Peaks over 10,000′, ridgeline scrambles and gorgeous views- some hikes have it all. Mount Wolverine and the cirque below it are areas teeming with rugged Wasatch beauty. If you have already explored some of the Brighton Resort area and want more of a challenge, then this hike is for you. This is a true loop hike, which can be hard to find in the Cottonwood Canyons. Best of all is the fact that this hike is rewarding whether you’re a novice or a seasoned vet.
The hike begins near the Millicent base area at Brighton Resort. Follow our trip report to get you up Mount Millicent. The next leg takes hikers from the summit of Millicent to Mount Wolverine. An obvious ridge to the southwest is the route to the top. Hug the top of the ridge to reveal vertigo-inducing views into the Wolverine Cirque. A mix of packed dirt, grass and rocks helps to ease the pain of the steep ascent to the peak. Mount Wolverine is king of the ridge: at 10,795′ it’s the tallest summit in the area and offers eye popping views into both Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. Enjoy the scenery and get ready to complete the hike.
From Mount Wolverine the ridge runs north along the Wolverine Cirque. The foot trail stays close to the top of the cirque almost the entire way. Steep couliors fall away just inches from your feet. Watch for loose rocks along the ridge- a tumble into the cirque might be your last. The bowl is filled with boulders of every shape and size. It’s not much on color but there is a burly splendor to it. When you arrive at the north edge of the cirque follow the sometimes faint trail down to Twin Lakes Pass. From there it is an easy descent back to the Millicent base area. The hike is just under 6 miles and will take between 4 and 6 hours to complete. That’s right: two peaks over 10,000′, a ridge run and world class views all in a half day’s hike… you have to love Utah!
Getting there: Take Big Cottonwood Canyon road until it ends at Brighton Ski Resort. Park near the Millicent ski lift/lodge.
Maps: Hiking the Wasatch (published by Wasatch Mountain Club and U of Utah Press); “Brighton” USGS topo map
Dogs: No dogs allowed in Big Cottonwood Canyon
The fact that the “law” does not allow humans to take their dogs on this hike is absurd. Utahns are living in a perverse reality of hyper-paranoia. Ruuuf!!!
If clean drinking water is perverse….sign me up…go back to your polluted little shit hole