Sunset Hike Up Ensign Peak

Ensign Peak is a great trail to do in spring, late fall and winter. It is a super easy, super short (.4 m) way to cross a peak off your list, however it is in full sun so I have never done it in summer before. We had a really busy weekend, but I still wanted to get some nature in, so I decided to squeeze in a sunset hike. I knew this was a busy trial, and thought the later evening would make it less crowded. Nope. This is a very popular spot to take in the sunset! However, I now see why. It is a great spot to do it!

Quick Details:

Length: .4 Miles to the peak. If you decide to run out to Vista Mount add about .2 m for a total of 1 mile round trip.
Difficulty: DR3, it has some tough spots, but it is super short.
Elevation Gain: 351 Ft.
Restroom: None
Dogs? Yes, leashed.
Extra Info: Hiking at night has additional challenges and hazards. As always, be prepared, have a flashlight, and take extra precautions. And never hike an unfamiliar trail in the dark. Be safe out there.

To get here find your way to the capital building downtown. Take the street east of the capital (E. Capital BLVD.) north for half a mile (from the intersection with the rd behind the capital). Turn left on Edgecomb Dr. Continue it for .3 miles until the road becomes Ensign Vista Dr. Another .2 miles you will find yourself between a Mormon Church and the Trailhead. Park on the road and hike north. Or, put the following coordinates into google maps and let your phone do the work: (Lat:40.79185 Lon:-111.88825)

As we approached I couldn’t help but notice all the bodies up at the peak (DBP). The tall one is a stone monument you will see later, but the rest are people. Well, there goes the idea of having a less crowded trail. No matter, it will still be a good hike.

The peak from near the bottom of the trail.

There was a fire here a few weeks back. They did manage to get it contained pretty quickly, but it burned a lot.

PS The sign cut off, but you can hit Vista Mound on the way up. It goes strait out to the viewpoint, but then reconnects with the main trail. Not a spur trail at all, more of a detour.

We have done this trail several times and I never noticed this little arch before. I might have to investigate it more next time. We were trying to beat the sunset to the peak.

More of the fire damage.

Already getting a great view of the Salt Lake Valley.

The fire came and burned the entire east side of the peak! Apparently there were hikers on the trail when it happened, how absolutely terrifying! Luckily, this trail has an alternate way down. They don’t want you to use it, but I would imagine an exception would be made in this case.

Another view down into the valley.

Getting north of the peak. Almost there!

Well, we missed the sunset, but got to see the tail end of it. This is from the Lake Vista.

Getting better views.

And we made it to the peak! Hooray!

Downtown is starting to look great.

Last light on the lake.

The monument on the peak.

Looking out west.

The monument again.

Getting darker.

One of the cool things about Salt Lakes grid system is the strait lines. I love that you can see State Street going all the way out there.

Not showing this photo to shame, but this couple is coming up the alternate trail I mentioned earlier, that they don’t want you to use. I’m not sure why you would want to anyway, yea it might be shorter, but it looks much steeper!

Both trails start on the south side of the hill. The closed trail goes strait up. The standard trail goes around the east side of the peak, and then up around the back (north side). There are also plenty of trail signs so you know you are on the right trail.

Panoramic of the city lights.

I love the city lights from up here! I don’t know why I haven’t done this sooner.

We decided not to stay until complete dark, even though the moon is fairly full, we don’t normally hike in the dark so, yea, it’s time to head back.

The peak and the moon.

The Great Salt Lake Overlook.

Behind the peak. These are also closed trails for re-vegetation. Be a good hiker and respect the wishes of the rangers. There is usually a good reason for it.

You can also see some of the burn area. It got pretty close to the peak!

Starting to get a little dark for photos, but to the east of the peak.

Getting down to where we can see the city glowing again.

We decided to head out to Vista Mound and really take in the city lights. Whether you hike this trail during the day, or night, it is worth the small detour to the additional viewpoint. It really only added 2/10ths of a mile (if that).

Meh panoramic. I wish I had thought to bring the tripod with me.

Closer view with much darker skies. This trail is awesome. Such a short trail and it has 3 amazing viewpoints!

Entrance to the park. If you come in this way, you should stay on the correct trail.

That was an incredible experience! We usually do our best to get off the trail before dark falls. I made extra precautions, I had a headlamp in my water bag if I needed it. I don’t see why we can’t do some other trails during sunset. Particularly in the hot dog days of summer. I would recommend only doing it with trails you are familiar with though. Know what kind of dangers there are before you experience them in the dark.

Because this trail is super short and easy, and is right near downtown, you will experience the type of people you don’t normally see on other trails. You know, city slickers. People who play their music out loud, people who don’t get the rules (hike to the right, pass on the left). However, even with that, this trail just won me over all over again. 9 out of 10. Only losing one due to how crowded it still is.

As for difficulty, The first time we did this trail it kicked our butts. The next time we did it, it still kind of kicked our butts. Today I was trying to beat the sunset and we made it to the top in 15 minutes! But there are definitely some tough spots. However, it is super short. So, even if you are a beginner, I think this is a good option. Take your time, take breaks, you can do this one. DR3.

Dogs are allowed! However they must be leashed. Please clean up after your furry friend.