Little Black Mountain Trail

The Little Black Mountain Trail near Salt Lake City is generally considered difficult. It features a significant elevation gain of 3,636 feet (1108 m) over an 8.8-mile round trip, with steep climbs and sections requiring Class 3 scrambling near the summit.

Hikers should plan for a substantial outing. Given the 8.8-mile round trip distance and significant elevation gain, a typical hike to the true summit can take several hours, depending on fitness levels and time spent enjoying the views or navigating scrambling sections.

The trail begins on a well-maintained dirt and gravel road, shared with mountain bikers and trail runners. As you ascend, it becomes loose and steep. The ridgeline leading to the summit is rocky, less maintained, and can be narrow, requiring some route-finding and scrambling.

While the initial sections may be suitable for dogs, the ridgeline leading to the true summit can be narrow with exposure, making it challenging for dogs. Consider your dog's agility and comfort with rocky, exposed terrain before attempting the full ascent.

Late spring and early summer are particularly scenic, with the ridgeline often covered in wildflowers like Arrowleaf Balsamroot. Fall also offers pleasant temperatures. In winter, sections can be snowy and may require microspikes for safe passage.

The trailhead is conveniently located in the Avenues neighborhood of Salt Lake City. Specific parking details may vary, but it's advisable to check local regulations and availability, especially during peak hiking seasons.

The Little Black Mountain Trail is located within the Black Mountain Natural Area. Generally, trails in natural areas like this do not require specific hiking permits or entrance fees, but it's always good practice to verify with local land management authorities for any updates.

The trail offers incredible and stunning panoramic views of the Salt Lake City valley, Upper City Creek, and Grandview Peak to the northeast. From the ridgeline, you can enjoy both metropolitan and pastoral landscapes.

Yes, a distinctive feature of this trail is the scrambling required near the summit. The final section includes simple scrambling, using hands and feet, with some parts featuring Class 3 scrambling and minor exposure, adding an adventurous element to the hike.

Many hikers opt to turn around at a prominent 'false summit' before reaching the true peak. This still provides a substantial and rewarding outing with excellent views, making for a slightly shorter but still challenging experience without the most exposed scrambling sections.

Due to its difficult rating, significant elevation gain, and scrambling sections, the full Little Black Mountain Trail is generally not recommended for beginners or young children. However, the initial, well-maintained sections might be suitable for a shorter, easier walk.