Sunset Peak is a moderate hike that gives you stunning views of four different lakes from the top!
Sunset Peak is one of the peaks next to Lake Catherine. Mount Tuscarora is another. They are both amazing hikes!
Sunset Peak can be reached from either Big or Little Cottonwood Canyons. description is from Catherine’s Pass above Alta in Little Cottonwood. Here is a link to the other trail that starts at Brighton and hike the Brighton Lakes of Mary, Martha and Catherine, which is a little longer and a little more challenging, but still moderate. We started very early to beat any crowds.
It is fairly common to see moose in the meadow on the Little Cottonwood side of Mount Wolverine.
The flowers are also beautiful on this hike!
We reached the hill that looks down on Lake Catherine right as the sun was cresting over the mountains. You could either hike down to Lake Catherine, turn left to climb up Mount Wolverine, or head right up Sunset Peak.
As you climb, you start to see Lake Martha down below as well. Here is the one early and another one mid-day.
This isn’t a scrambling kind of peak. It is a little steep, but mostly just a regular trail that leads to the top.
The 360° views are impressive!
From the peak you can look down on Lake Catherine, Lake Martha, Lake Mary, and Silver Lake. Mount Wolverine is the one to the left in the above photo. This is an awesome hike that is under four miles from Catherine’s Pass and under six from Brighton!
It’s a great peak for people who can hike moderate difficulty, but don’t want anything technically challenging.
Stats: Distance – 4.1 miles there and back
Approximate hiking time – 2-3 hours
Elevation gain – 1358 feet
Difficulty – Moderate
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks,
Bathrooms – At Trailhead
Seasons to hike – June-October (can be hiked with micro-spikes in the winter)
Permits needed – $8 to park at Catherine’s Pass (Free from Alta, but adds 3 miles round trip)
Pets allowed – None
Stats: Distance – 5.8 miles there and back
Approximate hiking time – 3-4 hours
Elevation gain – 1975 feet
Difficulty – Moderate
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks,
Bathrooms – At Trailhead
Seasons to hike – May-October
Permits needed – None
Pets allowed – None
Other nearby hikes are Lake Catherine, Mt. Tuscarora, Mt. Wolverine, Lake Mary, Sugarloaf Mountain and Cecret Lake.
