We did this hike on April 28th it was a fairly cool day but warm enough for this nice spring hike. The trail-head is located on the North side of Red Butte Gardens near the University of Utah. Parking can be found on the south side of Red Butte Canyon Rd. right before the gate.The trail-head is across from the parking area on the north side of the road. the first part of the trail can be a little confusing because there are many trails along the foothills. If you stay to the right at each fork you will continue up the canyon parallel to Red Butte Canyon Rd. (behind the gate) After about 1/2 mile the trail veers to the left and starts a steeper climb up the mountain. The climb is still fairly easy. There are 2 gradual switch backs on you way up the trail, after the second you approach a false summit. After the false summit the climb to the top of Van Cott is a little more difficult but manageable (even for a beginner or out of shape hiker). Once reaching the top the views are wonderful. To the West and South is downtown and the whole Salt Lake Valley, to the North is Grandview Peak and to the Southeast is Mt. Wire and Mount Olympus.
At the top there a many intersecting trails don't forget to head to the right (NE) where there is a pile of rocks marking the highest point of the peak. Instead of heading back the way we came we opted to head down the west side of the mountain, This gave us some different views and some better looks at Downtown Salt Lake and the University of Utah. The trail down was a little shorter and offered a little more shade which I'm sure would be nice on a hot summer day. After reaching the bottom of the mountain head Southeast along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail for a little less than a mile back to the trail-head and parking area. The total 4.7 mile hike took us 2hrs 15min. at an average speed of 3.4 MPH. The hike can be done much quicker, but I figure it's better to take your time and enjoy the hike.
For more information and a trail map click on the link below.
View Mount van Cott 4-28-11 in a larger map
Mount Van Cott loop hike
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