DESCRIPTION: Park by the Bonneville Shoreline trail, near the gate to Red Butte Gardens, on Colorow Drive and Wakara Way. Follow the shoreline trail south. Near Georges Hollow take the trail to the left up to the upper shoreline trail and turn right. You'll find the main trail to the Big Beacon & Living Room around the bend. Stay on the main trail, and do not take any minor trails to the left or right. At the top of the gulley, there is a fork in the trail. Go left to the Living Room or go straight for the summit hike.
RATINGS: MODERATE MILEAGE: 1.3 miles each way ELEVATION: 950' gain KIDS & DOGS enjoy this trail. NO RESTROOMS are available
HIKE TIME: Allow 2 hours, plus time at the Living Room DIRECTIONS: From Foothill Blvd, near the U of U, follow signs to Red Butte Gardens. Drive up Wakara Way and turn right on Colorow Road and park near the entrance sign to Red Butte.
EARTH DAY
The Earth is the LORD's and all it contains,
the world, and those who dwell in it. Psalm 24:1 NAS
DESCRIPTION: You can hike Mount Van Cott from the north side, near Dry Creek, or hike from Red Butte Canyon on the south side. We hiked from the south to the summit. From Red Butte Canyon there are two trails up. One begins at the parking area near the first gate. The one we hiked is accessed near the top, before the second gate, on the left side of the dirt road. Hiking up the trail, you'll cross the lower Red Butte Nature trail. At the next trail junction, to the left heading west is the Red Butte Skyline trail. Take the trail to the right if you want to hike to Mount Van Cott. Stay on the main trail and don't take short cuts. The trail will head west up to a ridge, where you will hike to the top.
RATINGS: Moderate/Intermediate DOGS friendly. MILEAGE: 3 1/2 miles total HIKE TIME: 3 hours ELEVATION GAIN: 1,300' NO RESTROOMS are available GEAR: Hiking poles, water, sack lunch, jacket, hat, camera, energy snacks, and whatever else you might need.