Ensign Peak has also had its controversial moments. For example, on Feb. 23, 1925, the Ku Klux Klan surprised Salt Lake residents by burning a red cross on the peak. The Klan also unexpectedly burned more crosses on the peak and had an initiation ceremony less than two months later in April 1925.

The 18-foot-tall monument on Ensign Peak was placed there on July 26, 1934, by the Salt Lake Ensign Stake Mutual Improvement Association. Stones gathered from all along the Mormon Trail are incorporated into the rock monument.

The trail and area were improved in 1997, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the Mormon pioneers into the valley.

• To access Ensign Peak, drive up State Street to the top and turn right (east) on East Capitol Boulevard. Head upward about a mile and turn left (west) onto North Sandrun Drive. Just before and east of the Ensign Peak LDS meetinghouse, turn north (upward) onto Greenstroke Drive. It connects with Ensign Vista Drive, where Ensign Nature Park and trailhead is — directly above the LDS church.

Limited parking is available along the street. More parking can be found below, around the church.

---

E-mail: lynn@desnews.com