Hike Mount Pennell Henry Mountains BLM, UT

Sep 26, 2024 — The Henry Mountains, a laccolithic range on the Colorado Plateau, feature a series of prominent peaks rising above the deep canyons and vast sandstone landscapes below. This range was among the last in the contiguous United States to be surveyed and named. Mount Pennell, the second-highest peak in the range after Mount Ellen, is notably easier to reach due to its relatively mild approach. The hike to Mount Pennell’s summit primarily follows a 4x4 road, with only a short section of off-trail travel required.

Chris and I drove the lengthy Trachyte Ranch Road, leaving UT-276 (37.96087, -110.57533). The road was generally in very good shape, except for a few dips into washes that were unsuitable for passenger vehicles. In the last few miles, the road became increasingly rocky. Past the junction with Browns Knoll Road we slowed considerably, deciding to park at a wide pull-out before the road transitioned into true 4x4. We tried coming in from the south along Hoskinnini Road but ended up turning around because the road was pretty rocky, and we weren’t sure if it would get worse. If you don’t have a more capable vehicle, I’d definitely recommend approaching from the north instead. Rare moments like this make me wish for a more capable vehicle, but after the long drive neither of us were upset to walk the road, especially since the fall colors within Straight Creek made it very enjoyable.

After a lengthy and often steep road walk through aspen groves and a series of switchbacks, we reached the curved south ridge of Mount Pennell. From here, we were rewarded with ridiculously gorgeous views of the canyon country stretching in all directions. The road continued a bit farther, ending at a human-made contraption. From there, we followed a faint social trail along the ridge. The ascent was straightforward, with only a couple of steep, rocky sections that barely reached low Class 2. The jaunt led up through short stretches of forested terrain before emerging onto the bald summit, a painless jaunt with spectacular panoramic views.