Climbing (or driving) the Highpoints of Utah’s counties

[winglady]

In previous posts to this Forum, I’ve reported on our funny little hobby of climbing / driving / or strolling to the highest point of elevation in each of the 50 U.S. States. During the past week, we carried our fascination with high elevations to a more detailed level, focusing on visits to the highest spot in each of Utah’s 29 Counties. We managed to make it to the top of 11 of them during a 6-day driving and hiking spree.

Our favorites that fell within the “hiking” category were the highpoints of Tooele County (Deseret Peak, 11,031 ft)) and of Sevier County (Fishlake Hightop Peak, 11,633 ft). Both had good trails the entire way, and offered great views from the top.

The trail to Deseret Peak passed through shady forests of pine and fir before zigzagging up a gravel slope to a saddle. From there we climbed above treeline to a summit which provided fantastic 360° views of surrounding mountains – we could see for hundreds of miles in every direction!

Fishlake Hightop is located on a high plateau above, you guessed it, a large lake called Fish Lake! The trail winds its way up “Pelican Canyon” through Aspen groves and evergreens before emerging on the top of the plateau. The plateau is a huge grassy meadow with some rock outcroppings and small groupings of trees. The highpoint (literally) is found atop a small hill where huge boulders sit strewn about. We climbed to the top of what others consider to be the highest boulder, signed the “summit” register, and scrambled over to another boulder about 20 feet away that seemed just a bit higher. (We “Highpointers” can be a bit obsessed about a few extra inches of elevation).

For those who don’t much care for hiking, but would like to say you’ve visited a Utah County Highpoint, we suggest Brian Head Peak (11,307 ft) in Iron County. Drive up a steep, paved highway past the ski area and resort to a scenic road, then follow this well-maintained gravel road to the top of Brian Head Peak. Stroll on a flat, gravel path to the observation structure. You’ll enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and especially of the gorgeous red rock formations of Cedar Breaks. After visiting this highpoint, be sure to drive into Cedar Breaks National Monument and stop at the roadside overview of the formations. We also stayed at the Cedar Breaks Campground, and declared this small, intimate campground to be our favorite camp site on our trip.

So many highpoints, so little time!
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[southernutahman]

if you really want to enjoy the Brian Head Peak, go in the winter time and ski down it!!
The Brian Head peak is only available to very experienced skiers, and does not have a lift that goes there. You have to hike a little bit to get to the top, but it is WELL WORTH the ride down!!
If you are coming to Iron Country, make sure you hit up zion national park and bryce canyon national park

If you would like to book a hotel room in Southern Utah (St Geoge, Cedar City, Kanab), then email angiewittwer@gmail.com to get the lowest rates for several hotel franchises. (including: Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn, Marriott, Motel 6)
She is a friend of mine and just tell her SOUTHERN UTAH MAN sent you

Enjoy Southern Utah!