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Hike Fantasy Ridge to Desolation Peak from Canyons Village

Park City, Utah

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

6.5 miles

Elevation Gain

2000 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Chris Engelsman

Fantasy Ridge is a surprising hike on the Park City side of the Wasatch Mountains! From the top of Desolation Peak see views of Park CIty, Desolation Lake, and the Salt Lake Valley. Plus, since this is on the Park City side, you can hike with your dog.

The easiest way to start this hiking only trail is to jump on the Red Pine Gondola at the Canyons Village of Park City Mountain Resort. If you have an Epic Pass, the lift is free. Otherwise, you'll need to buy a ticket to ride to the base of Red Pine Lodge. 

From the base of Red Pine Lodge (8,000 feet) head south past the Saddleback chair lift. Signs will lead you to the Tombstone trail. After about a mile you'll come to a junction with a sign for the Crazy Horse Trail or continue on the Tombstone Trail. Both trails take you the same place. Crazy Horse switchbacks up the hill to the top of the Tombstone lift, and the Tombstone trail follows the ski trail up. Most people take Crazy Horse up, and the access roads (Tombstone) down.

Another 1/2 mile later and you'll reach the top of the Tombstone lift (8,860 feet). From there you'll start on Fantasy Ridge. 

At the 2.5 mile mark, you'll hit the crux of Fantasy Ridge. Fantasy Ridge is a narrow spine of rock that you'll scramble across. They have ropes to help, but it seems easier using hand holds. Be sure your phone is stashed away securely; you'd hate to have to slide down the rocks and off the cliff!

A bit further and you'll hit the service road (2.6 miles). From here, follow the road to the top of Park City Mountain Resort's 9990 lift. Once at the top of the lift, you'll follow the ridgeline to the top of Desolation Peak (9,990 feet). 

At the top, you'll have magnificent views of Park City, the Wasatch Range, and down Big Cottonwood Canyon to the Salt Lake Valley and the Oquirrh Mountains to the west. Hike down the peak towards the west a bit for beautiful views of Desolation Lake below.

To return, take the service road to the top of Fantasy Ridge. From there, most people take the service road down through the alpine meadows. It's common to see deer grazing in this area. 

Fantasy Ridge to Desolation Peak is a relatively steep trail. Depending on your fitness level it'll take you about 1.5 hours to reach the peak. You'll gain almost 2,000 vertical feet in just over 3 miles, but the views are worth it!

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Features

Rock Climbing
Photography
Hiking
Family Friendly
Forest
Scenic
Wildflowers

Hike Fantasy Ridge to Desolation Peak from Canyons Village Reviews

Excellent hike for experienced hikers. Towards the summit you actually walk along a ridge. There are ropes to help you up. All in all had a great day and this is ones of my favorites.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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