Hiking Sunset Peak, Utah – Stellar 360 Degree Views

Sunset Peak sits on Catherine Pass between Brighton and Alta ski area. There are a couple common routes to this 10,648 foot summit with incredible 360 degree views.

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Trail Map | Trails | Hiking In Winter | Camping | Weather | Directions | Pictures

 

Difficulty – Intermediate
Distance – 5.62 miles round trip (9.04 km)
Height – 10,648 feet (3245.51 m)
Elevation gain – 1,936 feet (590.09 m)
Duration – 4.5-6 hours (book time)
Trailhead Location – Brighton Ski Resort (8,785 Feet) or Catherine Pass Trailhead (9,386)
Dogs – Not allowed on this trail

 

Need To Know Information

• Dogs are not allowed on this hike.
• We recommend the route that is a bit longer with more elevation gain as it takes you past 3 stunning lakes along the way, and parking is free.
• The Catherine Pass Trailhead requires a day parking fee.
• Swimming is not allowed in any of the lakes in this area.
• This is a popular hike, and you will encounter people. Parking fills up quite fast.
• There are two main routes for this hike. The easiest route requires paying for a day parking pass. Both are explained below.
• Camping is common, as there are campgrounds near the Catherine Pass Trailhead. Camping information and regulations below.
• Fishing is allowed at the lakes with a Utah Fishing License.

Trail Map

Download GPX File For Brighton Resort Route

Download GPX File for Catherine Pass Trailhead

 

Routes

 

Sunset Peak Via Brighton Ski Resort – 5.62 miles round trip (9.04 km) – 1,936 feet (590.09 m) Elevation Gain

Hikers begin at the Brighton Resort parking lot and find the large trail map sign that shows the direction towards Lake Mary, Lake Martha, and Lake Catherine. This is a very popular spot, so you’ll likely find other hikers, but there is plenty of parking at the resort.

The trail starts relatively steep up some ski runs, but is very easy to follow, well maintained, and navigable by families. Simply follow the trail and signs to Lake Mary which already features stunning views, and then continue on the trail along the lake as it ascends quickly to Lake Martha. There are some side spur trails that can take hikers down to the shoreline of the lake, but the main trail continues at similar gradients along to Lake Catherine.

Lake Catherine has a full trail all the way around the lake. Hikers continue following the route up towards the saddle between Sunset Peak and Mount Tuscarora, which is known as Catherine Pass.

Once reaching the pass, there are two trails, one that goes up the north side of Sunset peak, and one that loops around the back. The trail that loops around the back is slightly longer, but has great views, and is better maintained. We recommend this trail. It has several viewpoints along the way.

Simply follow the ridge to Sunset Peak, and retrace your steps when ready to return.

 

Sunset Peak Via Catherine Pass Trailhead – 3.88 miles round trip (6.24 km) – 1,440 feet (438.91 m) Elevation Gain

In addition to this trailhead, hikers can park 2 miles below this trailhead for free, but given the added distance, we’d recommend simply starting at Brighton Ski Resort instead if wanting free parking.

This route is stunning from the beginning, as the Albion Basin where this hike starts already has fantastic views. The trail starts by having hikers immediately cross the road to begin on the trail where the trail is very well established, and gradually gains elevation all the way up to Catherine Pass. Once hitting Catherine Pass, hikers are actually joining the same route as those starting from Brighton.

From the ridge, hikers can bear right towards sunset, or go let towards Mount Tuscarora.

 

Hiking in Winter

This area is not often hiked in winter as it is part of the ski resort, and therefore it is being skied while the resorts are open.

 

Camping Information

There are campgrounds within Albion Basin that can be reserved when they are open. This campground contains 24 camping sites, each with picnic tables and campfire rings. Vault toilets are also on the premise. Information and availability can be found here.

If taking the Brighton resort trailhead in Big Cottonwood Canyon, the closest campground to the trailhead is the Redman Campground. Information and reservations can be found here.

 

Fishing Lake Mary, Lake Martha and Lake Catherine

All three lakes have healthy fish populations. This is a catch and release fishery, but many anglers can have success on most days on any of the lakes.

 

Weather

Here is a detailed weather forecast for the area:

Alta, UT

Today
Snow before noon, then snow showers. Cloudy, with a high near 21. Wind chill values as low as 2. West wind 16 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.

Tonight
Partly cloudy. Low around 13, with temperatures rising to around 16 overnight. Wind chill values as low as -1. West southwest wind around 15 mph.

Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 30. Wind chill values as low as 2. Southwest wind 14 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.

Saturday Night
A chance of snow after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. Wind chill values as low as 8. West southwest wind 18 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Sunday
A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 28. West southwest wind 14 to 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Sunday Night
Snow. Cloudy, with a low around 20. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 9 to 13 inches possible.

Monday
Snow. Cloudy, with a high near 23. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 9 to 13 inches possible.

 

Directions

To Brighton Resort Trailhead:

 

To Catherine Pass Trailhead:

The first trailhead is the lower trailhead that is free to park at. There is free parking along the main road, across the street, and in various locations. Parking is relatively easy, and marked, but the trailhead starts right behind the Alta Ski Shop. This is the Albion Base Trailhead:

The most common trailhead to Catherine Pass and is the Catherine Pass Trailhead. A day fee is required and payment is collected by an attendant:

 

 

Additional Pictures