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Delano Peak via North Ridge

Fishlake National Forest, UT Tushar Mountains + Central Utah Plateaus

Distance: 4.5 mi
Net Gain: 1,200 ft
Time: 2-4 hrs
YDS Rating: Class 1
Route: Out/Back
Peaks: 1

Effort: 1.9/10
Personality: 5/10
Beauty: 7/10
Solitude: 2.7/10

What do these mean? →

Peaks on this hike

Summits listed in route order

Delano Peak
12,169′ elevation · 4,689′ prominence

Route map + Trailhead

Trailhead Coordinates

38.384781, -112.396543

The directions link below drops a pin on the trailhead coordinates and lets Google Maps pick the route. If the drive has rough roads or access issues that GPS nav might get wrong, I cover that in my trip report.

Trip report

Sep 5, 2019 — Delano Peak is the highest point in the Tushar Mountains, its gorgeous meadows and relative solitude making it a really wonderful spot. A couple of years ago, I hiked Delano Peak and Mt. Holly as a longer loop, but this trip I took an easier route to test the recovery of my broken leg. Initially, I intended to do a larger peak, but it had just rained and the muddy roads got scary. I slid close to the edge of a cliff and decided I'd save that larger peak for another day. Delano for the second time, it would be. I was also hoping to continue over to Mt. Brigham, but decided not to push it.

The trailhead linked to this route follows the ridge the whole time, but there's a second option for starting this hike (see map), starting on a closed forest road. I recommend just starting higher (this route) to get some really nice views north toward the other high peaks in the Tushars. The north ridgeline approach is just a gorgeous grassy slope to the summit of Delano Peak. There is a social trail part of the way, but it isn't easy to follow, so I recommend just staying along the ridge to take in the views.

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Photos

15 photos

Starting along a social trail that heads east. The alternative trailhead starts a few hundred feet to the right, but this ridge allows for better views.
Along the ridge, view north toward Copper Belt Peak (center) and Mt. Belknap (left).
Continuing along the ridge, Delano Peak visible center.
Looking back along the ridge, Belknap and Baldy visible in the distance.
Another shot of the gorgeous meadows along the ridgeline. The route still heads east for a bit before starting to curve south.
The social trail disappears shortly, but it's obvious to just follow the ridge ahead as it wraps to the south and up to Delano Peak (visible on the right).
Another shot of the meadows on the way to Delano Peak.
Close-up of Delano Peak ahead.
Looking back along the slightly visible social trail, Belknap (right) and Baldy (left) visible to the west.
Another shot along the ridge, view north, because I saw a rainbow.
Last bit to the summit of Delano Peak.
Delano Peak summit, view northwest.
Delano Peak.
Delano Peak summit, view east. Mt. Holly visible on the right, a sub-peak of Delano on the left.
A shot taken slightly more to the left, a close-up of two sub-peaks of Delano Peak, and Mt. Brigham on the distant left. I wanted to go over them all, but I didn't want to push my healing leg injury. I'll be back!

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Hire or refer me as a web developer, or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I'm not sponsored, so it's funded by yours truly. It also takes a ton of work to edit photos and write these reports. I really appreciate it!

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