The Wasatch Mountains are a peak bagger’s paradise: named and unnamed summits litter the canyons near Salt Lake City, inviting the intrepid to conquer their heights. Mount Olympus presides over valley residents while the mighty Pfeifferhorn lays hidden deep in the Lone Peak Wilderness area. If you’ve hiked, climbed or gazed for any amount of time in the Wasatch you already know the big names, but often overlooked peaks such as Storm Mountain provide as much majesty as their better known neighbors. If you’ve got six hours and the desire to bag a lesser known peak, then Storm could be the ideal hike.
Storm Mountain is located near the northwest edge of the Twin Peaks Wilderness area. Ferguson Canyon provides access to Storm Mountain cirque. The trailhead for Ferguson Canyon is located on Timberline Drive (7780 S). There is a small, paved parking area at the trailhead. The hike passes a water tank before descending into the canyon proper. Most of this hike is near, or even in, a stream. Shortly after entering the canyon, you will come to a cluster of granite walls. Don’t be surprised to see any number of climbers scrambling up the walls here; it’s quite a popular area. Follow the trail close the walls and soon you will make your first stream crossing.
From here, the trail begins to steepen considerably. Scramble up the loose sand and rock trail before leveling out and crossing the stream again. At this point the trail should be easy to follow, and will lead you in heavy shade to a series of switchbacks. As you climb out of the tree cover, notice the impressive walls to the west. Before long the trail splits; head north for a great overlook of lower Big Cottonwood Canyon and the Salt Lake valley; head southeast for Storm Mountain.
The trail narrows and continues the climb through scrub oak and the occasional rock garden. Around the 2 mile mark you will again find yourself hiking across the stream. In early summer the stream may be surging strong with mountain run off, and can be deceivingly powerful. Keep climbing as the trail narrows and becomes harder to follow. At 7,800′ you will begin hiking directly up the stream bed; and right about now your legs should be burning. Continue up the steep, broken trail and top out in the upper meadow. This is the lower portion of the Storm Mountain cirque, and a good place for a break. You will see Storm and several other peaks towering overtop of you.
There are two approaches to the summit: the west or east ridges. I chose the west simply because it was closer and wanted to save energy to ensure my success. Either choice provides an exciting Class 3 scramble with limited exposure. The biggest hazards here are loose holds and even looser scree underfoot. Once on top (9,524′) you have a commanding view of the valley floor and Great Salt Lake. Unnamed 10,350′ is directly southeast and beckons to those who have more energy. After lounging on top, return the way you came. Total distance is 7 miles and takes anywhere from 5 to 7 hours depending on your level of fitness. I’d label this hike as strenuous, as you gain over 4,300′ in 3 1/2 miles, but it’s well worth the burn.
For anyone hitting the trails or peaks near Salt Lake City, I highly recommend John Veranth’s Hiking the Wasatch. The trails have not changed since much since its release, and mileage and elevation prove to be spot on.