood in, especially on weekends. The Big Cottonwood side of the Wilderness is within the Salt Lake City Watershed and has restrictions on dogs, horses and swimming. Designated in 1984 and managed by the U.S. Forest Service.