Hike Mount Ellsworth Henry Mountains BLM, UT

Sep 26, 2024 — Mount Ellsworth is part of the Little Rockies Wilderness Study Area, along with Mount Holmes, both being high-prominence peaks of the Henry Mountains. Chris and I set out for Mount Ellsworth on this absurdly hot late-September afternoon. At this low elevation, we were far more exposed to the direct sunlight than we had anticipated. We had originally planned a hike up Mount Hillers but opted for Mount Ellsworth since it was a bit shorter, overlooking the significant difference in altitude between the two peaks.

The standard approach begins off UT-276, using an old 4x4 road that was in rough shape, particularly near the start where a short section proved impassable for our Crossover vehicles, so we decided to park just off the pavement and proceed on foot. The road gains about 1,000 feet as it snakes along a lone northwestern finger of Mount Ellsworth. As we ascended, the other peaks of the Henry Mountains loomed prominently behind us, a fantastic backdrop.

At the end of the road past a band of sandstone, a defined trail continued briefly down to a minor saddle before our route began climbing steeply along a ridge. This ridge appeared more distinct in person than it had on the map. To our surprise, we found a relatively well-defined social trail. While several spurs branched off the main crest, the trail’s existence made the steep ascent somewhat easier. Most of the slope and ridge could best be described as loose and rugged, with forgettable Class 2 nonsense mixed in. However, we took advantage of a few extended solid rock slabs that stretched down the mountain. These slabs, though only lasting about a hundred feet each, added an enjoyable and unique element to the route that I'd recommend taking advantage of when you locate them.

We reached a flatter section, offering a helpful view of the next leg of the route. To bypass a daunting headwall that extended up the ridge, we aimed for a point to its right. Getting there meant ascending a broad, brushy-looking slope. This slope was interrupted by a significant diagonal rock slab, which provided another enjoyable and easy scramble, as well as relief from the otherwise mostly garbage terrain. A few cairns along the way helped guide us at times, but for the most part, we relied on our judgment to pick a route. Now above the major headwall, a key weakness in the terrain led us around a significant rock outcropping.

With the trickiest route-finding and sustained steepest sections behind us, we emerged onto the grassy northern slope. This next section was mostly an easy walk-up with only a few minor obstacles to negotiate. From here, we enjoyed a clear view of Lake Powell and the stunning sandstone wonderland below us, an absolutely ridiculous landscape rarely paired with such high-elevation views. Large pinnacles jutted dramatically from the southern slope of the peak, adding even more visual stimuli. The Henry Mountains are truly a unique place.

The ridgeline bent westward, leading us over two minor humps. The second hump introduced a short Class 2 boulder field, which dropped us a couple of hundred feet to the base of our final ascent. A steep, sandy slope brought us to Mount Ellsworth’s summit, a spectacular vantage point where we lingered for a long time, taking in the unmatched views and finalizing plans for the next couple of days of canyoneering with friends over the phone now that we had cell service.