- Region
- UT, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm current permit requirements and ac…
- Managed by
- U.S. Forest Service, Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
Plan with verified data
Deseret Peak Wilderness trip tools
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
Photos of Deseret Peak Wilderness
How to get there
Approach the Stansbury Mountains west of Tooele and Grantsville in north-central Utah. The main entry is the trailhead at Loop Campground in South Willow Canyon. Other eastern entries are Martin’s Fork, Bear Trap Fork, and the North Willow Canyon area. Do not plan on easy access from the western side. Confirm current access conditions with the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest before departure.
- Loop Campground trailhead
Located in South Willow Canyon, this is the wilderness’s most popular entry point.
- Martin’s Fork
An alternative wilderness entry on the eastern side of the Stansbury Mountains.
- Bear Trap Fork
Another eastern entry to the wilderness; confirm the approach and intended trail connections before setting out.
- North Willow Canyon area
Provides access from the eastern side of the range, separate from the main South Willow Canyon entrance.
Sources: fs.usda.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory · Wikipedia. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
UT, USA · United States
- Hunting
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Winter Camping
- Skiing
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
- Hiking
High country above the Great Basin
Deseret Peak Wilderness occupies roughly 25,508 acres in Utah’s Stansbury Mountains, west of Tooele and Grantsville. Established in 1984, it protects semi-arid mountain country rising to 11,031-foot Deseret Peak. Skull Valley lies to the west, while steep-walled canyons, open alpine basins, and exposed rocky ridges shape the interior. Lower slopes carry juniper, sagebrush, grass, and dense mountain brush; fir and aspen grow in patches on cooler north-facing slopes. The landscape sits in a biological transition between the Great Basin and Rocky Mountains, with strong contrasts between dry lower terrain and alpine elevations. Hiking, backpacking, and horse packing are established uses. Deseret Peak is the main summit objective, offering a full-circle view, but the wilderness also rewards trips focused on its canyons and high basins.
Terrain, snow, and water planning
Trails here are generally easy to follow, but that does not make the walking easy. The terrain ranges from moderate to severe, with extremely rough ground at high elevations and some steep trail sections. Match the outing to the group’s fitness and comfort on rocky terrain rather than assuming a clear trail means a gentle climb. Upper elevations commonly hold snow from December through May, and some snow remains into early summer. Summer daytime temperatures can approach 90 degrees, while nights can fall below 40 degrees; carry layers suitable for that swing. Occasional summer thunderstorms make exposed ridges a poor place to linger when weather deteriorates. Springs and intermittent creeks occur, but this remains dry country. Carry adequate water and confirm sources before relying on them for an overnight trip.
Access, shared use, and wilderness rules
The Loop Campground trailhead in South Willow Canyon is the most popular entrance. Martin’s Fork, Bear Trap Fork, and the North Willow Canyon area provide other eastern approaches; western access is limited and not easy. Use ranges from light to moderately heavy, with the most activity on weekends and during hunting seasons. Expect to share the area with horse riders, and remember that cattle graze portions of three allotments. A wild horse herd occupies Big Creek Canyon; observe without approaching or feeding animals. Groups may not exceed 10 people. Camping is prohibited within 200 feet of water sources or trails, and stays at one site may not exceed three days. Motor vehicles, mechanized equipment, bicycles, and hang gliders are prohibited. Pack out waste and do not shortcut switchbacks.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Deseret Peak Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 40.4619, -112.6372
- Latitude (DMS)
- 40° 27′ 42.9″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 112° 38′ 14.0″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Deseret Peak Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
Deseret Peak Wilderness is located in the Stansbury Mountains of Tooele County, near the towns of Tooele and Grantsville, not far from the Great Salt Lake. This semi-arid wilderness is part of the Great...
Key takeaways
- Region: UT, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 40.462, -112.637
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Deseret Peak Wilderness
- Hunting
Seasons, tags, and the units that hold animals.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Winter Camping
Cold-season travel and camp craft; layering matters more than mileage.
- Skiing
Ski-touring access when the road closes for the season.
- Desert Hiking
Water carries and heat management drive the plan.
Animals around Deseret Peak Wilderness
High country above the Great Basin
Deseret Peak Wilderness occupies roughly 25,508 acres in Utah’s Stansbury Mountains, west of Tooele and Grantsville. Established in 1984, it protects semi-arid mountain country rising to 11,031-foot Deseret Peak. Skull Valley lies to the west, while steep-walled canyons, open alpine basins, and exposed rocky ridges shape the interior. Lower slopes carry juniper, sagebrush, grass, and dense mountain brush; fir and aspen grow in patches on cooler north-facing slopes. The landscape sits in a biological transition between the Great Basin and Rocky Mountains, with strong contrasts between dry lower terrain and alpine elevations. Hiking, backpacking, and horse packing are established uses. Deseret Peak is the main summit objective, offering a full-circle view, but the wilderness also rewards trips focused on its canyons and high basins.
Terrain, snow, and water planning
Trails here are generally easy to follow, but that does not make the walking easy. The terrain ranges from moderate to severe, with extremely rough ground at high elevations and some steep trail sections. Match the outing to the group’s fitness and comfort on rocky terrain rather than assuming a clear trail means a gentle climb. Upper elevations commonly hold snow from December through May, and some snow remains into early summer. Summer daytime temperatures can approach 90 degrees, while nights can fall below 40 degrees; carry layers suitable for that swing. Occasional summer thunderstorms make exposed ridges a poor place to linger when weather deteriorates. Springs and intermittent creeks occur, but this remains dry country. Carry adequate water and confirm sources before relying on them for an overnight trip.
Access, shared use, and wilderness rules
The Loop Campground trailhead in South Willow Canyon is the most popular entrance. Martin’s Fork, Bear Trap Fork, and the North Willow Canyon area provide other eastern approaches; western access is limited and not easy. Use ranges from light to moderately heavy, with the most activity on weekends and during hunting seasons. Expect to share the area with horse riders, and remember that cattle graze portions of three allotments. A wild horse herd occupies Big Creek Canyon; observe without approaching or feeding animals. Groups may not exceed 10 people. Camping is prohibited within 200 feet of water sources or trails, and stays at one site may not exceed three days. Motor vehicles, mechanized equipment, bicycles, and hang gliders are prohibited. Pack out waste and do not shortcut switchbacks.
Route options
- Deseret Peak summit outing
Make the 11,031-foot summit the objective for a high-country hike with full-circle views. Plan the specific approach with a trail map, allowing for rough terrain, exposed rocky ridges, and lingering snow at higher elevations.
- South Willow Canyon entry hike
Begin at the Loop Campground trailhead for a day hike or backpacking trip into the wilderness. Choose the turnaround or overnight itinerary using a trail map rather than treating this entry as a fixed-length route.
Sample itineraries
- South Willow Canyon day hike · 1 day
Start at the Loop Campground trailhead in South Willow Canyon, the wilderness's most popular entry. Follow established trails for an out-and-back suited to the group's ability. Expect moderate to severe hiking; turn around before rough high-elevation terrain exceeds your comfort or weather deteriorates.
- Deseret Peak Wilderness overnight · 2 days
Enter from South Willow Canyon for a backpacking trip, selecting mileage and a turnaround using a topographic map. Plan water carefully in this dry landscape. Camp at least 200 feet from trails and water sources, then return the following day. Treat higher alpine terrain as a conditions-dependent option.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Through May
Expect upper elevations to remain snow-covered. A spring visit should not assume clear access to alpine basins or rocky ridges. Match the outing to current snow conditions and the group's skills.
Summer
Summer; lingering snow into early summer
Snow remains in some areas into early summer. Daytime temperatures can approach 90 degrees, while nights can fall below 40 degrees. Occasional thunderstorms require flexibility around exposed ridges. Springs and intermittent creeks do not eliminate the need for careful water planning.
Fall
Fall
Check current mountain weather rather than assuming summer conditions continue. The wilderness sees heavier use during hunting seasons and on weekends. Plan for visibility around hunters and carry layers appropriate for exposed high country.
Winter
December through May snow-cover period
Much of the upper country is expected to be snow-covered. Rugged terrain and exposed ridges make winter travel more demanding than ordinary trail hiking. Choose objectives conservatively and carry equipment appropriate to current snow and weather.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Through May | Expect upper elevations to remain snow-covered. A spring visit should not assume clear access to alpine basins or rocky ridges. Match the outing to current snow conditions and the group's skills. |
| Summer | Summer; lingering snow into early summer | Snow remains in some areas into early summer. Daytime temperatures can approach 90 degrees, while nights can fall below 40 degrees. Occasional thunderstorms require flexibility around exposed ridges. Springs and intermittent creeks do not eliminate the need for careful water planning. |
| Fall | Fall | Check current mountain weather rather than assuming summer conditions continue. The wilderness sees heavier use during hunting seasons and on weekends. Plan for visibility around hunters and carry layers appropriate for exposed high country. |
| Winter | December through May snow-cover period | Much of the upper country is expected to be snow-covered. Rugged terrain and exposed ridges make winter travel more demanding than ordinary trail hiking. Choose objectives conservatively and carry equipment appropriate to current snow and weather. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit requirements and access rules with the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest before departure.
Official source: Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest | Wilderness · Verified October 19, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Trails can cross extremely rough, steep terrain at high elevations. Deseret Peak reaches 11,031 feet; allow for slower travel and turn back if the terrain exceeds your ability.
- Occasional summer thunderstorms can threaten exposed rocky ridges. Leave high, open terrain when storms develop.
- The semi-arid landscape has springs and intermittent creeks, but water availability needs checking. Carry enough water rather than relying on every mapped drainage.
- Snow covers much of the upper country from December through May and can linger into early summer. Do not assume trails are snow-free.
- Summer temperatures can range from near 90 degrees during the day to below 40 degrees at night. Prepare for both heat and substantial cooling.
- Hunting-season use can be heavier. Wear conspicuous clothing and remain aware of other visitors.
What to pack for Deseret Peak Wilderness
- Topographic map and compass
- Offline navigation
- Supportive footwear
- First-aid kit
- Headlamp
- Water capacity matched to confirmed sources
- Water treatment
- Sun protection
- Insulating layers
- Rain shell
- Shelter and sleep system suitable for cold nights
- Waste pack-out bags
- Snow equipment matched to conditions and skills
- High-visibility clothing during hunting seasons
Deseret Peak Wilderness FAQ
- Where is Deseret Peak Wilderness?
- It lies in the Stansbury Mountains of north-central Utah, west of Tooele and Grantsville. The semi-arid Great Basin landscape combines steep canyons, alpine basins, exposed ridges, and patches of fir and aspen.
- Where can visitors enter?
- The most popular entry is the Loop Campground trailhead in South Willow Canyon. Other eastern approaches include Martin's Fork, Bear Trap Fork, and the North Willow Canyon area. The western side does not offer easy access.
- What are the camping and group limits?
- Groups may not exceed 10 people. Camping is prohibited within 200 feet of trails or water sources, and stays at one campsite may not exceed three days. Pack out waste and do not shortcut switchbacks.
- Are bicycles or motor vehicles allowed?
- No. National Forest wilderness rules prohibit motor vehicles, mechanized equipment, hang gliders, and bicycles. Hiking, backpacking, and horse riding are established uses.
- How difficult is the hiking?
- Difficulty ranges from moderate to severe. Trails are generally easy to follow but may cross extremely rough high-elevation terrain. Deseret Peak is 11,031 feet high; choose an objective based on fitness, weather, and snow conditions.
- Can visitors count on water along the way?
- No. Springs and intermittent creeks occur here, but the wilderness is generally dry. Confirm source conditions before departure, carry adequate water, and treat collected water. Keep camps away from water sources.