Hike Sandy Peak Dixie National Forest, UT

May 19, 2021 — Sandy Peak ended up being a highlight of my Utah trip, its open summit ridge an unexpected treat. It's one of those peaks that's big enough to feel significant when you're on it, but small enough to go unnoticed by pretty much anyone. It's hidden deep in Dixie National Forest and only got on my radar because I've noticed it barely poking out from UT-20 to the north. The forest road used to access the trailhead is passable by any vehicle in either direction. Better vehicles can cut off about 2.5 miles from this hike by continuing along the road that I hiked, but the scenery along the road is nice enough that I was fine with parking just off the main dirt road and walking along the bad dirt road. Thanks to Tom Gathright whose route I generally followed.

I left the dirt road as it started ascending south up a hill, and dropped into a minor canyon called Ashton Canyon on the left. Initially I thought this would be a brushy mess, but animal trails lead along the side of the trickling water and keep the going pretty easy. I continued within Ashton Canyon for a bit before starting a very steep ascent up a forested slope. It was tricky to know when to start ascending since I was surrounded by trees, but I don't think you can go too wrong. Eventually you'll make it to the ridge crest above. Animal trails helped me avoid much of the brush on the ascent, but it was steep enough to still be slow-moving. The terrain mellowed out substantially at the top of the slope, where I could wander easily to the east as Sandy Peak came into view. It was really pleasant  along the grassy and open ridgeline. The Tushar Mountains came into view to the north, and the grassy slopes surrounding me got me in a really good mood.

There's a minor bump just before Sandy Peak along its northern ridge that I avoided by keeping to the bump's right, but this resulted in some minor bushwhacking. Going up and over the bump would work as well. I was at the base of Sandy Peak when a rattlesnake gave me a nice warning. I gave him some distance and ascended the somewhat steep north ridge, hopping over the occasional deadfall. The last bit to the summit included a cute section of blocky Class 2 boulders that I weaved around. The summit has really great views.