Mount Ellsworth in Henry Mountains BLM, UT

Hike Mount Ellsworth Henry Mountains BLM, UT

Class 2 6.6 miles 3200 gain 3-5 hrs Out + Back Sep 26, 2024
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Mount Ellsworth GPX Track

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Mount Ellsworth is part of the Little Rockies Wilderness Study Area, along with Mount Holmes, both being high-prominence peaks of the Henry Mountains. Chris and I set out for Mount Ellsworth on this absurdly hot late-September afternoon. At this low elevation, we were far more exposed to the direct sunlight than we had anticipated. We had originally planned a hike up Mount Hillers but opted for Mount Ellsworth since it was a bit shorter, overlooking the significant difference in altitude between the two peaks.

The standard approach begins off UT-276, using an old 4×4 road that was in rough shape, particularly near the start where a short section proved impassable for our Crossover vehicles, so we decided to park just off the pavement and proceed on foot. The road gains about 1,000 feet as it snakes along a lone northwestern finger of Mount Ellsworth. As we ascended, the other peaks of the Henry Mountains loomed prominently behind us, a fantastic backdrop.

At the end of the road past a band of sandstone, a defined trail continued briefly down to a minor saddle before our route began climbing steeply along a ridge. This ridge appeared more distinct in person than it had on the map. To our surprise, we found a relatively well-defined social trail. While several spurs branched off the main crest, the trail’s existence made the steep ascent somewhat easier. Most of the slope and ridge could best be described as loose and rugged, with forgettable Class 2 nonsense mixed in. However, we took advantage of a few extended solid rock slabs that stretched down the mountain. These slabs, though only lasting about a hundred feet each, added an enjoyable and unique element to the route that I'd recommend taking advantage of when you locate them.

We reached a flatter section, offering a helpful view of the next leg of the route. To bypass a daunting headwall that extended up the ridge, we aimed for a point to its right. Getting there meant ascending a broad, brushy-looking slope. This slope was interrupted by a significant diagonal rock slab, which provided another enjoyable and easy scramble, as well as relief from the otherwise mostly garbage terrain. A few cairns along the way helped guide us at times, but for the most part, we relied on our judgment to pick a route. Now above the major headwall, a key weakness in the terrain led us around a significant rock outcropping.

With the trickiest route-finding and sustained steepest sections behind us, we emerged onto the grassy northern slope. This next section was mostly an easy walk-up with only a few minor obstacles to negotiate. From here, we enjoyed a clear view of Lake Powell and the stunning sandstone wonderland below us, an absolutely ridiculous landscape rarely paired with such high-elevation views. Large pinnacles jutted dramatically from the southern slope of the peak, adding even more visual stimuli. The Henry Mountains are truly a unique place.

The ridgeline bent westward, leading us over two minor humps. The second hump introduced a short Class 2 boulder field, which dropped us a couple of hundred feet to the base of our final ascent. A steep, sandy slope brought us to Mount Ellsworth’s summit, a spectacular vantage point where we lingered for a long time, taking in the unmatched views and finalizing plans for the next couple of days of canyoneering with friends over the phone now that we had cell service.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Mount Ellsworth
8238 ft
2944 rise

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Hiking up the steep 4x4 road, Mount Ellsworth seen on the right.
Hiking up the steep 4x4 road, Mount Ellsworth seen on the right.
View back at our progress along the road, Mount Hillers seen in the distance.
View back at our progress along the road, Mount Hillers seen in the distance.
The road continues past the band of sandstone seen ahead.
The road continues past the band of sandstone seen ahead.
A view of our ridge route (center) to come from the end of the road. First, a short drop followed up a steep slope.
A view of our ridge route (center) to come from the end of the road. First, a short drop followed up a steep slope.
Close-up of the route.
Close-up of the route.
A faint social trail leads along the crest.
A faint social trail leads along the crest.
View back down toward the sandstone band. We came from the center of this photo.
View back down toward the sandstone band. We came from the center of this photo.
Class 2/2+ slabs that were preferable to the loose slope.
Class 2/2+ slabs that were preferable to the loose slope.
View back down as we ascend the fun slabs.
View back down as we ascend the fun slabs.
A flatter section with a view toward the next leg. We kept to the right of the significant headwall on the left. The diagonal slab in the center added a nice way to make the route more pleasant.
A flatter section with a view toward the next leg. We kept to the right of the significant headwall on the left. The diagonal slab in the center added a nice way to make the route more pleasant.
Navigating the slope.
Navigating the slope.
Bypassing a significant outcropping by finding a weakness, once above the headwall
Bypassing a significant outcropping by finding a weakness, once above the headwall
View back down at the bypass. The top of the headwall we'd noted below is seen just right of center. You can see the road we walked in on top left.
View back down at the bypass. The top of the headwall we'd noted below is seen just right of center. You can see the road we walked in on top left.
Mount Holmes and Lake Powell below.
Mount Holmes and Lake Powell below.
Now on the grassy ridge, view back.
Now on the grassy ridge, view back.
A couple of humps along the crest. Mount Ellsworth seen on the right.
A couple of humps along the crest. Mount Ellsworth seen on the right.
Along the ridgeline, some cool pinnacles jutting out on the side.
Along the ridgeline, some cool pinnacles jutting out on the side.
A short Class 2 boulder field coming down from the second lump.
A short Class 2 boulder field coming down from the second lump.
View back from the final slope to the summit.
View back from the final slope to the summit.
Almost to the summit.
Almost to the summit.
Mount Ellsworth summit, view back.
Mount Ellsworth summit, view back.
Mount Ellsworth summit, view south.
Mount Ellsworth summit, view south.
Mount Ellsworth summit, view down toward the gorgeous canyonlands surrounding Lake Powell.
Mount Ellsworth summit, view down toward the gorgeous canyonlands surrounding Lake Powell.
Close-up of the intricate desert features.
Close-up of the intricate desert features.

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!