Mount Olympus Trail

The Mount Olympus Trailhead is located near Wasatch Boulevard in Salt Lake City, Utah. Parking is available at the trailhead, but due to the trail's popularity, it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Arriving early in the morning is highly recommended to secure a spot.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the Mount Olympus Trail. However, as it is located within the Mount Olympus Wilderness, it's crucial to keep your dog on a leash at all times to protect wildlife and ensure the safety of other trail users. Always pack out any waste.

The best time to jog the Mount Olympus Trail is typically during spring and fall. Spring offers vibrant wildflowers, while fall provides beautiful foliage. During these seasons, temperatures are more moderate, making the strenuous ascent more manageable. Summer can be very hot and exposed in the lower sections, and winter ascents require specialized gear like snowshoes or microspikes due to snow and potential avalanche conditions.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to access the Mount Olympus Trail itself. However, as it is part of the Mount Olympus Wilderness, visitors should be aware of and adhere to general wilderness regulations, such as Leave No Trace principles.

The final 600 feet to the summit of Mount Olympus involves a challenging Class 3 scramble. This means you'll need to use your hands for balance and upward movement over rocks. While many find it manageable, it requires careful footing and is not recommended for those uncomfortable with heights or significant rock climbing. Be prepared for loose pebbles and slick quartzite sections, especially if wet.

The Mount Olympus Trail is approximately 11.3 kilometers (7 miles) round trip with a significant elevation gain of about 1,184 meters (3,886 feet). For an average jogger or trail runner, completing the entire route to the summit and back can take around 3 to 4 hours, depending on fitness level and time spent at the summit.

No, the Mount Olympus Trail is consistently rated as difficult to very strenuous and is not suitable for beginners. It features a relentless, steep ascent with very few flat sections, including tall stairs, numerous switchbacks, and a Class 3 scramble near the summit. Beginners should consider less challenging trails to build experience before attempting this route.

The trail is primarily singletrack with varied terrain. The lower sections feature steep climbs, stairs, and switchbacks, often dusty and exposed to the sun. As you gain elevation, it enters a treeline, becoming even steeper. Near the summit, the terrain turns rockier with loose pebbles and slick quartzite, culminating in a Class 3 scramble requiring handholds.

As you ascend, the trail offers increasingly spectacular panoramic views. Key highlights include the View of Salt Lake Valley from Mount Olympus Trail, the Mount Olympus saddle viewpoint, and of course, the Mount Olympus summit itself, which provides expansive vistas of the Salt Lake Valley, Big Cottonwood Canyon, and surrounding peaks.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail - Mount Olympus Section.

While specific sightings are never guaranteed, the Mount Olympus Trail offers opportunities to observe various wildlife, particularly in its forested sections. Rattlesnakes can be present in the lower, more exposed portions of the trail, especially during warmer months, so always be aware of your surroundings.