Mount Aire is a large peak located between Mill Creek Canyon and Parley’s Canyon in the Central Wasatch. At an elevation of 8,620 feet, the mountain provides good views of Utah’s northern mountains as well as the jagged summits that tower over Mill Creek Canyon to the south. On the Parley’s side, the mountain looms over I-80 above cars that speed up and down the canyon between Park City and Salt Lake.
Mount Aire is visually the most prominent peak within view when driving down the west side of Parley’s summit, which means it’s also a prominent mountain to climb as her pine and scrub covered flanks seduce as you stare through the windshield. Hiking trails that go to the top can be accessed from both Parley’s and Mill Creek Canyons, but the Elbow Fork Trail in Mill Creek seems to be the more popular route and is the one described here.
The hike along Elbow Fork Trail is a pleasant but steep journey up to the saddle between Mill Creek and Parley’s Canyons. Less mileage, a higher elevation starting point, and tons of shade equal a more pleasant hike on the Mill Creek side, not to mention the lack of an interstate highway roar that is ever present in Parleys. For most of the lower part of the hike, giant trees shade the trail as it meanders and switchbacks up the mountainside. A few man-made structures exist, including wood bridges that cover stream crossings, and log benches at the side of the trail that practically beg you to stop for a picnic or at least catch a breather.
Wood signs lead the way to Mount Aire, and show it to be only 2 miles away. Easy you may think – I can bang this hike out in no time. Not so. Though the lack of miles may impart images of a cake walk, this trail is actually steep. Very steep. Steep as in no switchbacks, straight-up-the-mountain, old-school-hobnail-boots-needed-for-traction steep. Set out to hike Mount Aire, and prepare to get on the Stair Master, because your quads will be screaming after mile one.
As soon as the trail reaches a saddle, the tall forest trees disappear, making way for brush and shrubs. At a large flat, several trails branch off in different directions. To continue climbing Mount Aire, take the trail on the right (east) which heads straight for the peak. Soon, it begins to switchback up the side, revealing more wide-open views along the way. After crisscrossing up, the path straightens out right before reaching the summit. From there, I-80 can be seen (and heard) far below in Parley’s Canyon.
Here at the summit, take a seat on a rock, break out some food and a favorite beverage, and soak in the view of the constant stream of cars and trucks on the interstate far below your perch. To descend, retrace your steps back to the car at the Elbow Fork trail head in Mill Creek Canyon for a 1.8 mile round-trip hike.
To get to the start of the hike, drive up Mill Creek Canyon from Salt Lake City about 6 miles to the Elbow Fork Trail on the north side of the road. Remember that a $3 fee has to be paid upon leaving the canyon, so bring some cash. Dogs are allowed off leash in the canyon on odd-numbered days and hiking Mount Aire is a great way to get the dogs some exercise outside.
Thanks for the information. Is there water anywhere along the trail for dogs to cool off it?
At the bottom of the hike there is a small stream. But one you get higher in elevation, the hike is very dry. Bring plenty of water.