Mount Olympus (Utah)

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Mount Olympus

Elevation	9,026 feet (2,751 m)
Location	Utah, USA
Range	Wasatch Range
Coordinates	40°39′24″N, 111°46′13″W
Topo map	USGS Sugar House

Mount Olympus in Utah, USA is one of the most prominent and recognizable mountains viewable from practically every location in the Salt Lake Valley. Mount Olympus is not the tallest peak along the Wasatch front, but its unusual form and location makes it a popular hiking destination for locals. The mountain is situated immediately east of the center of the Salt Lake Valley (due east from Murray and Taylorsville). One distinctive feature of the mountain are its twin peaks, and other outcroppings, the highest of which is called "Summit Peak" and towers above the valley to an elevation of 9,026 feet (2,751 m). Thus, the peak looms about 4,800 feet (1,463 m) above the valley floor.

[edit] Hiking

Because of its close proximity, visibility, and accessibility to such a large metropolitan area, Mount Olympus has been a popular hiking destination for the residents of the Salt Lake valley for many years. Most climbers reach the summit via the Mount Olympus Trail, which is a steep climb from the mountain base and stretches approximately 3.1 miles to the summit. This peak is also a popular winter mountaineering route because the terrain is not as avalanche prone as many of the surrounding peaks. Hiding near the base of the mountain, unknown to many locals, lies Utah's second deepest, and Americas 13th deepest cave, known as Neffs cave.