Gold Mountain and Signal Peak in Fishlake National Forest, UT

Hike Gold Mountain and Signal Peak Fishlake National Forest, UT

Class 2 8.5 miles 3100 gain 3-5 hrs Out + Back Sep 24, 2024
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

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This short hike to a few peaks on the northern end of the Tushar Mountains' high peaks offers spectacular views, even though the summits might not be headliners like Delano Peak or Mount Baldy. Gold Mountain, Signal Peak, and the unnamed Peak 11440 boast excellent vistas of the surrounding range and are high enough to feature bald summits. Even though they may appear more like rounded humps, they are nonetheless impressive rounded humps. I parked off Beaver Creek Road and began hiking north along a steep spur road that led to the saddle southwest of Gold Mountain. I probably could have driven up there with my Subaru, but I chose to extend the hike a bit.

From the saddle, I first set my sights on Gold Mountain. I followed a social trail up a steep mix of typical Tushar scree and dirt until the ridge leveled out, transitioning into easier traveling and the last half-mile to the summit of Gold Mountain was enjoyable. From there, I continued north toward Signal Peak, which required a descent to a saddle, only part of which was notably steep, before ascending its tame south ridge to reach the high point.

Signal Peak is lower in elevation than Gold Mountain, so the result was a significant reascent to the more prominent summit on my way back. I returned to the saddle and took an old mining road up to Peak 11440 next, which is certainly not accessible by any vehicle. The road has eroded to the point of near nonexistence at some points, leaving only a singletrack trail up the steep slope. Lengthy switchbacks took me most of the way up to Peak 11440. The summit had an impressive view of Mount Belknap’s steep scree face looming directly in front of me.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Gold Mountain
11650 ft
930 rise
2
Signal Peak
11303 ft
321 rise
3
Peak 11440
11440 ft
341 rise

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View back along the steep spur road.
View back along the steep spur road.
Continuing along the road to the saddle on Gold Mountain's southwest side.
Continuing along the road to the saddle on Gold Mountain's southwest side.
Ascending to the saddle, just ahead.
Ascending to the saddle, just ahead.
From the saddle, I took a right and ascended the steep scree/dirt slope.
From the saddle, I took a right and ascended the steep scree/dirt slope.
View back down toward the saddle I ascended from as I head up the steep slope/ridge. Mount Belknap visible poking out in the center. Peak 11440 seen right.
View back down toward the saddle I ascended from as I head up the steep slope/ridge. Mount Belknap visible poking out in the center. Peak 11440 seen right.
A social trail made it slightly easier, but it's quite steep.
A social trail made it slightly easier, but it's quite steep.
Gold Mountain ahead. The rest of the hike was pleasant from here.
Gold Mountain ahead. The rest of the hike was pleasant from here.
View back, Mount Belknap visible top right.
View back, Mount Belknap visible top right.
Gold Mountain ahead. I kept to the ridge crest for the most part.
Gold Mountain ahead. I kept to the ridge crest for the most part.
Another shot back. There was a light social trail most of the way.
Another shot back. There was a light social trail most of the way.
Gold Mountain, center.
Gold Mountain, center.
Another shot back. I ascended from the ridge just right of center in this photo.
Another shot back. I ascended from the ridge just right of center in this photo.
Continuing along the crest to Gold Mountain.
Continuing along the crest to Gold Mountain.
View back. I ascended along the crest starting from the right in this photo. Mount Belknap visible top right.
View back. I ascended along the crest starting from the right in this photo. Mount Belknap visible top right.
An old road leads to the high point. Final push to the summit.
An old road leads to the high point. Final push to the summit.
Gold Mountain summit, view north.
Gold Mountain summit, view north.
Image 16 from gallery
Onward to Signal Peak, seen ahead. I know the lighting and foliage changed in the photos - I used photos from two separate hikes.
Onward to Signal Peak, seen ahead. I know the lighting and foliage changed in the photos - I used photos from two separate hikes.
Descending from Gold Mountain.
Descending from Gold Mountain.
View back toward Gold Mountain from the saddle.
View back toward Gold Mountain from the saddle.
Heading up Signal Peak.
Heading up Signal Peak.
Another shot back toward Gold Mountain (left). Mount Belknap and Mount Baldy seen right of center.
Another shot back toward Gold Mountain (left). Mount Belknap and Mount Baldy seen right of center.
Signal Peak summit, view north.
Signal Peak summit, view north.
Signal Peak summit, view west.
Signal Peak summit, view west.
I backtracked, not onward to Peak 11440 ahead.
I backtracked, not onward to Peak 11440 ahead.
An old road switchbacks up.
An old road switchbacks up.
Mount Belknap seen poking out.
Mount Belknap seen poking out.
The road is heavily eroded, only a trail at certain points.
The road is heavily eroded, only a trail at certain points.
Nice views on the way up to Peak 11440.
Nice views on the way up to Peak 11440.
Peak 11440 summit, view toward Gold Mountain and Signal Peak.
Peak 11440 summit, view toward Gold Mountain and Signal Peak.
Just a photo along the drive out of a color Tushar Mountains slope.
Just a photo along the drive out of a color Tushar Mountains slope.

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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!