Hike of the week: Great Western Trail to Big Mountain - East Canyon

From Big Mountain Pass, cross Highway 65 and start on the Great Western Trail. At the very beginning of the hike the trail takes a series of switchbacks up to the lower ridgeline. This section to the lower ridgeline will get your heart rate up, so take your time and enjoy the views of East Canyon and beyond. At .62 miles you arrive at the lower ridgeline to mountain mahogany and aspens. Enjoy your stroll as the trail smooths, while catching your breath on this section. Soon the trail traverses up to the saddle ridgeline. You arrive at the saddle at 1.22 miles. If you look right from the saddle, you see Big Mountain in the distance. The trail heads up as you leave the saddle to a aspen grove. Elephant ears, chokecherry and bluebells greet you as you enter the aspens. At 1.65 miles you arrive at the first of three meadows inside the grove. After the third and largest meadow, you leave the aspens and the trail traverses the side of Big Mountain. The trail comes to a ridgeline, and at this point, look for the faint trail heading straight up Big Mountain. This junction isn't marked. A pile of rocks marks the top, and the 360-degree view is stunning.

Directions: From Interstate 80 in Parleys Canyon, take Highway 65 to East Canyon. From the exit, drive nine miles up the canyon and park at the summit of Big Mountain Pass.Destination Peak

Difficulty Moderate

Round trip miles 5.2 miles

Hiking time 3 to 4 hours

Elevation gain 1,047 feet

Trailhead restrooms Yes

Dogs allowed No