Vickory Mountain
Distance: 4.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,850 feet
Summit Elevation: 10,330 feet
Access rating: Level 1
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Access:
Route:
Long before I ever moved to Utah, I found myself driving toward the Stansbury Mountains looking for something to climb. It was winter, I was unfamiliar with the area but found paved highway 199 accessing Vickory Mountain from the south. This south ridge route was long but the views the entire time (to a Washingtonian) were unlike anything I’d experienced. Vickory Mountain is the southern most peak in the Stansburys and this route probably isn’t the fastest but it makes a nice winter option.
Starting at Johnson Pass 6480’, climb up through junipers over or around a minor hill. Continue climbing as the ridge slowly narrows into a nice defined ridgeline. In winter, at some point you’ll need to strap on your snowshoes as the ridge gets lots of snow. There are a few false summits before finally reaching the top.
Take Hwy 73 east out of Lehi or Hwy 36 south out of Tooele. Follow Hwy 199 west through Rush Valley up to Johnson Pass. Park wherever; the ridge could be accessed from any point near the pass.
Looking south to the Onaqui Mountains
Hiking the ridgeline
A long snowshoe
Oquirrh Mountains
Northeast to Bald Mountain
Getting close to the summit
Looking north to Deseret Peak
Looking south to Onaqui and Sheeprock Ranges
Rush Valley and Vickory Mountain