Hike Mount Dutton via Snowbank Trail Dixie National Forest, UT

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Mount Dutton via Snowbank Trail GPX Track

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Mount Dutton is a high-prominence peak in central Utah, the high point of the Southern Sevier Plateau. Most choose to drive to nearly to the summit for this one, but I was hoping to locate a trail to make it more of a hike. The only candidate seemed to be a trail called the Snowbank Trail on the west side of the mountain, but this only appears on some topo maps and I could find no information about it online. I was pretty confident it no longer existed. Determined to at least try it, I drove to the trailhead from the south via Smith Canyon Road, and I believe the northern approach road would be much worse. Google had no problems getting me there. The drive was initially very good, but as soon as I turned north into Smith Canyon it degraded significantly. Realizing these are likely mostly roads used by ATVs, I wondered if I was putting my car at risk for a hike that wouldn't even be there. I never needed to engage 4WD, but I was happy for high clearance and good tires. Once I reached the trailhead, I was reinvigorated after finding a trailhead sign intact. Maybe this would mean the trail was in decent shape? It was, indeed.

I started through the forest on the Snowbank Trail, which quickly opened up into a nice meadow and then alternated between forest and meadows as it slowly ascended east to a low saddle. Along the way I only had trouble locating the trail a couple of times, but cairns helped stay on track. Really, it was in great shape and deadfall had clearly been cut recently. I even passed a wilderness camera, so I assume at least someone comes back here from time to time.

From the low saddle I could see Mount Dutton to the east. The Snowbank Trail dipped down from the low saddle for a couple hundred feet and then started to ascend on tight switchbacks up a forested slope that would ultimately lead to the southern ridge of Mount Dutton. I had no problems the whole way up and was overjoyed that my driving effort to reach the trailhead wasn't fruitless and I could enjoy a nice trail hike.

The Snowbank Trail ended once it reached Forest Road #125 above. I followed the road for a short time up a couple of switchbacks and then left it to ascend Mount Dutton's grassy southern ridge. The sweeping views to the south of the southern Sevier Plateau were quite nice and I was instantly excited to check out more of the interesting-looking peaks in the area. The grassy terrain had a light social/animal trail leading all the way up to the radio towers near the summit, but the true high point is just to the north on a big boulder. Excellent views in all directions, including toward the gorgeous Tushar Mountains.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Mount Dutton

11041 ft

3401 rise

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Snowbank Trail.

Initially a forested hike along the Snowbank Trail.

View back as the Snowbank Trail leads through alternating meadows and forest.

A little hard to follow the trail in a few spots, but cairns marked the way, or at least it was mostly clear where to go.

View back into some meadows.

Recently cleared deadfall.

A steeper section, view back the way I came.

Ascending through more meadows up to a low saddle.

At the low saddle, view east toward Mount Dutton. The Snowbank Trail curves south and descends a bit just ahead.

Descending for a short time along the Snowbank Trail.

Tight switchbacks up the forested slope.

View back the way I came as I make my way up to Mount Dutton's south ridge.

I had some snow, but the trail itself was easy to follow and clear or brush and deadfall.

The trail leads to the ridge, seen ahead.

Sign for the top of the Snowbank Trail. I headed left along the road.

Along the road, headed to Mount Dutton.

Mount Dutton ahead.

View back as I head up the grassy slopes on Mount Dutton's south side.

Social/animal trail up to the summit.

View back the way I came toward the southern Sevier Plateau.

Closer shot, Adams Head visible on the left.

Mount Dutton summit. The high point is the boulder on the left.

View north.

Mount Dutton summit ahead. The Tushar Mountains visible in the distance.

Summit of Mount Dutton, view south.

Close-up west.

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!