Ensign Peak is a historic hill on the north side of Salt Lake with impressive views. On July 26, 1847, Brigham Young and Wilford Woodruff hiked to the top to survey the Salt Lake Valley.
This trail begins with an accessible path, flags, and informational panels about Ensign Peak.
There is a shorter viewpoint that is stroller and wheelchair accessible called Vista Mound that is otherwise a very quick 2-minute detour on the way up Ensign Peak.
Here is some of the path to Vista Mound, along with some quails.
One of the times I hiked Ensign Peak there was lots of smoke from California wildfires. You can see the difference in the visibility between the two shots.
Unfortunately I only had my cell phone on that smoky day, but it was great to see the birds.
It’s amazing to see the difference in the view on a clear day! These are from the same spot at Vista Mound.
Here are the views looking left and right.
The path the rest of the way up Ensign Peak is short, but it does have a moderate incline.
If you head up from Vista Mound there aren’t steps, but the direct route has them.
There are some other awesome views on the way up.
It’s uphill with little shade, but very short.
Turn around to get more views.
Periodically they have little plaques and little cement blocks where you could sit and take in the view.
When you are nearly to the top you get a beautiful view looking west, over the Union Pacific train station and farther out to the airport.
Here is the last part of the trail and the monument and plaques at the top:
Here is the view. Even with the smoke, it’s still impressive!
Without the smoke in the air it’s spectacular! I love seeing the mountains surrounding the Salt Lake Valley!
Across the street from the trailhead there is a little park with more plaques about Ensign Peak.
Stats: Distance – 1.0 mile loop (about 0.3 mile round trip to Vista Mound)
Approximate hiking time – 30-60 minutes
Elevation gain – 374 feet
Difficulty – Moderate
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt
Bathrooms – No
Seasons to hike – Year Round
Permits needed – None
Pets allowed – Yes
Memory Grove, Living Room Lookout, Utah State Capitol, Meridian Peak, Avenues Twin Peaks, Miller Park and Bonneville Glen Loop, International Peace Gardens, Thaynes Canyon / Desolation Loop, Rattlesnake Gulch, and Salt Lake Overlook are other nearby trails.
