Bonanza Benchmark - Wasatch Mountain State Park

Bonanza is an unknown little peak on the backside of the Wasatch Mountains towering above Wasatch Mountain State Park. It lies entirely inside the park and makes a great destination if weather is clouding in higher peaks. Due to high water in Pine Creek (it had been raining for 3 days), I was not able to cross but hiking the road beyond revealed one could easily drive a high-clearance 4WD car to within 300 vertical feet of the top. As of June 2009, the brush isn't too bad but in several years it may encroach too far to drive a vehicle. Crossing the creek on foot required bushwhacking about 20 feet upstream to some rocks to hop on.

Bonanza Benchmark

If you hike from state route 224, just follow the road until you are just under the summit on the north saddle. Most of the route is in the open and would be hot mid-day. For the final 300 vertical feet, there is no trail...it's a bushwhack. The north ridgeline looks to be the best or you can bushwhack under the aspens that cover the east side of the summit area.

From the winter gate at Wasatch Mountain State Park on state route 224, drive around 2.2 miles up toward Park City. The pavement will end after a mile or so, then a short section of pavement on some switchbacks. The turn right isn't too far after that. Once you make the turn, the dirt spur road splits. The left fork only goes a short distance to a camping area. Go right or park to hike. If you do attempt to drive up, the worst rocks are before the creek in the first mile. If you make it beyond the creek you will be fine to go all the way. I was able to park at the creek but turning around was tight.

Vasque Wasatch GTX Hiking Boots - Men's

This waterproof midweight hiking boot is spry, supportive and comfortable thanks to Strobel construction and durable polyurethane midsoles. Waterproofed nubuck leather uppers are flexible, lightweight and durable for reliable performance in all conditions. Gore-Tex® inserts with wicking 3-bar knit nylon linings are seam-sealed to keep out water yet breathable enough to keep feet from overheating. Padded collars and tongues add comfort to ankles and relieve lace pressure; gusseted tongues keep out trail debris and weather. Durable toe rands protect uppers and feet from bumps and abrasion. Removable dual-density EVA footbeds add extra cushioning comfort to soft and supportive polyurethane midsoles. Flexframe 3 midsole supports, made from tapered nylon, help control flex, adds torsional stability and protect feet on uneven terrain. Strobel construction helps enhance flexibility and delivers a smooth and snug fit. Long-lasting Vibram® Contact outsoles with multi-directional lug pattern designed for solid traction and braking on uneven terrain.

Trails Illustrated Arches National Park Trail Map

This adventure-ready Trails Illustrated map offers comprehensive coverage of Utah's Arches National Park in colorful, vivid detail. Printed on durable, tear-resistant, waterproof material, this map can go virtually anywhere you go. Covers multiple USGS quadrangles with the convenience of a single map. Based on exact reproductions of USGS topo map information—updated, customized and enhanced to accurately detail the unique features of the area. Highlights hiking trails, cross-country ski trails, bike trails, campgrounds and many other subjects of interest. Measures 9.25 x 4.25 in. folded and 37.75 x 25.5 in. fully opened; scale of 1:35,000. National Geographic Maps; copyright 1988 (revised 2005).