Mount Olympus (Utah) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Olympus |
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Highest point | |
Elevation | 9,030 feet (2,752 m) NAVD 88 |
Prominence | 386 ft (118 m) |
Geography | |
Location | Salt Lake County, Utah, U.S. |
Parent range | Wasatch Range |
Topo map | USGS Sugar House |
Climbing | |
Easiest route | Mount Olympus Trail: Hike |
Mount Olympus is a famous mountain in the U.S. state of Utah. You can see it from almost anywhere in the Salt Lake Valley! Even though it is not the very tallest mountain in the Wasatch Range, its unique shape makes it stand out.
This mountain is located just east of the center of the Salt Lake Valley. It has two main peaks and other rocky parts. The highest point is called "Summit Peak." It rises high above the valley, reaching an elevation of 9,030 feet (2,752 m). This means the peak is about 4,800 feet (1,463 m) higher than the valley floor below.
Hiking Mount Olympus
Mount Olympus is very popular for hiking. Many people from the Salt Lake Valley enjoy climbing it. This is because it is close by, easy to see, and simple to get to.
The Main Hiking Trail
Most hikers reach the top using the Mount Olympus Trail. This trail is quite steep, starting from the mountain's base. It stretches for about 3.1 miles (5.0 km) to reach the summit. The last 600 feet (183 m) of the climb to the top involves some tricky rock scrambling. This part can be challenging for hikers, especially when coming back down.
Winter Hiking and Neffs Cave
Mount Olympus is also a popular place for hiking in winter. The trails here are generally safer from avalanches compared to other nearby mountains. Because of its height and many trees, the trail often stays covered in snow until May. If you hike in early spring, snowshoes can be very helpful.
Close to the base of Mount Olympus, you can find Neffs Cave. This is Utah's second deepest cave. It is also the 13th deepest cave in the entire United States!