Salt Lake City: Deseret Peak Loop
You'll climb a stiff 3,600 feet on this 7.8-mile loop, but gain extraordinary views of the high desert, Wasatch Mountains and Great Salt Lake.
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 12.9
- Miles from city center: 53
Waypoints
DPL001
Location: 40.482994, -112.606697
Trailhead located @ SW corner of campground
DPL002
Location: 40.476856, -112.613586
Veer R @ jct.; big views begin
DPL003
Location: 40.473347, -112.618416
Stream crossing; trail turns N and climbs up a steep bank on the way to Pockets Fork
DPL004
Location: 40.48111, -112.621658
Willow Lakes Junction; turn L and climb 1,030 ft. to saddle
DPL005
Location: 40.478291, -112.630096
Turn S; follow obvious ridgeline instead of poorly marked trail
DPL006
Location: 40.468906, -112.628624
Look N (300 degrees) to see where the original Donner Party trail cut across Skull Valley toward Pilot Peak on the UT/NV border
DPL007
Location: 40.45945, -112.626366
Deseret Peak (11,031 ft.): 360-degree views extend 100 mi. and include the Great Salt Lake, Salt Flats, Stansbury Island and the Wasatch Front; descend down the ridge to the SE
DPL008
Location: 40.45694, -112.614601
Turn L @ 4-way and drop into Mill Fork Canyon; stay on the switchbacks
DPL009
Location: 40.46793, -112.609428
Cross the usually dry bed of Mill Fork Creek; head NNW
DPL010
Location: 40.476849, -112.613579
Turn R and retrace first leg .7 mi. back to trailhead