Cove Mountain in Dixie National Forest, UT

Hike Cove Mountain Dixie National Forest, UT

Class 1 6.2 miles 1700 gain 2-4 hrs Out + Back May 7, 2021
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Cove Mountain GPX Track

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The Bull Valley Mountains are a small and lumpy range north of St. George, Utah. Cove Mountain was the first of the peaks I'd check out in the area, and despite being an old forest road walk for pretty much the whole hike, I really liked it. Wildflowers were in bloom and the scenery was nice. Any car can make it to the trailhead, or at least to the turn-off just before where I parked. The forest road continues, but is blocked by a sign reading that the road is closed to all motorized vehicles, and then a gate. I just stuck to the most obvious road option as I ascended to Cove Mountain, though there are multiple off-shoots of the main road. It's pretty clear since the road consistently ascends (except for a couple of small dips) as it weaves around the northern slope of the peak. There was one section about a half mile from the summit where the main road becomes overgrown for a short time, and I mention it only because it merges with a more prominent road and on the way back it might be easy to miss. Eventually the road reaches a minor saddle separating Cove Mountain's east summit (taller) from its west summit. The road continues toward the south summit, but starts to descend. Instead, leave the road and travel cross-country on pretty gentle terrain to the summit boulder, barely a Class 2 move.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Cove Mountain
7022 ft
1223 rise

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Shortly after where I parked, a gate prevented vehicular access in case someone missed the small sign lower down.
Shortly after where I parked, a gate prevented vehicular access in case someone missed the small sign lower down.
The dirt road is easy to follow as it winds up the slopes of Cove Mountain.
The dirt road is easy to follow as it winds up the slopes of Cove Mountain.
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It's a pretty road with nice views, not much else to report on this one.
It's a pretty road with nice views, not much else to report on this one.
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Flat Top Mountain visible in the distance.
Flat Top Mountain visible in the distance.
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A small dip in the road on the ascent.
A small dip in the road on the ascent.
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View back, Flat Top Mountain visible center.
View back, Flat Top Mountain visible center.
At the saddle separating the northern (shorter) summit of Cove Mountain from the southern summit.
At the saddle separating the northern (shorter) summit of Cove Mountain from the southern summit.
Facing the southern summit, the road begins to descend. I left it and headed through the lightly brushy terrain to the summit.
Facing the southern summit, the road begins to descend. I left it and headed through the lightly brushy terrain to the summit.
Barely Class 2 summit of Cove Mountain.
Barely Class 2 summit of Cove Mountain.
Cove Mountain summit, view toward Lost Peak in the distance and Cove Mountain's northern (lower) summit on the left.
Cove Mountain summit, view toward Lost Peak in the distance and Cove Mountain's northern (lower) summit on the left.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!