Best mountain peaks around South Salt Lake are found within the broader Salt Lake Valley, offering access to the Wasatch Front. South Salt Lake is an urban area, but its location provides direct access to several notable mountain peaks. These peaks are known for their diverse ecosystems and recreational opportunities, including hiking and climbing. The region offers a range of experiences, from challenging high-alpine climbs to accessible viewpoints with historical significance.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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One of the best views but avoid it during the hot day as it is very exposed
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Wonderful viewpoint on the Mount Wire trail
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Mount Wire (also known as Wire Mountain or Big Beacon[3]) is a mountain located on the east side of Salt Lake City, Utah with an elevation of 7,146 feet (2,178 m). The mountain is named after Lester Wire, an American policeman of Salt Lake City, Utah, who in 1912 developed the first red-green electric traffic light.[4] Mount Wire is a common spot for adventurous hikers and has many access trails, some created by nearby Red Butte Gardens. The east side of the University of Utah offers direct access to trails to the summit. Mount Wire formerly could be identified from other nearby mountains by its two passive microwave repeaters near the summit. These billboard like structures were used to bounce microwave signals over the mountain to the north-eastern parts of Utah. Mount Wire also houses an old airway beacon directly on the summit. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Wire
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The steep trail to this summit is very popular with both runners and hikers, but it's such a scramble from the saddle/lookout point to the summit that you'll need to drop out of a run and be really careful. If you're not comfortable with the scrambling, you can still get amazing views from the saddle before you head back down.
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Jack's Mailbox Peak is a short summit with a big story. In 1995 a little boy named Jack Edwards died of leukemia and his parents decided to scatter his ashes on this peak. At the peak, you will find a couple of mailboxes containing journals with these instructions: “Please take a moment to say hello to Jackie Jack and write a little (or long) note.” Reading through what others have written and shared in these journals is part of the experience of this summit. It also has a great view overlooking Salt Lake City.
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Although Ensign Peak is diminutive compared to the surrounding ridgelines and mountains, it is beautifully situated to give you views over Salt Lake City and the valley — especially at sunrise or sunset.
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Red Butte is a great spot to look out over North Salt Lake, especially around dusk.
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This small summit is home to an old airway beacon. You can climb the ladder to the top to get a great view of the Salt Lake area!
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While South Salt Lake is urban, it provides access to the majestic Wasatch Front. Iconic peaks include Mount Olympus, known for its dramatic granite slabs and 360-degree views, and Lone Peak, a challenging climb offering unparalleled panoramic views and a pristine high-alpine ecosystem. The Broads Fork Twin Peaks also offer rugged beauty and significant elevation gain.
Yes, Ensign Peak is a notable historical site. Although smaller in stature, it's where Brigham Young reportedly planned out Salt Lake City in 1847. It offers beautifully situated views over Salt Lake City and the valley, especially stunning at sunrise or sunset.
Several peaks provide excellent views. Ensign Peak offers a fantastic perspective of Salt Lake City and the valley. View of Salt Lake City from Mount Wire, home to an old airway beacon, allows you to climb a ladder for great views. Additionally, Jack's Mailbox Peak provides a view overlooking the city.
Absolutely. Mount Olympus offers a steep trail with challenging scrambling sections, providing a vigorous workout and true wilderness experience. Lone Peak, soaring to 11,220 feet, is a designated wilderness area known for its challenging climb that attracts experienced hikers and climbers seeking a serious backcountry adventure.
Jack's Mailbox Peak has a unique story, featuring mailboxes at the summit containing journals for visitors to read and contribute to. Mount Wire is home to an old airway beacon, which you can climb for panoramic views of the Salt Lake area.
The region offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking opportunities, from easy strolls to challenging climbs. For cycling enthusiasts, there are many routes available, including those for touring bicycles and road cycling. Explore more options on our Cycling around South Salt Lake and Road Cycling Routes around South Salt Lake guides.
Yes, Ensign Peak is considered family-friendly, offering a relatively short hike to a viewpoint with historical significance. For easy hikes, you can explore options like the Sugar House Park Loop or Liberty Park Loop. Find more details in our Easy hikes around South Salt Lake guide.
The best time depends on your activity. For peaks like Ensign Peak, sunrise or sunset offers particularly stunning views. For more exposed and challenging climbs like Mount Olympus, it's advisable to avoid the hot midday sun due to limited shade.
The Wasatch Front boasts diverse ecosystems, from lush aspen forests to pristine high-alpine environments. On challenging climbs like Lone Peak, you might encounter impressive granite cirques and have opportunities for wildlife sightings. The views from many peaks encompass the entire Salt Lake Valley and the Great Salt Lake.
South Salt Lake is well-connected to various trails. Urban trails like the Jordan River Parkway Trail and Parley's Trail are within the city. For mountain-specific trails, the broader Salt Lake Valley provides access to numerous routes in the Wasatch Front. You can find more information on local trails at sslc.gov and visitsaltlake.com.
Yes, Ensign Peak is beautifully situated for photography, especially during sunrise or sunset, offering panoramic views of Salt Lake City. The 360-degree views from the summit of Mount Olympus also provide spectacular photographic opportunities of the valley and surrounding range.


See even more amazing summits around South Salt Lake with these guides: