Hiking Thurston Peak via Great Western Trail in Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Utah

Thurston Peak via Great Western Trail GPX Track

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Jul 17, 2019 — Thurston Peak appears to have three approaches. The shortest and least work requires a bumpy drive to Francis Peak, then a traverse along the ridgeline. The second takes a steep and direct trail up Thurston Peak's west ridge, but has apparently been mostly reclaimed by nature. The third option, this route, starts at Fernwood Recreation Site and follows Great Western Trail to the summit. It's the longest route, and boasts a fair amount of vertical gain. Seemed like a good time.

From the Fernwood Recreation Site parking area, I hopped onto the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, following it until the Great Western Trail, which climbs a steep ridge to the northwest of Thurston Peak. After lots of switchbacks and hints of views, I got to a stunning view of Thurston Peak, meadows and wildflowers in its foreground. The trail led to a small cirque (I think it's a cirque?), an unexpected rocky feature that added some flair to the trail. A short Class 2 section leads to the top of the cirque and then onward through more meadows. The trail disappears slightly, but it's clear enough where to go, and there's only some low grasses to contend with. The trail becomes obvious again and wraps around Thurston Peak's west ridge. I left the Great Western Trail and headed directly east on a social trail to the summit.

From Thurston Peak's summit, I intended to just return the way I came. However, the ridgeline to the north looked really enticing, and would bag a couple of unofficially named peaks: Layton Peak and North Layton Peak. I'm really happy I did this extra bit - the views along the ridge were my favorite of the day. There was one section of bouldery Class 2 toward the start of the traverse, but otherwise it was just a nice walk along a ridge. Layton Peak was just a bump, and then North Layton Peak marked the slope I'd walk down to rejoin the Great Western Trail. Unfortunately, this slope did require getting through some brushy nonsense, but it's not nearly annoying enough for me to not recommend doing the little ridge traverse.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Thurston Peak

9706 ft

2690 rise

Layton Peak

9571 ft

n/a rise

North Layton Peak

9185 ft

n/a rise

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Along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail for a short bit before getting onto the Great Western Trail.

Along the Great Western Trail, looking up at Thurston Peak, center.

Many, many short switchbacks up a ridgeline to the northwest of Thurston Peak.

Overall the trail was in really good shape.

Except for maybe a few brushy sections, which really weren't bad at all.

A view of Layton Peak, a peak north of Thurston Peak. Finally, a view of a mountain instead of just trees. I actually had no idea what this route would look like before this point and was happily surprised to see the cliffy face ahead.

Another shot of Layton Peak to the south. Layton Peak itself is actually the green hill to the left of the cliffy stuff.

Looking back the way I came, way down there.

Entering the meadows to the north of Layton Peak.

The Great Western Trail continues through a really pretty meadow.

Layton Peak and its interesting little cirque ahead.

Looking back through the meadows.

The Great Western Trail heads into the cirque, then works up a short section of Class 2 to just left of the cliffy stuff in the center.

Approaching the cirque.

At the top of the short Class 2, looking back across the meadow I came from. The green hill in the center is North Layton Peak, the third peak I'd do along the ridgeline later today.

At the top of the cliffy stuff, I continued through the meadows toward Thurston Peak, which is finally visible in the center.

The Great Western Trail faded out for a little bit through this meadow, but I was able to pick it up shortly after.

Great Western Trail continues around the west side of Thurston Peak.

Looking back toward Layton Peak and the meadows I passed through.

On the west side of Thurston Peak. I left the Great Western Trail and followed a social trail up to the summit.

Looking back down the west ridge of Thurston Peak.

A view south toward Francis Peak, almost at the summit of Thurston Peak.

Thurston Peak summit, view south.

Thurston Peak, view north. I decided to continue along the ridge.

Looking back toward Thurston Peak as I navigated a short bouldery Class 2 section along the ridge.

Layton Peak ahead.

Looking back toward Thurston Peak.

North Layton Peak ahead.

View back toward Layton Peak.

Continuing along the ridgeline, only some super minor bushwhacking.

Almost on the summit of North Layton Peak, looking back toward Layton Peak (left) and Thurston Peak (center).

North Layton Peak summit, view north toward Ogden Peak.

North Layton Peak summit, view west. I started down this slope. The brush progressively got worse as I got back to the Great Western Trail. It wasn't too bad, but it's worth noting.

Hike Thurston Peak via Great Western Trail Wasatch-Cache National Forest, UT

Thurston Peak via Great Western Trail GPX Track

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