The Upper Quito Trail is a lesser-known hiking and mountain biking trail off the Squaw Peak Road with spectacular fall foliage. A few weeks ago in September 2022, Squaw Peak was officially renamed Kyhv Peak (Kyhv means “mountain” in the Ute language). I assume the road will soon be renamed too.
Near the top of the Kyhv Peak Road is a small turn off that could fit two cars, plus another car or two on the pullout on the shoulder.
The trail winds through the trees, back and forth with a little elevation gain. Here is a screenshot from Alltrails so you can see. This map is oriented with north at the top, and you begin at the dot at the top. You weave back and forth many times before the end, where you meet up with the Squaw Peak road just below the “T” intersection that has the Kyhv Peak Overlook to the right and Buffalo Peak to the left.
This is an easy trail that is fine other months, but becomes spectacular in the autumn with all the vibrant fall colors.
Here are some photos of the trail.
I was there on a Saturday and only passed a handful of mountain bikers, but there is nearly always an easy spot to step off to share the trail.
These pictures were taken in late May, so everything is green and growing instead.
There are many scenic views of the valley below, mostly of the American Fork and Pleasant Grove areas.
There are also stunning mountain views.
The fall leaves are just starting to peak, so the next few weeks will be gorgeous!
About five minutes into this hike there is a fire pit someone made and off to the other side a couch. i have no idea who put it there. Near the top there is a bike ramp. Please leave no trace when you hike.
Later in the trail there is more shade through oaks.
At the end there are pines and the last 100 yards to the road gets steep.
Here is a few of the road, looking downhill and looking back at the path.
If you want to avoid the steep section, just turn around when you get to it.
Here are a few more photos of this trail.
Stats: Distance – 2.0 miles there and back
Approximate hiking time – 45-100 minutes
Elevation gain – 295 feet
Difficulty – Easy
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and then scramble over rocks
Bathrooms – None
Seasons to hike – June-October (road closed in winter from November-May)
Permits needed – None
Pets allowed – Yes
